Steven Gerrard hopes Liverpool will add more new faces before the start of next season, as the Reds look to reinvigorate both our hopes of a top four finish and even a title challenge.
SEE MORE:
Report ranks Liverpool 5th, ABOVE Bayern, in ‘World’s most valuable squads’!
Echo names five Bundesliga players Liverpool could sign this summer
Liverpool transfer news
Having gone close to a maiden Premier League title in 2014, only to finish sixth twelve months later, Gerrard knows only too well that additions must be made this summer. With James Milner and Danny Ings having already signed, Brendan Rodgers and the owners have made good progress thus far but more is needed.
In quotes taken by the Daily Mirror, Gerrard said: “For me the most important thing is who Liverpool sign to strengthen the team and squad. The key is always how you strengthen your team and squad on the pitch.”
Which of these players could meet his expectations:
The Favourites:
- Mateo Kovacic – The Croatian is thought to be closing in on a move to the Reds, as we work out the final details with Inter Milan (via The Telegraph). With Gerrard having gone, we need strong reinforcements in midfield and if we can add the signing of Kovacic to that of Milner then we should be doing well.
- Adam Bogdan – The signing of a new goalkeeper is a necessity this summer, following the departure of Brad Jones. While the Hungarian wouldn’t provide much in the way of excitement, his addition would be a satisfactory one. He’s a player on much the same level of Jones and he’d fulfil the same back-up role.
- Nathaniel Clyne – We’ve already put in a £10m offer for the defender, which was reject by Southampton earlier this month (via BBC Sport). With Glen Johnson gone and Jon Flanagan out injured a new right-back will be high on our priority list and it seems impossible than we will not return with an improved offer soon.
The Realistic Marquee Additions:
- Christian Benteke – The first of three attacking players on this page is the current favourite to take that ‘marquee’ forward role still very much available in our squad. However, our rumoured links to the Belgian have gone somewhat quiet in recent days, while the BBC claim Villa are preparing to offer him a new deal.
- Theo Walcott – Raheem Sterling surely holds the key to any potential deal for this England international – as Sky Sports reported. Walcott has endured another hit-and-miss season at the Emirates Stadium but did follow the year strongly with an impressive hat-trick against West Brom and a goal in the FA Cup final.
- Carlos Tevez – We look to be facing a losing battle with Atletico Madrid for the Juventus striker (via the BBC). However, with the Argentine entering the final year of his contract and available for a decent prize we could still be tempted to make a late move for the former Manchester United and Manchester City man.
The Less Likely Marquee Additions:
- Alexandre Lacazette – Despite reportedly being close to a move to Paris Saint Germain, The Metro believe we still have a shot at signing the impressive Frenchman. The 24-year-old took Ligue 1 by storm last season, scoring 31 goals in just 38 games in all competitions and now looks to have his pick of European clubs.
- Miralem Pjanic – This rumour has gone very quietly recently. The Bosnian was once thought to be the favourite to replace Steven Gerrard this summer but looks to be a little out of our price-range (via Sky Sports). If we were to land Milner and Kovacic this summer then this one would probably be forgotten.
- Gonzalo Higuain – The second Argentine striker on this list. The 27-year-old has scored 53 goals in just 102 games during two years in Italy and could be destined for a new challenge following Rafael Benitez’s exit.
If Something Very Strange Happened:
- Steven Gerrard (loan) – Could Gerrard have himself in mind? The vast majority of us would welcome the chance to see our iconic No. 8 back in a Liverpool shirt, so this could be one to watch out for down the line.
- Arturo Vidal – If we’re talking ambitious replacements for the great man then this one is definitely up there. The Chilean was playing in the Champions League final less than a week ago and won’t trade that in lightly.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic – This one is refusing to go away. The big Swede has never played Premier League football and would likely welcome the opportunity. But this one would still be a huge surprise if it came off.
