In:
Goalkeeper:
There is no doubt that Simon Mignolet has been the signing of the season, where Liverpool are concerned. You cannot really complain when you are sitting nicely at the top end of the table. With on loan keeper Pepe Reina looking to make his move to Napoli a permanent one, added to that the one or two nervy moments the Belgian endured during the season, Rodgers will look to bring in a back up to Mignolet. Someone to push the current number one, which will enhance his performances, no doubt.
Michel Vorm (30, Goalkeeper, Swansea)
Ever since the Swans recruited Vorm in 2011, the Dutch keeper has impressed immensely, and has sparked interest from some of the top clubs in the Premier League, including Brendan Rodgers, who wanted the 30 year old right before he opted for Mignolet instead. 1 year later, Vorm could be just the man to push the Belgian for the number 1 jersey. The only question I would raise would be ; Is Vorm too good to be a second choice keeper? The Dutch keeper might relish fighting for a place at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Then again, playing second fiddle might not be what Michel has in his future plans.
Defender:
There is no doubt about it. Liverpool have pretty much scored whenever they wanted to last season. With the attacking prowess of Coutinho, Sterling, Suarez, Sturridge, etc.., to go along with the complete perfection that is Steven Gerrard and what the captain brings to the club, the reds were outscoring teams for fun. With 50 goals conceded in 38 Premier League games, 2 more than lower in the league Crystal Palace, drastic changes are expected at the back, with Rodgers looking to win more scrappy 1-0 wins next season, rather than the 4-3 heart racing kind of football match.
Steven Caulker (22, Centre Back, Cardiff)
The ex Spurs defender moved to Cardiff in the summer with no real massive expectation on his shoulder. What a brilliant decision by the youngster. The 22 year old has made huge leaps since his move, securing a regular place in the Cardiff squad, and earning a place in the Premier League team of the season. With Cardiff relegated to the Championship, Rodgers might look at Caulker as a player who could take an even bigger step at Liverpool. Some Reds fans may raise the question whether the Englishman is good enough for a club like Liverpool. Personally, I do not think he is, but with a 15 million price tag, Rodgers might get tempted to make an offer come June/July.
Alberto Moreno (21, Left Back, Sevilla)
Following the somewhat disastrous loan spell of Aly Cissokho the previous campaign, Liverpool have only an injury prone Jose Enrique to show for in that left back position. The Spanish 21 year old looks an almost certain done deal, with reports coming out of a 17.9 million pound offer accepted and to be concluded sometime next week. Moreno has since come out and dismissed this rumour, and has stated he is staying tight lipped on his future as of yet. The young left back looks a promising talent, and with an international call up by Spain earlier this week to show for, Brendan may have unearthed a gem, even though the price tag looks a tad over the top for an unproven name.
Midfielder:
This section may look strange to some Liverpool fans. With the attacking fire power of Coutinho,Stevie G and young Raheem, who has shown he can play in the attacking midfielder role too, another world class attacking midfielder, including a solid defensive midfielder is still a must in my opinion, with the competition for places something Rodgers should embrace, as the eagerly awaited return to the Champions League drawing ever nearer.
Adam Lallana (26, Attacking Midfielder, Southampton)
Following the departures of both manager and owner at Southampton, players have been linked left, right and centre with moves away from the somewhat 'sinking ship' that is Southampton FC. One of these linked with a move to Anfield was by far one of the Premier League's top performers last season, Adam Lallana. The 26 year old has burst into the scene in the last 2 years, which has brought the attention of Rodgers. The reds have reportedly offered a 25 million 'take it or leave it' offer for the Englishman, with the Saints responding with comments that they do not wish to take part in any transfers before they Pochettino's successor. The silky play maker definitely wants the move though, and may send in a transfer request to force through the move.
Cesc Fabregas (27, Attacking Midfielder, Barcelona)
The former Arsenal man has made it no secret of his desire to return to England, and this summer's transfer window may prove just the right moment for the Barca midfielder to do so. Liverpool may have to battle off some fierce competition for him, with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City all looking keen to submit their bid in. One thing is for certain, the signing of Fabregas would definitely put a stamp on the rest of the league. Cesc will bring that something different to how we approach next season. With a hefty price tag for Brendan to ponder about, one thing us reds fans are thinking is ; Would paying that big a sum of money for a 27 year old be worth it?
Javier Mascherano (29, Defensive Midfielder, Barcelona)
Following the up and down season of Lucas Leiva, signalling a possible exit from the club Rodgers may look to the DM position as one that needs looking to in the summer. Mascherano has not had the best of seasons with the Catalan's, starting with the sudden shift to a new centre back role, to his omission from the starting line up completely. A cheeky offer for the Argentinian and a return to the club he spent three years at could prove to be a good catch for Brendan, with the 29 year old available for 9 million. With Rafa looking lure him with a reunion at Napoli, Brendan needs to think about priorities and whether a move for the midfielder is what Liverpool really need.
Striker:
With the first signing of the summer coming in the form of lifelong Liverpool supporter Ricky Lambert from Southampton for a petty fee of 4 million, another top class striker is still what is expected this summer. Lambert had a great season, ending it 14th in the goalscoring charts. Liverpool need that extra fire power for next season, with the 32 year old coming in as a good back up to have, as Brendan looks to build a squad for the Champions League. 101 goals scored in 38 games is an unbelievable stat to possess, and Liverpool look to build on that as the window opens.
