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"Liverpool" leader Fernando Torres is facing a challenging time - the Spaniard officially requested to be sold to London's "Chelsea" club, with just over two days left until the end of the winter transfer window. Naturally, this news upset "Liverpool" fans, who had just a few hours earlier received much happier news - the impressive acquisition of "Ajax" forward Luis Suarez for a sum of 26.5 million euros. Expected to become a great companion to Torres, Suarez may now become an alternative for him - "Chelsea" is counting down the last hours and urging "Liverpool" to sell the Spaniard for 45 million euros. With the new American owners not hiding their ambitions and having no financial difficulties (debts - zero), it was immediately announced that Torres has a long-term contract, which must be respected and he will not be sold. It seems like fans can breathe a little easier, but... this strong position was dealt a blow by the player himself, who in writing demanded to be included in the list of players for sale. In other words, he handed in a note that said: "I want to go to Chelsea". There is no doubt that agents played a significant role once again, as they earn excellent percentages from every major deal. However, recent events related to Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez should give optimism to the Liverpool team - both strikers ended up staying in the "Man Utd" and "Man City" teams, despite often expressing through agents a desire to leave. But Torres, undoubtedly, has his own intentions. This season the Spaniard often showed his frustration and disappointment on the field with his teammates, many of whom are not high-caliber players, due to their failures. The 'Reds' struggled and did not recover for a long time after a tragic previous season, when they dropped out of the English league's elite top four. "Liverpool" doesn't play in the Champions League and will have to hope for great success in order to catch up this season with "Chelsea", which has collected 9 points more and is currently in the coveted fourth place. Torres was keen to see the team strengthen. On the contrary - the club earned more from selling players than it spent on buying new ones through several transfer windows. And to think Torres will turn 27 in March. It's the peak of his career as a striker, which will continue for probably several seasons until the start of the next decade. The new owners of “Liverpool” have brought stability back to the club and promise to significantly strengthen and rejuvenate the squad in the summer, as evidenced by the expensive purchase of Luis Suarez. However, they themselves admit that returning to success will take time, and they see "Liverpool" competing for first place in no more than the next five years. Torres doesn't have that much time. Until 2007, he represented Madrid's "Atletico" and never tasted Champions League football. When he arrived at "Liverpool" Fernando experienced the taste of the prestigious tournament, fought for the English champion title, but soon the team fell into a huge crisis and is only now starting to climb out of it. Fact: The Champions League is once again something Torres can only watch on TV screens. And here a fax from "Chelsea" arrived, brightening the gloomy mood. Who can blame Torres for being tempted and wanting to escape to a place where everything - titles, the Champions League - is the present, and not just a likely near future? The Spaniard panicked and acted not as he had previously claimed, swearing his love for "Liverpool". 'Red' fans divided into two camps. Some urged Torres to go where he wants - why keep a player who disrespects the team? Others wrote somewhat sad public letters, emphasizing: "Liverpool" does not abandon its warriors, no matter how lost they may be on the battlefield. "You'll never walk alone!" It's hard to say how Fernando will be received on the field on Wednesday if he stays in Liverpool, but unlikely the reaction will be very hostile. Personally, I am quite convinced that Torres will not be sold. "Liverpool" does not need the money, as it would be impossible to acquire a suitable replacement for the striker before the summer. "Liverpool" cannot afford to lose its offensive leader, who must lead the club to a Europa League title and a place in the Champions League. At least until the summer, no deal will take place, and then, the Liverpool owners will once again have to prove that this team meets Torres's ambitions. After all, the best players belong in the best clubs."
