Will it be easy for Reds to hold Torres back?

Rafael Benitez said in an interview to Times yesterday, that if a situation came when the team will have to sell Torres, then he would also quit. Is it that easy to retain a player like Torres for long? I think a player of Spaniard’s quality or to say any big player, looks for two things before thinking about switching the club.

First are the monetary gains that he is going to get in his next club. The performance of the club is the second thing that a quality player ponders on before switching. If a club does not do well for a season or two, then the priority of the player also start shifting as it directly affects the opportunity on the field plus his brand image.

A team unable to finish in the top four of the domestic league table means no Champion's League for it that season. Participating in a major competition is directly proportional to the brand value of the club and the player. The performance of Liverpool is below par this season. They have already lost five of the 12 games they have played so far and are at the seventh place in overall ratings.

They are also on the fringe of getting knocked out of the UEFA Champions League. Torres is the lone quality striker in the side. So most of the times, the club depends on him to produce results. And he does not disappoint them often.

But it also puts huge pressure on him to perform. I do not think the substandard performance of the club this season will force Torres to leave Anfield. But if it remains the same the next season, then he would surely give it a thought.

According to reports in Spanish and English dailies, the agent of this former Atletico Madrid player is already in talks with Barcelona to materialize a deal with the Reds. And if Barca ready to shower huge money, then it would be difficult for Benitez to keep his prized possession back at Merseyside (although he says even 100m pound cannot take Torres away from him).

There are also reports that Real Madrid is vying for Benitez in place of under-performer Manuel Pelligrini. Will both Manager and his disciple head home together next season? It is just a speculation but nothing can be ruled out in this world of agents and transfers. But if it happens, then it would be a big disappointment for the Anfield fans and the fans around the globe.