Mario Balotelli (23, Striker, Milan)
Close your eyes. Imagine a team with Balotelli, Suarez and Sturridge in it. Open them again. This could be closer to reality than what most people would think. One thing is definite, there will never be a dull moment with the trio in the team. Following Milan's fall from the top and a season away from the Champions League to come, Balo's future at the Italian club is getting slimmer by the day. This has alerted many of the top clubs around Europe, including Liverpool. If you had to ask me, I would jump at the chance of the enigma coming to Merseyside. The youngster could be transformed under Rodgers, and really push us towards the 19th league title. Would his character and past endeavours play in the mind of Rodgers as he prepares a bid? Is it too much to pay for a player who you never know what you are going to get out of?
Alexis Sanchez (25, Winger/Striker, Barcelona)
Let us face it, Alexis Sanchez has had a very up and down career at the Catalan team so far, and his current form for his national team is proving exactly why, in my opinion, we should do every thing possible to snatch the Chilean while we still can. His trickery on the ball, including an excellent assist per game ratio is exactly why Barcelona paid all that money for him, 26 million to be exact. With a possible cash + Daniel Agger deal being touted about, Brendan needs to think hard and well whether he is going to sign that next level player or not. And as previous windows can show, Brendan and the owners do not like to empty their wallets and spend big.
Pedro (26, Winger/Striker, Barcelona)
Yet another Barcelona 'want away' on the list. Similar to Alexis Sanchez, Pedro has found his time in Spain recently quite average. With highs such as a Champions League final goal against Manchester United to lows such as being a bench player throughout the most of last season. Pedro is looking for a fresh start elsewhere, and with the pacey winger turning 27 this year, a move now could be his final one as a professional. You cannot doubt the player's talent, and although tight lipped as of yet, the winger would relish a role under Rodgers. Who would I personally go for between the two wingers? No doubt, Alexis Sanchez, but Pedro would not fall too far behind the pecking list regarding players to take Liverpool to that 19th Premier League trophy.
Outs:
Pepe Reina (Sell)
Pepe Reina, you do still remember him, right? He is still a Liverpool player, yes, and with our current number one Mignolet having a stunner of a debut season, added to the fact that Rodgers might even bring in a back up for the Belgian, Reina looks like a certainty to leave the club this summer. With Barcelona looking going elsewhere with the signing of youngster Ter Stegen, and Napoli not showing too much interest in securing the Spaniard's services, offloading Pepe might be a harder task than we think. Is Brendan thinking of keeping the 31 year old, and if so, will he accept the fact he would have to play second fiddle come August?
Iago Aspas (Sell)
7.7 million pounds. Given the ever so famous number 9 shirt. Dubbed in the similar playing style as talisman Luis Suarez. A lot of hype surrounded the arrival of Iago Aspas last summer, leaving most Liverpool fans anxious and excited about what we were going to get from the little man, especially after his decent start to pre season. Almost a year on, and there is only one word to describe the Spaniards time at Liverpool, FLOP. From his nervous touch of the ball, to his totally disastrous corner taking technique, Aspas has made us fans question Rodgers thinking in bringing in the forward. The boss might look to loan the 26 year old to give him some playing time, but at that age already, selling him and hoisting the number 9 shirt on to lethal Daniel Sturridge would be what most fans hope for.
Daniel Agger (Sell)
Do not read this and head straight for the 'X' button at the right of your screen. Daniel Agger has been an outstanding player for Liverpool. From his loyalty shown by some of his tattoos, to his 'never say die' attitude, the Great Dane has been one of Liverpool's best servants in the last 10 years. However, following a recent dip in form, added to that the possibility of a cash + player deal with Barcelona, selling the centre back might be what is best for both parties. Agger missed a large majority of the last campaign, and with Liverpool almost winning the title regardless, many a Liverpool fan has questioned whether keeping a player on such a high wage bill is necessary for Brendan and his men.
Jon Flanagan (Loan)
A 21 year old who started last season as 3rd choice left back, leading to many of us (including me, sadly) calling for a transfer away for the lad. Jon Flanagan would have never thought he would be waking up this morning where he is right now A massive contributor to Liverpool's title charge, including a call up with the national team has got the youngster dubbed 'the English Cafu', something approved by the Brazilian himself. However, with the returning Jose Enrique to bolster our left back options, including the most likely 16 million signing of Alberto Moreno to come soon, Flanagan may find it an impossible task to retain his place this time round, especially looking at the money we are going to spend for Moreno. Loaning young Flanno would be the perfect option for Rodgers. The youngster will get some more experience at a lower league team, and there is no doubt he will return an even bigger force to be reckoned with.
Glen Johnson (Sell)
Another defender to offload in what will be a busy window ahead for Liverpool. The right back has shocked many Liverpool fans the season gone by. Some sluggish performances, added to it by one or two costly mistakes defensive wise have been followed by rumours of an exit by the once ever so promising Glen Johnson. Is competition what the right back needs to enhance his performances? In my opinion, a transfer away from the club and another high wage bill clear out is what would be best. Whatever the outcome to be, the 29 year old has been a great servant under Rodgers and previous managers, with the team relying on his attacking power and link up play with Suarez many times in the past.
Luis Alberto (Loan)
Luis Alberto arrived at Liverpool with no massive expectancy. A young talent from Barcelona's youth academy always adds that bit of optimism, however not much was known of the 21 year old, and to be quite honest, not much is known of him now, 1 year later. Alberto has found it very hard to break into Rodgers' first team plans, and with 9 appearances to speak for, we have definitely not seen the best of the attacking midfielder yet. Some promising stints at reserve level got us wondering whether a loan move to Spain or elsewhere may be what is needed for the development of the Spaniard. There is one thing that can be said though, this is not the last we have seen of the ex Barca man.
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