Liverpool's scarcity in their midfield was shown during Liverpool's last match against Chelsea on Sunday when Joe Allen went off injured and had to be replaced by Brad Smith, a 19 year old with no top level experience. I have been very impressed with Liverpool's midfielders so far this season but I do believe we need another to challenge for a starting spot. So here are some midfielders who are linked with a move to Liverpool.
Ivan Rakitic
The 24 year old Croat has enjoyed an out of this world season so far. He can operate in any center midfield role but excels as an attacker the most. He has scored 9 goals in 22 matches so far this season with I think 5 assists as well. From what I've seen of him his play is quite similar to a young Steven Gerrard. As Gerrard gets older and closer to retirement FSG need to be looking for someone to inherit his throne, and I think Rakitic would do the job splendidly. He would come at a high cost for sure though, with some sources saying it would take 33 million pounds to prize him away from Sevilla. It might not take nearly that much though as Sevilla have had financial problems for the past few years and had to sell Negredo and Jesus Navas. Sevilla made a butt-load of money from those sales so you would think that they would be set for at least a while but you never know. Rakitic has personally said that he is 100% committed to Sevilla but that you never know what will happen and has expressed his flattery at being linked with a move to Anfield. Liverpool missed out on a huge blockbuster buy this summer and might decide to splash the cash to bring in one hell of a footballer who can fire them into the top 4 and beyond.
Probability: 2 out of 5
Jorginho
I'll admit that I had never heard of this kid before the rumors appeared that Liverpool were interested him during the summer but now he is a name most people know due to his amazing season in Serie A with Hellas Verona. He has scored 7 in his 16 appearances, helping the promoted side reach sixth place in the league currently. I wasn't too excited about the link at first but now I am. The 22 year old was born in Brazil but moved to Italy very early and has played for the Italy U-21's so far. His playing style is a mix between Philippe Coutinho's and Steven Gerrard's in my opinion. He could provide real depth in Coutinho's position or play in a more defensive role in the midfield as well. His price was set around 7 million pounds but it will probably cost around 10 now that he has done so well recently. It was reported yesterday that two top officials from Verona were at the Chelsea v Liverpool match, supposedly to talk about a deal with Liverpool for Jorginho. I think Jorginho would be a great buy, not as good as Rakitic, but a good back up just in case Rakitic's price tag is too high.
3 out of 5
Emmanuel Badu
That's Badu jostling with Raheem Sterling during last year's match against his club Udinese. The 23 year old Ghanaian defensive midfielder was reportedly linked with a move to Liverpool today. Liverpool are more in need of another defensive midfielder than an attacker in all fairness and Badu fits the bill. He however is not the player Liverpool needs in order to push for a Champions League spot this season. He is a better tackler than the others but he is still not that great of a defender, especially with his head. Badu has a decent shot from distance and nicks the occasional goal. He would be the cheapest option for sure, probably costing around 6 or 7 million pounds. Rodgers was quoted as saying that he is looking for players to improve the starting 11, not the squad and I don't think Badu is even close to as good as Lucas. I pray that Liverpool do not buy Badu, it would be a terrible mistake to be sure.
1 out of 5
Lallana has been making headlines ever since his team, Southampton, regained their Premier League status. Lallana has been even better this season and has had a few England National Team call-ups to reward his great run of form. He is much like Gerrard during his days of being a human dynamo, marauding from box to box. He would be a great future replacement for Gerrard for sure and would be a great addition in January. He is a great striker of the ball but even better in possession, he is like a mix between Joe Allen and Gerrard in my opinion. I cannot say if he would be able to displace the current center mid's we have to start each match for now but would get more playing time in the future. He definitely wouldn't be cheap probably costing in the region of 15 million pounds. Lallana has spoken repeatedly of how much he has enjoyed his time at Southampton, his only club, and rules out a move anytime soon and says he would turn down a move to Man U or Liverpool, so this move is quite unlikely.
1 out of 5
Adam Lallana
1 out of 5
Verdict:
These are the most likely to be signed in January, though there could be others, but to be honest another center midfielder is low on the the Red's wishlist at the moment. My guess is that probably 2 players will move to Liverpool in January but it probably will be a left back and attacking midfielder/wing instead. That said I really hope that Liverpool sign Rakitic and would also be happy with the joining of Jorginho as well.
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