Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow)

Liverpool reportedly in talks with playmaker
30th Nov 2010

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Japan star Keisuke Honda, and are reportedly in talks over a January move.

According to Japanese daily Sports Nippon, the Reds have commenced negotiations over the €12 million-rated playmaker with his current club CSKA Moscow.

Honda has built up quite a reputation thanks to his swashbuckling displays for Japan at the World Cup; some of which led Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to label the 24-year-old a 'genius'

"This Japansese team is based on a solid and collective defence in which everybody knows exactly what to do," Wenger told Eurosport.

"When they get the ball they can give it to Honda - and the magic starts.

"When they get that genius Honda playing up front, he has shown what a top class player he is. For me he's the best performer of the competition so far."

Arsenal have previously been linked with a move for Honda, however Liverpool have now emerged as favourites for his signature as they look to add to their attacking options in January.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is keen to increase the potency of his attacking force at Anfield, which currently relies too heavily on Kop hero Fernando Torres - something that Hodgson readily admits.

Honda is also reportedly a target for AC Milan so, should Liverpool capture him, it would represent quite a coup for the Anfield club.

Hodgson is expected to have plenty of money to spend in January as he looks to bring new faces to Anfield in January with new Liverpool owners NESV prepared to back their manager in the transfer market.



Maybe a CM isn't our preference atm but certainly he's a great player.

Yeah hes deffo a great player and ive admired him a lot, he would do well in the premier league.

love to see him at liverpool one day

Liverpool to Sign Keisuke Honda
Posted on 01. Jan, 2011 by Dominic Campbell in News

Liverpool will make a move for highly rated and versatile midfielder, Kiesuke Honda. It is believed that the Japanese star had agreed a verbal agreement with the club during the latter stages of December and will finalise a move to Anfield within the January transfer window.

Despite Honda being one of CSKA Moscow’s most consistent players this season, reports suggest that the 24-year-old has not taken to life in Russia after a £6M move to the club last January.

And Damien Comolli looks set to pounce upon the players situation after being impressed with the Blue Samuri’s performances and abilities.

The fee reported, believed to be around £15m, would be a snip for a player of his calibre; not to mention the revenue that would be made from shirt sales in the very lucrative Far East market. It has been said that Honda is the number one most recognisable footballer – pushing Brand Beckham into number two.

Reports surrounding a proposed move for Keisuke Honda have snowballed after Kopsource originally reported the news some months ago. However, caughtoffside’s rumours of a verbal agreement may be far fetched with little proof to back the claim.

A move for Honda, though, would not only makes footballing sense, but also shows great business strategy; which is reflected in our highest ever value for money rating.

Liverpool would have to sell between 300,000 (£13.5M) and 400,000 (£18M) LFC Jerseys in Japan for Honda’s transfer fee to pay itself. And with Japan having a population of 127 million, the figures look very achievable.

http://www.kopsource.com/2011/01/liverpool-to-sign-keisuke-honda/

lfcJT07 wrote:Yeah hes deffo a great player and ive admired him a lot, he would do well in the premier league.

I keep the same opinon back in November, i like him alot and id love it if he came here.

Honda heading for dream move
Japanese star has interest from Spain and England


CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda is a target for clubs in Spain and England, according to the player's agent.

The 24 year-old, who is currently on international duty with Japan at the Asian Cup, has been attracting interest from Europe's elite after his standout performances at last year's World Cup.

A big money move has been mooted for some time now and his agent, Kees Pleogsma, has confirmed interest in his client with Atletico Madrid leading the race.

"A number of clubs have expressed their interest," Pleogsma told the Qatari media.

"At this stage, we are waiting for a serious offer. I'm really hoping that something can happen, but we'll have to wait and see."

Despite having no shortage of admirers across the continent, Honda is reportedly favouring a move to the Primera Liga, which could be a blow to his English suitors.

Pleogsma said: "The most likely scenario for him at the moment is to remain at CSKA. If they are willing to let him go, Atletico Madrid could be an option.

"He wants to stamp his game on the Spanish style of play.

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool are reportedly tracking Honda's situation.

Battle over £13m Honda
5th Mar 2011

Liverpool could face a transfer tussle with Borussia Dortmund for Japan ace Keisuke Honda.

The Reds appeared to closing in on the CSKA Moscow star, who looks set to leave the club in the summer.

But, according to reports in Russia, Borussia Dortmund are preparing to hijack any deal with a bid of their own - and hope the success of Honda's Japan team-mate Shinji Kagawa at the club could persuade him to join them.

The 24-year-old playmaker, who has also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, is valued at around £13m and recently told Russian journalists: "My time in Russian football is now complete. Now I aspire to play in a more competitive European League."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/media-watch/battle-over-13m-honda

Surely if it came down to us or Dortmund he would choose us right?

Im not so sure. Dortmund have been amazing this season. 12 points clear at the top of the German league and will shock many people in the CL next season.

I reckon we will get linked with him again pretty soon

I guess if we buy him it will keep standard chartered happy..

Honda is desperate to leave CSKA, reading somewhere they said LFC would have to sell between 300,000 (£13.5M) and 400,000 (£18M) Jerseys in Japan for Honda’s transfer fee to pay itself. But with Japan having a population of 127 million people that's very acheivable. Especially with us going to Asia for pre-season.

Its very do-able! He is probably the best Asian player out there, Standard Chartered want us to sign Asian players, we want LFC to compete with United, Real Madrid and Barcelona all around the world WHY NOT? if selling T-shirts is going to pay for the transfer itself its a no-brainer to me. He cant do any worse than most of the players did under Hodgson last season so...

Wonder what his problem is

Galatasaray join Reds in Honda chase
25th Apr 2012

Galatasaray are lining up a summer bid for Liverpool target Keisuke Honda.

The Japanese star has been a long-term target for Liverpool.

Fresh faces are expected in the summer as they attempt to challenge for a top-four spot once again and Honda has been touted as a possible midfield reinforcement.

Lazio came close to signing the CSKA Moscow playmaker in January but Liverpool's chances of landing him were boosted when the Serie A side failed to complete the deal.

But now Kenny Dalglish will have to beat off competition from Turkey if he is to land the 25-year-old, who is well known for his set-piece prowess.

According to reports in Turkey, Galatasaray are ready to join the race for Honda and hope a bid of around £9m will be enough to persuade CSKA Moscow to sell.

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120425/galatasaray-join-liverpool-honda-chase-170638

Long term target to say the least, and I think it will stay like that tbh. Hes a good player but I dont think weve actually ever "really" been interested in signing him.