An Important Transfer List

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by Samuel Greet (@samgreet123), 22/06/13

Referring to my previous article about ‘A Busy Summer’  for Liverpool Football club, I’ve come up with a list of transfers in and out of the club. Obviously not all of these deals will go through and most of the player look likely to leave or have been linked to come in, but I feel if our summer went along similar lines to these transfers we would be in a very strong position come late August.  I’ve avoided any Football Manager/FIFA transfers with inflated prices and obviously unlikely players and stuck to what the club could potentially invest in over the next couple of months.

Transfers Out:
Carragher – I personally would have loved to keep Carra for another year, with so much uncertainty in this final push for top 4, his level headed experience would have been greatly appreciated this season. But alas, he has chosen to retire and whoever we bring in for a replacement will struggle to fill his boots.

Carroll – Sold to West Ham for 15/17 million, I think this was an intelligent piece of business for the club. The extortionate fee of 35 million was never going to be recuperated and I think we did well to get that much for him. On his day he is one of the best forwards in the league, but wouldn’t suit our style and would be a far too expensive sub.

Coates – Not a bad defender, just has too many bad games. Doesn’t look like he’s going to make it with us and would be worth shipping him out on loan or selling him for 3 million (ish) so we can reinvest.

Assaidi – Offers pace and not much end product, also alleged attitude and training problems. We would do well to offload him for 3-4 million and invest in Atsu.

Skrtel – Now Skrtel often divides opinion. I still rate him as a top class defender and keeping for another season wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, he is however also not suited to our playing style and is error prone when trying to pass out from the back. I’d like to get 13 million for him.

Shelvey – A young talent and also wouldn’t mind keeping hold of him. However, we have a wealth of young midfielders and he sits near the bottom of the pile. With the rumoured incoming of the more suited Alberto, I don’t see a place for Shelvey. Due to his poor touch, temper and often lazy mindset in games, he doesn\’t suit our system and would make a tidy bit of cash of around 7 million.

Downing – Although the recent turn of form, I can never see Downing scoring/assisting more than 15 in a season even starting every game. Too expensive for a bench player and could fetch hopefully around 8 million.

Reina – If it was down to me we would keep the adopted scouser, purely for his dressing room influence and experience if nothing else, but with Mignolet in wanting to play first team football, he will likely be on his way for around 10 million.

Spearing – A scouser through and through, who always put the effort in. However, nowhere near good enough for a spot in the Liverpool squad, I’d even put Coady in front of him for a starting spot. Should fetch around 3 million.

These players together plus the 25 million investment from FSG would give us roughly 75 million to spend (should we manage to keep hold of Suarez that is). This is a pretty hefty budget and spent wisely could really push the squad on in the race for top 4.

Transfers In:

Kolo Toure – Deal already certain, although not a top defender anymore, he provides the age and winning experience to help bring youth up. Without the transfer fee that makes risk (like Ashley Williams), worth a punt really.

Aspas – Now any player can look amazing on youtube so caution must be taken in rating him. But from what ive seen and his statistics he seems like he has good creativity and a better eye for goal that Downing would, playing in a relegation threatened side he has over achieved and could be a smart addition. He seems passionate about the move and a good squad player for 7 million.

Alberto – Once again youtube could be misleading, but looks a class young player. Not for the immediate first team, but a step up from Shelvey. Good crossing, creativity and first touch with a fabulous knack for volleys, without any temper or laziness. More suited to Rogers passing play and cheap at around 7 million again.

Ilori – A young CB will be needed to replace Coates if he goes and Ilori seems a solid defender. Quick of the mark and tall in stature, could blossom into an effective defender and a good bet for around 4-5 million, although I wouldn’t pay any more than that.

Alderwiereld – The 24 year old Ajax defender has been practically waiting to sign a contract with a top 8 Premier League or Bundesliga side. For around 8 million, he would represent wonderful business by Liverpool. Great in the air and even better on the ground, with a cracking hit on him, he would perfectly suit Rogers system and Liverpool. With Vermalean and Vertonghen making great steps up into the Prem I presume Alder would too, and would make a great partner for Agger.

Papadopolous – I would only suggest signing Papa should we miss out on Alder, who is in talks with Bayer Leverkusen. After a few days of hot rumours its died down and we are reportedly concerned with injuries. Still looks like a solid, young talent who could match Aggers footwork with some great strength and aerial dominance we have lacked in the box for a while now. Would form a more Vidic-Ferdinand relationship than two ball players and could work effectively.

Wanyama – Linked in January and a while ago, Victor Wanyama I think would be a superb signing. His strength on the ball, in the air and in challenges would make him perfect for our midfield against stronger sides like West Ham and Stoke. A no-nonsense tough midfielder is what we’ve missed since Mascherano and Wanyama is ready for a move for around 10 million, but wouldn’t start every game. The potential cover for Lucas would be vital, as he is our only proven CDM and is injury prone.

Mkhitaryan – Probably the most expensive and most important signing we will make this summer. At around 20 million, he would represent out biggest investment and I think he would be worth it. In any league, to score 25 goals from midfield and assist a lot too is impressive. His fast pace, eye for goal, perfectly timed runs and potential to play in many positions mean he could be the signing Liverpool need to push forward.

Cissoko – The 25 year old Valencia left back would be a good addition to the squad for 7 million would be a good deal. With Rogers stating he wants two players for each position, the left back post only has Enrique so in theory must be filled. Probably the least important of my list, but would make good competition for Enrique and would give us better options in the cup runs.

Mignolet – Although not wanting to see Reina leave, Mignolet would represent a good signing for around 10 million. Looking to bring in a team of winners, I think Mignolet would be a part of that. At 24 he is young and wants to further his career and can still improve vocally and with his distribution with training. His shot stopping ability is on par with the best goal keepers in Europe and would be an astute replacement and within our budget.

Atsu – For 3-4 million from Porta Atsu would represent a worthwhile gamble. To replace the outgoing Assaidi, he would offer another pace dynamic late in a game, competition on the wings and more end product (hopefully than Assaidi) and if he flops, could be resold for around what we brought him for.

All these transfers would build a deep squad, with a new winning mentality to support the players already present at the club. The only challenge would be to keep Suarez who looks likely to leave, but given the option I would love him to stay for one more season regardless of bans. The total of all these players would total to around 70 million, which would leave us 5 million left from the transfers to go towards the wage bill. Its unlikely all these would go through, but hopefully a similar outlook is being taken by the Liverpool scouts and we will be in a strong position to challenge next year. Thanks for reading.