Liverpool Transfer News: Pepe Reina Hints at Twist to Future with Reds
On-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has thrown a curveball into discussions over his future by reminding Brendan Rodgers he has two years left on his contract at Anfield.
According to the Press Association via The Guardian, Rodgers had initially noted:
"Pepe made it very clear when he went to Napoli he was looking to move as he penned a great big letter saying he was going to work with the best manager that he'd worked with and thanked everyone for his time for Liverpool.
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In response, Reina has been quick to strenuously deny that he has already made up his mind to leave. He said the following to BBC Sport, per the Press Association's report in The Guardian:
"That is what the manager says apparently but I have two years left on my contract.
Liverpool got another goalkeeper [Simon Mignolet] and they told me they were happy to loan me for a season.
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Taken by ex-Reds boss Rafa Benitez to the Italians at the start of the current campaign, there was also a suggestion that Barcelona were in pole position to sign their former La Masia graduate in place of the outgoing Victor Valdes.
It has even been suggested that the MLS may be a destination, per TNC Premier League on Twitter:
Rodgers' comments when taken in context appear to suggest that there is little hope for Reina to win back his No. 1 jersey, regardless of the goalkeeper's protestations.
However, should his statement hold water, then potentially Reina is due a substantial windfall, and it is perhaps from this standpoint that he has adroitly marked his territory.
The keeper has also courted Rafa Benitez by virtue of Rodgers' admission that the Spaniard happens to be "the best manager he'd [Reina] worked with."
Benitez himself is aware of a clause in Reina's contract, but has refused to be drawn on the keeper's future, preferring to keep his own counsel on the matter.
In any event, Reina continues to play a very dangerous game.
With the onset of World Cup 2014 and the keeper sure to be part of Vicente Del Bosque's travelling party, it's arguable that any contract negotiations will need to be postponed until late July at the earliest.
By, effectively, playing three teams off against each other in the meantime, he runs the risk of ending up without a club come the beginning of next season.
