What Liverpool needs to do in the summer transfer window

The time has come for Brendan Rodgers to show his vision for the future of Liverpool in the summer transfer window which is just around the corner. After a season of steep ups and downs, Liverpool look to be improving with the adaptation of the new passing system Rodgers is trying to employ. There has been transfer hits and flops for Liverpool this season with Allen and Borini yet to make a real mark and Assaidi struggling to adapt to the Premier League. At the same time, the likes of Sturridge and Coutinho have given the fans something to cheer about. It can be easily seen that Liverpool still has some aspects to improve and the summer transfer window can help it.

Defenders

This season was not a replay of last season’s rock solid defensive performance. Still, the Liverpool defense has been in very good form this season. As for next season, with Jamie Carragher retiring and the speculations of the departure of Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates rife, a couple of new signings would prove good. Looking at the tactics, Martin Montoya of F.C. Barcelona and Stefan De Vrij of Feyenoord would prove to be really good signings. Martin Montoya is a talented defender and he is used to the passing system but has made only 13 appearances with the likes of Dani Alves in the squad. With Liverpool’s limited transfer budget, he should be a good buy as he is young too. As for De Vrij, he is one of Europe’s most wanted defenders at the moment. It could be difficult to sign him with no European competition next season, but he should be available for 7-8 m pounds.

Midfielders:

This season’s performance in the middle of the park has been a fluctuating one. With Henderson and Downing improving, one might feel that the midfield is stable. But it lacks a lot of creativity. Shelvey has been far from impressive, except for his sparks of wonderful performances in the Europa League. So, Liverpool might need to look into back up options for midfield. Also, with Gerrard ageing, a long term replacement would be needed. The return of Xabi Alonso would be brilliant as it would stabilise the defensive midfield section. He should be available for less than 9m pounds. Being a fan favourite, it should take no time for him to settle in. If so, the defensive role can be rotated between him and Lucas. As for Gerrard’s long term replacement, Alan Dzagoev of CSKA Moscow should be it as he has shown his class both at club and country level with some stellar performances, especially in the Euro 2012 tournament. He could drain the cash out of Liverpool’s budget but he should be worth it.

Forwards:

In the attacking department, Liverpool have looked lethal with the likes of Suarez, Sturridge and Coutinho. But a back up striker would be helpful just in case Borini gets injured again. Any young prospective striker would do as the reserve team also has some talented forwards like Ibe, Morgan etc. who need more first team exposure. Loan spells for these players would benefit the player also. Aleksandr Kokorin of Dynamo Moscow has shown a lot of promise and could well prove to be a hit at Liverpool.

Liverpool need to keep themselves busy in this transfer window if they are to push for Champions League and beyond. It would be quite interesting to see Rodgers’ transfer policy this summer.