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

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!