Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry has been urged to sign for Liverpool this summer – by one of his own team-mates!
In an incredible interview with the Daily Mail, Villa midfielder Patrik Berger stated that Barry would be foolish to turn down a move to the Merseyside Giants and urged his colleague not to let this opportunity pass.
Barry has persistently been linked as the main transfer target for Rafa Benitez this summer, and his sides tame defeat to Wigan on Saturday may have emphasised to him just how much progress is needed should the Villains want to compete on a par with the leagues top clubs.
Berger said: “If I was in Gareth’s position I would go there tomorrow. It is the opportunity of a lifetime and Liverpool certainly don’t come after you every year.
“He is the heart of our team at the moment and it would be a massive challenge for him. He would be in the Champions League and challenging to win trophies every year.”
Berger, a player who’s own future is currently unclear, says it is very hard for sides like Aston Villa to break into the top four.
“I think the gap – not just between Villa and the top four but the rest of the league – is big," he continued.
"To break into the top four you would really have to spend a lot of money. Everton have tried for the past few years but they only did it once, it is going to be very tough for Villa do to that.
“It will take time to reach the Champions League and to do that you would need to keep players like Gareth."
Barry, 27, has been an integral part of the Villa midfield this season, starting 36 of the 37 Premiership matches played so far. Former Czech international star Berger on the other hand, has been more of a fringe player - making just nine total appearances this season, all from the substitutes bench.
Villa owner Randy Lerner recently stated that he would give Martin O’Neil the finances required to secure Barry on a new long-term deal.
In an incredible interview with the Daily Mail, Villa midfielder Patrik Berger stated that Barry would be foolish to turn down a move to the Merseyside Giants and urged his colleague not to let this opportunity pass.
Barry has persistently been linked as the main transfer target for Rafa Benitez this summer, and his sides tame defeat to Wigan on Saturday may have emphasised to him just how much progress is needed should the Villains want to compete on a par with the leagues top clubs.
Berger said: “If I was in Gareth’s position I would go there tomorrow. It is the opportunity of a lifetime and Liverpool certainly don’t come after you every year.
“He is the heart of our team at the moment and it would be a massive challenge for him. He would be in the Champions League and challenging to win trophies every year.”
Berger, a player who’s own future is currently unclear, says it is very hard for sides like Aston Villa to break into the top four.
“I think the gap – not just between Villa and the top four but the rest of the league – is big," he continued.
"To break into the top four you would really have to spend a lot of money. Everton have tried for the past few years but they only did it once, it is going to be very tough for Villa do to that.
“It will take time to reach the Champions League and to do that you would need to keep players like Gareth."
Barry, 27, has been an integral part of the Villa midfield this season, starting 36 of the 37 Premiership matches played so far. Former Czech international star Berger on the other hand, has been more of a fringe player - making just nine total appearances this season, all from the substitutes bench.
Villa owner Randy Lerner recently stated that he would give Martin O’Neil the finances required to secure Barry on a new long-term deal.
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