Will Brendan Rodgers move to strengthen his team this summer…?
If one thing was made entirely evident during the recent defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal, it’s that we need an influx of quality this summer to propel us back into both top four and Premier League title contention.
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Liverpool transfer news
Brendan Rodgers has done a wonderful job of bringing in young and talented players for the future. However, the impending departures of several senior members of the squad have produced a need for proven quality.
Steven Gerrard has already agreed his move to LA Galaxy, while the likes of Glen Johnson, Kolo Toure, Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini could all follow him out of the exit door – at least according to the Liverpool Echo.
We’re not expecting Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo to be pulling up outside of the Anfield gates any time soon, but in the list below we’ve picked out five ambitious targets that could turnaround our fortunes!
5) Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)
Some might argue that it’s time for us to leave Southampton alone. However, we clearly have a good relationship with the Saints and would do well to poach another of their top talents. Clyne’s development has been hugely impressive so far this season, while at just 23 the England international has a huge amount of room to grow. An attacking full-back who would be equally adept at wing-back, he would be the ideal replacement for Johnson.
4) Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma)
There’s no way we’re going to be able to make do with a midfield of Lucas, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson. We need a top level replacement for Gerrard, someone who can come in and make an immediate impact. The Bosnian international fits that description perfectly. The 25-year-old has been an integral part of Roma’s recent revival and is on course to lead them to a second successive top three finish in Serie A. The technical playmaker we crave.
3) Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid)
With the Echo also tipping the likes of Sebastian Coates and Tiago Ilori to be ditched this summer, there is likely to be scope for another centre back signing. Defeat to Arsenal exposed our over-reliance on Martin Skrtel and proved that further improvement is needed in this area. The future of this Belgian defender is up for debate after him spending a year out on loan at Southampton, where he’s been hugely impressive in their great season.
2) Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven)
Manchester United might be the favourites to sign this Dutch international, who Louis van Gaal knows well from their time together at last summer’s World Cup, but reports in the Daily Mirror earlier this week suggested that we could yet beat them to him. The 21-year-old’s stunning record of 25 goals in 34 games so far this season definitely make him worth a go, while he would add some much needed natural width to Brendan Rodgers’ squad.
1) Alexandre Lacazette (Olympique Lyonnais)
With every goal he scores his price rises a little higher. The 23-year-old Frenchman has propelled his side into league title contention this season and it’s hard to see him staying put this summer. He’s netted 28 in 34 in all competitions, with 24 in 27 in Ligue 1. He also scored 22 for Lyon last season, earning him a call-up to the French national team. While he missed out on the World Cup, he’s definitely going to be a big name in the future.
