WITH the perennial roundabout of rumours flying around Anfield lately as to who will replace Kenny Dalglish as manager, rumours of new players arriving on Merseyside has slipped under the radar.
However, regardless of whether Martinez, van Gaal, AVB or countless other candidates take the hotseat for Liverpool, the squad needs strengthening.
These 5 early transfer targets could spark the club into new life come the start of next season.
1. Salomon Kalou
Few would believe that a player who started in the winning team of a Champions League Final would be a free agent less than a week after. For Salomon Kalou, this is the case. At just 26, the Ivorian International has his prime years ahead of him and is blessed with versatility that sees him take positions on the left and right wings as well as playing as an out and out striker. Used by Chelsea as a substitute for the majority of his time at Stamford Bridge, Kalou scored 36 goals in his 156 games for the Blues.
Kalou would be a welcome addition at Anfield, especially if the expected departure of Dirk Kuyt is confirmed. With the ability to produce chances from nothing, the Ivorian can take some of the goal scoring pressures off Suarez and Carroll. With no transfer fee attached, Kalou could be one of the bargains of the summer if Liverpool move quickly for the ex-Feyenoord frontman.
2. Fernando Llorente
An extremely underrated player in the past, the Bilbao striker has finally arrived in the media spotlight after superb performances against Manchester United in the Europa League. ‘El Rey Lion’ as he is affectionately known in Spain has been untouchable at times this season, scoring 29 goals in all competitions. At just 27, Llorente may be about to reach the best seasons of his career and would light up the Premiership with his strength, aerial ability and technical skill.
Standing at an impressive 6ft 5, Llorente would be the perfect strike partner for Luis Suarez. However, buying Llorente would mean a place on the bench for Andy Carroll. Given the Englishmen’s form at the end of the season, it would be difficult to watch him suffer on the side lines. Another stumbling block should Liverpool wish to sign Llorente is the asking price. Bilbao would likely look for upwards of £25 million should they let their key player leave, a price that the Reds may consider out of reach.
3. Hamit Altintop
With Real Madrid looking to offload some of their fringe players this summer, Turkish International Hamit Altintop could be sold for a cut price transfer fee. Altintop only played 12 games in Spain this season but his determination and versatility make him a sought after player. With a vast amount of Champions League experience on his side, the former Bayern Munich man would bring his mature attitude to any club.
With Liverpool’s midfield not performing as expected last season, Altintop’s qualities could heighten Liverpool’s strength in the centre of the park. The Turk played many games for Bayern Munich at right-back, so would also provide astute cover for Glen Johnson. With a valuation of just £2 million, Liverpool should grab the opportunity to sign Altintop with both hands.
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4. Clint Dempsey
One of the standout players in the Premier League last season, American International Clint Dempsey, is in high demand. It seemed that every time Fulham took to the field, you could bet on Dempsey scoring. With 23 goals in all competitions in 2011/2012, the striker looked a cut above the rest, his talents shining brightly in a decent Fulham side. With Dirk Kuyt probably heading for the exit at Anfield, Dempsey would be the perfect replacement, cutting in from the right wing or playing off a lone striker.
It would not break the bank to bring the American International to Merseyside. With 5 years of Premier League experience already under his belt at Fulham, Dempsey could be one of the signings of the summer, should Liverpool decide to take a chance.
5. Seydou Keita
With over 100 games for the apparent ‘best team to ever play the game’ Barcelona, Mali International Seydou Keita has a wealth of experience at the top level of world football. A consistent performer, Keita’s abilities as a holding midfielder have earned him the highest praise from former boss Pep Guardiola.
With every chance that a Barcelona clear-out will occur with a change of manager, Keita will be one of the first fringe players to attract attention. A stalwart in the middle of the park is what lacked at times for Liverpool’s midfield this season, with youngsters Henderson, Spearing and Shelvey looking for that experienced leader that only Stevie G could offer them. Available at a reasonable price, Keita could be invaluable for the Reds next season.
Who Do You Think Liverpool Should Bring In? Share Your Thoughts. Twitter @mattpegg1
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We want spain striker fernando liorente is agood bosition in liverpool and bartirner luis suarez thanks all liverpoolfuns
SIGN KALOU,JAVI MARTINEZ & RASMUS ELM.PLSSSSSS……..
Fernando Klorente and Hemit Altintop will be a great and perfect signing for us this season. YNWA
i would look to 2 strong central midfielders has i think henderson ,adams and spearing are shocking and we dont know if lucas will recapture his form before his injury. so i would try for de-jong and lass diarra both have experience of the prem and european stage and if lucas does come back to form all the better. we need to sell the above players along with kuyt, downing and put shelvey out on loan again. with the money from selling the 5 player i would buy a top class striker Llorente,higuain or cavani. my team would be
reina
skrtel agger coates
johnson de-jong diarra enrique
gerrard/cole
suarez cavani/?
subs doni, kelly,lucas,maxi,cole,carol
also look to bring in some of the young player like suso, morgan and ecclestone. i believe this would give us stength in depth but also playing steve g or joe cole more advanced to unlock the packed defences we encounter from so called lower teams, who we have lost the most points to in the 2nd half of the season. i think having a stronger c-midfield will help are defence due to players like adams and henderson not tracking back. i know i am playing a wingbacks but i carnt see us have money to buy 2 class wingers aswell as the players i would want to buy and it would get the best out of gerrard and joe cole. the year after i would look to get 2 wingers to alter the team when needed YNWA
Pls forget about roberto n get us guardiola wen r we gna get down wit da new signings we need atleast 4 new signings pls lfc we need 2 qualify 4 the champions league next season
Need a Manager first. If those Relegation battlers get the job, forget about continental or Latin players.
I am counting for the Bents, the Carlton Coles & the Dempseys.
Would love to see Dempsey at LFC. He’s strong, aggressive and very creative, would slot in well with Suarez and Gerrard as well as cover for Gerrard when he’s not playing.
Does anyone really believe that FSG has the funds to buy any players?
Liverpool will not be making any major purchases this window.
I feel sorry for the manager. He is going to be taking over a mediocre team, with little fund. Worse he is going to be pressured for a top 4.
“A hiding for nothing “