The Ramble - On Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and the transfer targets

The situation for Liverpool has changed really drastically over the past few months. Luis Suarez coming out to say that he is frustrated with the British media has left the Reds in a pretty difficult situation, especially considering their involvement in trying to flog Andy Carroll out to West Ham.

On Luis Suarez

Whilst Suarez is indeed capable of still consistently performing despite the ever-present boos and jeers wherever he goes, his attitude and professionalism is indeed not one of a Liverpool FC player. Whilst immensely talented, I have no doubt that he will continue to have problems with his attitude for the rest of his career – whether it be with Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. He quite simply has too strong of a personality for him to contain it.

That’s why, although I hate to say it, it might just be time for Liverpool to let him go. One would imagine that his next suspension will keep him away from football for a good bit (for accumulation of offences on the football pitch), and we also have to consider the fact that his value isn’t going to be much higher than it currently is, as he is still fairly young. If Rodgers does indeed keep him, Rodgers must control what the Uruguayan goes away and tells the media. It is a problem that needs to be rectified. Going out and making comments such as not being happy at Merseyside should be addressed towards Brendan Rodgers rather than to the media.

Perhaps it is not possible to get another 20 goal a season striker – who creates so much with his brilliance as well – for next year. But we can continue to use Rodgers’ blueprint and step in the right direction – where the ultimate goal for now is at least to get back into the Champions League, as given that there aren’t Europa League duties to follow for next season, Liverpool can indeed focus on trying to do well in the league.

The money earned from selling Suarez can go towards signing a new centerback, striker and perhaps another player for the left flank – leftback/left midfielder. Bayern Munich are reportedly offering cash plus Dutchman Robben, whilst Real Madrid are offering a reported 20 million plus the services of Jose Callejon. I personally like the look of Callejon. He’s young, and fits into Rodgers’ current blueprint for Liverpool FC.

On Andy Carroll

Liverpool’s Suarez dilemma leaves them in a difficult situation with Andy Carroll. I personally predict that Liverpool will end up losing a lot of money from their 2 year investment in the Englishman. Carroll is reportedly reluctant to leave for a club that pays him less than 100k a week for his services, and Liverpool might just have to take a loss to let go of the lanky Englishman.

Carroll had a very stop-start time on loan with West Ham last year, with it hampered by injury woes, and it seems Rodgers is desperate to get rid of Carroll – reason being he does not have the technical ability to fit into Rodgers’ possession based brand of football. 15 million pounds is seemingly what’s been talked about, but Carroll’s wages remain a stumbling block.

Loaning him out for yet another season may be considered in order to try and give him more playing time and raise his value for a potential sale in January/summer next year, but it seems unlikely.

Regarding Defenders

Liverpool are in a difficult situation with their defence this term. Following what’s been the worst season defensively in recent seasons, a host of defenders are linked to moves away from the club. Carragher has already retired, causing a gap in the center of the defence that Rodgers is reluctant to give to Sebastian Coates or Martin Skrtel. In addition, Pepe Reina and Glen Johnson seem unsettled about their future with Liverpool, with Johnson said to be “considering his future” and Reina still consistently being linked to Catalan club Barcelona.

However, Liverpool have been proactive at finding replacements should their defenders leave, with Sunderland’s Belgian keeper Mignolet being identified as a potential replacement for Pepe Reina. In addition to this, Liverpool are reportedly in discussions with Schalke’s Kyriakos Papadopoulos – although I wouldn’t mind typing his name on this blog less in the future – a young Greek defender whom is said to have caused a ruckus in the Greek training camp at Euro 2012 following tantrums, after announcements that he had not made the first XI. Whilst his discipline leaves much to be desired, he has many qualities such as good tackling and aerial ability, which mean that Rodgers is prepared to fork out in excess of 12 million pounds in order to land the 21 year old.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Another name that I just really hate typing out. Although unheard of in many regions of the world, the Armenian midfielder has been making headlines in the Ukranian Premier League with his knack for scoring goals. Mkhitaryan is an attacking midfielder who managed to notch up 25 goals last season – prompting Rodgers to ponder splashing out 20 million pounds for the attacking midfielder.

However, signing yet another central midfielder (although attacking) might leave some Liverpool players to question their role in the current squad – perhaps prompting a few more departures. I personally believe that if we are to sell Carroll and Suarez, we need a pure striker to fill the void – a player more in the mold of someone like David Villa, who is renowned for putting the ball into the back of the net.

Mkhitaryan would only hinder the progress of young prospects at Liverpool such as Raheem Sterling and Jonjo Shelvey, and may not be the best way of which Liverpool should spend 20 million pounds.

Any thoughts on Liverpool’s activity in the transfer window? Please fill free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!