Liverpool will be returning to Europe's elite competition, the Champions League thanks to their second place finish in the EPL last season. The competition brings new expectations as well as opportunities for Liverpool, especially in the transfer market. Gone are the days of losing players like Willian and Mkhitaryan to Champions League teams, now the Reds are able to really bring in some ringers. The thin squad needs strengthening but even more so in need of an injection of Champion's League level players in order to push on from the successes of last season. So far Liverpool have addressed the need of more squad players in bringing in the experienced striker Rickie Lambert as well as the promising midfielder Emre Can. Neither of Liverpool's signings thus far are capable of dislodging any of the current starting eleven. So what do Liverpool do now? What do they need to do in order to be successful next season?
Sell the unwanted:
Liverpool's owners will certainly be willing to spend the cash this summer as a show of good faith to Rodgers and to prepare for the Champions League. Despite the influx of available funds Liverpool still would benefit from offloading players who are simply getting their pay by sitting on the bench. Cissokho and Moses are already gone as they did not impress while on loan last season, provoking Rodgers to say that he does not plan on going back into the loan market again. Assaidi impressed in spurts while on loan to Stoke City last season but small injuries is hampering his chances. All parties involved would benefit from his sale to another team. Pepe Reina did decently while at Napoli last season but not good enough for Napoli to want to put out the cash Liverpool want for him. His wages are a stumbling block for his departure but he still needs to find somewhere else to play as Rodgers lost faith the Spaniard. Daniel Agger is again rumored to be offered a move away and it might be best if he was sold his summer as Sakho looks to have dislodged the loyal but at times shaky Dane. Suso is also rumored to depart though another loan move to continue his progression might be best. Also worth mentioning is Borini's great development last year, I believe he should be given more chances at Liverpool next season.
Strengthen the defense:
The defense was Liverpool's achille's heel last season. Skrtel was fantastic (especially off corners) and Johnson usually solid but the second center back and the left back were big problem areas last season. Sakho was decent and will improve with time but Toure was simply awful and cost the Reds crucial points with his blunders. I believe an additional center back should be brought in, and my first choice would be Southampton's Dejan Lovren. Liverpool were linked with the Croat last summer but became a Saint instead but now seeks a move to a Champions League club. Liverpool are boosted in the chase for his signature by his reported transfer request sent to his club's management.
Another weak point is of course the left back position. This has been a problem area for Liverpool for years and Enrique was thought to be our left back saviour, but inconsistency and long term injuries have made that impossible. Liverpool must now seek a new saviour for the left back position and there are many options for them. Alberto Moreno is being reported as close to a move but that Sevilla's high demands might stop the deal from materializing. If Moreno is not signed there are many other young talents for Liverpool to pursue. They include the Swiss/Chilean/Spanish/German Wolfsburg player Ricardo Rodriguez who can shield and tackle like nobody's business and is a great free kick taker, and is only 21 years old! Then there is the adaptable Marcos Rojo of Argentina and Sporting Lisbon. He is just as comfortable at left back as he is in the center and is starting for his country during the World Cup, and is only 24.
Champions League quality attacking midfielder:
I believe that Liverpool don't need to many players brought in so it wouldn't be the worst thing if an attacking midfielder wasn't signed. Coutinho is doing very well and still has a lot to learn at only 22 years old but I do believe Liverpool can bring in someone to start in front of him. Adam Lallana seemed to be the first choice for Liverpool but that move seems a ways off from being completed due to Southampton's reluctance to sell. Another, higher profile target is Alexis Sanchez whose future at Barcelona is again being questioned as a new manager takes the helm at the Nou Camp. The options for Liverpool in this position are many and have the ability to attract a really good attacker this summer.
In conclusion I believe 3 players should be sold and 5 players brought in(including Emre and Lambert). By making these changes I believe that Liverpool will be able to repeat the surprisingly lethal attacking backed by a more organized and talented back line. I for one am really looking forward to next season, though having the World Cup to pass the time makes it a bit easier to get through.
