Last summer was one that was supposed to be filled with excitement for LFC. Instead, I saw two owners be complete idiots, one player commit to a club that he was leaving anyway, and a manager come in who was supposed to lift me up.
As of right now, we have a new set of owners (ones who I am very excited about our future with), a player who is gone (who was welcome to leave), and the return of one of the greatest managers to ever walk in the fortress of Anfield. But let’s focus on transfers for a minute.
January saw a very interesting, and in my opinion, panicked window. The release of Torres saw Liverpool pay a huge fee of £35 million pounds for a promising youngster in Andy Carroll and the arrival of another great number 7 for LFC; I still feel bad about overshadowing his entrance too.
In summation, it has been an exciting and extremely crazy last eight months for Liverpool with a new manager, new players, new owners, and a renewed sense of hope. This begs the question: what will this summer bring?
I don’t believe it will bring us a new manager if we are smart about it, and it most certainly will not bring in new owners. However, it could definitely bring the arrival of new players with the attraction of LFC rising steadily. Here’s a list of who I like to come in this summer (in no particular order):
Who to Buy
Charlie Adam (Blackpool): The January transfer window let us down with the Blackpool lock down on Adam, despite numerous attempts from both Liverpool and Spurs to sign him. I know the 25 year-old has some fight in him because he has picked up 10 yellow cards this season, more than any other EPL player, with 7 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions (18 goals in 44 appearances last year) and has shown his ability to lead being an excellent captain who delivers when needed most. It would be a good addition to Liverpool and would add a midfielder with great qualities of defense and attack in his arsenal.
Gael Clichy (Arsenal): Although this is a completely speculative move considering the fact that the Frenchman could renew his contract, which expires in June of 2012. However, the 25 year-old has left his future up to speculation when quoted in the L’Equipe report as saying “”I do not know yet [what the future holds for me]. For the time being only I want to think about the present.” He is definitely not known for his goal scoring (why would he?) with only two goals in an Arsenal uniform since 2003, the most recent in their 5-0 win over Leyton Orient. However, his speed and ability to handle himself on the pitch has been the reason that he is in the starting XI almost every game for the Gunners. Clichy would provide the left-back absence that Liverpool have experienced recently.
Alexis Sanchez (Udinese): This is an interesting one. I haven’t watched this player too much, considering the fact that I don’t catch too many of the Serie A games in the States. I do know this though, his talent is great and his potential is high. He is a high flyer who loves to score goals. His speed, quick feet, and ball control has been compared to some greats with names even like young Messi’s and Ronaldo’s thrown in. In 25 appearances for Udinese, the Chilean international has scored 11 goals and attributed 3 assists. His greater position is striker, but has been known to be used as an attacking mid or a right winger. The move is rumoured to be for around £30 million pounds.
Ashley Young (Aston Villa): I like this fella. The promising England international was a likely target in the January transfer window, but no deal was ever made. He is a pacy left winger that could bring some good fire to Liverpool next year and help us develop a wide play that could develop a better attack. Young is a resilient player, having scored 6 in 25 appearances. If LFC can match the price asked by Villa this summer, look for Young to make an appearance in many headlines.
Fernando Gago (Real Madrid): This is an interesting rumour, but no need to ignore it. He looks to be a good youngster but it’s difficult to tell because he isn’t exactly Real Madrid’s first team player. In just four games, he has scored zero goals with zero assists, but is said to have good movement and control. We will see how this one pans out but the fee looks to be around £10 million.
A few other names thrown in the mix are Keisuke Honda, Mirko Vucinic, Lucas Barrios, Gervinho, and Michel Bastos.
So obviously some interesting targets and I would be astonished if Liverpool did not pick up at least one of the players mentioned in bold. But as is with every team, more additions means some subtractions. Therefore, who should stay and who should go.
Who to Sell
Paul Konchesky: A Roy Hodgson signing, it was clear that the left-back never found his place in the Liverpool team. After being sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest, it would be a mistake to keep him in the squad. We can afford and keep a better left-back than Konchesky and another positive is that his mum won’t be barking at us anymore :)
Nabil El Zhar: Someone else who won’t find a spot at the club. In his 32 appearances for PAOK he has only scored one goal. El Zhar is striker that, frankly, won’t find a spot at LFC with the addition of our new duo, and the back up of David N’Gog, should we choose to hang on to him.
Philipp Degen: This is a player who I am just unsure of. There are better replacements for him, although he is 28. He is on loan to VFB Stuttgart and I highly doubt that he will be coming back. We won’t get a whole lot for him, but we could definitely get some.
Milan Jovanovic: Signed in January (thanks for the correction) and was another one from Rafa. He looked decent against Arsenal first game but has failed to show any other worth to the team so far, although not played a whole lot. Could get some funds for him.
Christian Poulsen: I feel sorry for this guy, really I do. He tried so hard to fit into the squad and gain fans approval, but the midfielder from Juventus simply couldn’t impress. Look for him to be on his way out.
A few other names to look at: Insua could be permanently gone, as well as Amoo. Don’t count out the exit of Joe Cole either.
Any other thoughts or suggestions are welcome. Follow me on twitter at @anfieldroadnews or @scott_stewart3.