During the summer transfer window, it can be easy to get lost in the glitz and glamour of rumoured multi-million mega signings.
But not every transfer with an unprecedented fee is necessarily the right one – as Brendan Rodgers has discovered since taking the Liverpool gig two summers ago, finding the right players for the right price is what counts most.
In other words, although Reds fans may wish for the Anfield roster to be flooded with coveted, expensive talent, especially now that Luis Suarez appears on the verge of Barcelona, finding the right players to address the several gaps in Liverpool’s squad must take priority.
With that in mind, here’s a list of FIVE players who would ‘complete’ Brendan Rodgers’ squad, adding significant strength in depth and none commanding silly-season transfer fees.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON MARCOS ROJO TO REVEAL
[/ffc-gallery]
GUILLERMO OCHOA
Pepe Reina is back on Merseyside but few expect him to stay past the summer, meaning unless Liverpool secure the signing of a new goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet will be understudied by hap-hazard Aussie Brad Jones once again.
Resultantly, the Reds have reportedly thrust their transfer attentions towards Mexico’s World Cup hero, Guillermo Ochoa.
The 28 year-old is a free agent after leaving relegated Ajaccio at the end of last season, and attracted a wealth of suitors with a talismanic performance against Brazil in the Group Stages, producing a number of exceptional saves…
… and leading to a host of appreciation online…
Ochoa produced an equally heroic display against PSG last season, as shown in the below video.
//www.youtube.com/embed/UV1xwRtAgxE
The 6 foot 1 shot-stopper would be an astute and cheap addition to the Anfield roster, but along with Arsenal, the Reds reportedly face competition from Barcelona for his signature:
LOIC REMY
With Luis Suarez only moving closer to a Barcelona switch, Liverpool need to find a way to replace the Anfield icon’s firepower this summer.
Although Loic Remy may not be able to achieve that singlehandedly, he would undoubtedly be a step in the right direction.
Since arriving in the Premier League in January 2013, the France international the France international has claimed 20 goals in 40 Premier League appearances – including 14 goals for Newcastle last term, as shown below in the two-minute video…
//www.youtube.com/embed/-LGm9kkdQKk
And who can forget this wonder-strike for parent club QPR at the end of the 2012/13 campaign…
//www.youtube.com/embed/JC7oWD8N_vI?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist= JC7oWD8N_vI
Exceptionally quick, a lethal finisher and also capable of playing out wide – another area of the Liverpool roster that requires drastic attention before next season – the 27 year-old has a lot to offer the Anfield outfit in the final third.
Furthermore, Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has ruled out a return to West London due to widespread interest in Remy, who reportedly comes with a release clause of just £8million.
But recent speculation suggests Arsenal have been the most proactive party in securing the Frenchman’s signature.
STEVEN N’ZONZI
Steven N’Zonzi may not be everybody’s cup of tea, and you have to question the integrity of a player who has handed in transfer requests for two summers in a row.
But Liverpool’s midfield lacks that physical presence – despite the recent signing of Emre Can – and in that regard, the 6 foot 4 Stoke City midfielder fits the bill perfectly.
The 25 year-old pops up with the occasional belter…
//www.youtube.com/embed/N3EHV2IINXo?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist=N3EHV2IINXo
..and his quality on the ball proved vital for Mark Hughes’ side last season as they branched out from their attritional roots…
N’Zonzi strikes the right balance between quality and experience, having won the Player of the Season award at Blackburn, the Young Player of the Year award with the Potters and amassed 157 Premier League appearances.
And the Frenchman clearly has ambitions to ply his trade at a higher level:
Valued at around £6million by Transfermarkt.com…
…N’Zonzi could be an inspired addition for Liverpool if purchased at the right price.
Jefferson Farfan
Liverpool’s squad lacks established quality out wide, and having now missed out on Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez, it could be worth Brendan Rodgers reviving his faith in reported January target Jefferson Farfan.
The 29 year-old may not be the most long-term signing, and recent knee injuries will be a concern…
But the Peruvian pacer is one of Europe’s most potent wingers, having netted 39 times in 161 league appearances for Schalke and 57 in 119 at former club PSV. Here’s a clip of his best five strikes in the Bundesliga…
//www.youtube.com/embed/pxD0WIkoROc
Despite spending several months on the sidelines, Farfan produced strong form last term…
This free-kick against Frankfurt particularly stood out…
The £10million-rated winger has been linked with a Mersey switch before…
…but German publication Bild believe he’ll be going nowhere this summer:
MARCOS ROJO
Liverpool’s left-back situation is getting rather troubling, with their pursuit of Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno reportedly hitting a dead end and back-up target Ryan Bertrand, in my opinion at least, rather sub-standard.
But one option still open to the Reds is Argentina international Marcos Rojo, who they’ve reportedly been eying up for the last 18 months.
The 24 year-old is a classy and confident footballer, typified by this ‘Rabona’ clearance in his own penalty box against Bosnia in the World Cup’s group stages…
In fact, his overall form at Brazil 2014 has been incredibly impressive, as seen below:
Measuring in at 6 foot 2, capable of playing at left-back or centre-back and valued at just £10million by Mirror Football, Rojo would be a smart addition to the Anfield roster.
Here’s some of Rojo’s best moments for Argentina and current club Sporting Lisbon…
//www.youtube.com/embed/9-B_tmW6-_o
And according to reports in Portugal, the Reds are currently leading the race for his signature…
