Rey's Origins

Leia and Han
This seems the most obvious of the theories out there, that Rey is the second child of Han and Leia. Here are the things that point to this rumor being true.
-Rey has a natural ability to pilot and fix star ships, especially the Millennium Falcon.
-Rey often says the same things as Han.
-The Millennium Falcon just happens to be owned by the guy that she was dropped off to by her family.
-When Rey tells Han her name Han offers to take her as his second mate on the Falcon.
-When Rey goes after Finn in Maz's Castle Maz asks Han, "who's the girl" and then cuts away, implying that Han knows who she is and that he has a connection to her.
-When Kylo Ren learns that a girl is responsible for BB-8's escape he freaks out even more than usual, implying that he knows who she is and has a connection to her already. He does the same thing when she escapes in the Starkiller Base.
-Kylo tries to persuade Rey to join him as his student in the Force, why would he offer to do that for a stranger?
-Rey and Leia seem to possibly know each other after destroying the Starkiller Base, they look at each other for a time and then embrace each other, despite this being the first time they've ever seen each other? Seems fishy.
-Rey is given the Millennium Falcon to go after Luke with Chewie, as if she has inherited the ship.
-Leia and Han have a boy and a girl in the EU books with the boy turning to the dark side and the girl being a jedi.

Things against:
-Han and Leia would be the worst parents in the world if they not only had Kylo become a psychopath but also abandon and completely forget about their second child on a remote planet and not recognize her when they see her again.
-Rey has a British accent, where did she get that? You would think that at least one of Rey's parents would have the accent as well, where else would it come from? Certainly not Jakku, it had to be acquired before she was abandoned.
-In a movie where both Han and Leia are featured a lot you think one of them would have said at least something to at least suggest they were her parents.
-Maz says that Rey must know that her parents aren't coming back to Jakku to get her. Maz also says that the lightsaber belonged to Anakin, then his son Luke, and now it is calling to her. This seems to imply that she is Luke's kid, not Leia's.
-In her vision there is no clues suggesting that Rey is Leia's kid.
-The lightsaber skips over Kylo and goes to Rey instead, as if she has a better claim to it than he (as Luke's nephew, not daughter) does.

Luke's child
This is the second main theory out there, that Luke had a child with some random woman, something happened and he abandoned her on Jakku. There are strong facts for and against this one.
Things for:
-Rey's adventure in TFA is nearly identical to ANH. They look similar. They both grow up on a desert planet that they are not originally from. They feel alone. They both search for a life with greater meaning. They meet an old war hero who becomes something of a mentor for the movie before they die. They are both introduced to the Force and given the exact same lightsaber.
-Luke has more motive of dropping off Rey on a deserted planet than Han and Leia because he abandoned "everything" when his apprentice turned to the dark side, that could very well include Rey, perhaps to protect her from Ren.
-Luke is shown in Rey's vision when she touches the lightsaber. They seem to have a bond through the lightsaber, just as Luke had with Vader.
-Rey tells BB-8 that her origins are classified. Luke is the number one wanted man in the galaxy, by both sides, and so having her true identity revealed to the galaxy would put her in extreme danger.
-Rey and Luke have an interesting stare off at the end of the film, some interpret it as it being daughter being reunited with father.
-Luke's theme song comes on when Rey reaches out with the Force during her lightsaber duel with Kylo Ren, in a movie that rarely used any scores from the original trilogy. This song could connect them.
-Leia's embrace with Rey almost seems like it could be aunt to niece after not seeing each other for a long time.

Against:
-Jedi are forbidden from having children. This one is a little weak as in the EU Luke has kids and the fact is that he can basically do whatever he wants because there is no one to enforce rules except for him. Despite this Luke could have taken steps to rebuild the Jedi Order to exactly how it was before the Empire with rules like this. Or Luke could have seen that it was because of this rule that Anakin fell to the dark side.
-Who is the mother? There are no indications that Luke ever settled down with anyone. There is no one in the original trilogy and no mentions of a girl in TFA. It seems like Luke was only motivated to rebuild the Order, not to settle down. And if he did marry, where is the mother now?
-Again where did Rey get her accent? It is possible that Luke's wife had an accent or raised her in a place where she developed it because of her surroundings, but it seems a little out there.
-Rey seems genuine when she says to Finn, "Luke Skywalker, I thought he was just a myth?" Why wouldn't she know that Luke is real if he was her father?
-Rey appears to know nothing of the Force when we meet her, if she was Luke's daughter you'd think she'd at least know a little about it.


Obi Wan Kenobi's granddaughter
I am leaning the most to this theory recently. The theory is that Obi Wan, after settling on Tattoine to be near Luke, had a child with some chick. He was there for like 20 years and you'd think old Ben would do something besides scare Sand People, maybe he settled down with a girl for a time. They had a child and then that child eventually had Rey.
Things for:
-This could explain Rey's accent as Obi Wan is one of the very few characters that are good to have a British accent.
-Obi Wan was actually in possession of Anakin's lightsaber for more time than Anakin and Luke combined while he kept it on Tattoine. Maybe the connection is not to Luke but to Obi Wan instead.
-In Rey's vision we hear the voices of the two Obi Wan's as they say: "Rey, these are your first steps."
In the vision we also here Luke yell "No" like in Empire and Yoda talk about the Force being all around us. Both Luke and Yoda's talking is general in nature and only repeats of what they said in previous movies, but Obi Wan is the only one that really directly speaks to her, telling her that she is following in his footsteps.
-Despite knowing next to nothing of the Force she busts out a jedi mind trick to trick a Stormtrooper, almost exactly how Obi Wan does it in Episode IV. Besides Obi Wan we only see Qui Gon Jin try to use the jedi mind trick, and he fails at it! Each jedi has a particular skill that they are known for or best at and it seems like Obi Wan will be remembered most for his mind tricks.
-Rey sneaks around the Starkiller Base just like Obi Wan does in Episode IV aboard the Death Star.
-It could be that Rey's parents knew little of the Force and were terrified when their daughter had great Force powers, and decided to drop her off on Jakku in fear of her.
-Daisy Ridley, the actress who plays Rey states that Rey's solitary nature is a big clue as to who she really is. Some interpret this meaning that she flies "Solo" but it can also be interpreted as being just like Obi Wan was for 20 years living in isolation on Tattoine.

The things going against this theory are many and would require a lot of backstory telling to explain it all.

My Predictions For Episode VIII

Star Wars Episode VII answered a lot of questions for fans. We learned what has happened to our heroes Leia, Han and Luke (for the most part). We also learned the identity of Kylo Ren and about the fate of the Rebellion and Empire. Despite all the questions the latest installment answered, even more were raised. Questions include: who exactly is Rey (is she the daughter of Luke, Leia, or no one in particular), who is Snoke, what has happened to the Republic and the First Order (after losing so much at Starkiller), the list goes on.

It will be a couple years before we learn the answers to these questions, but I am going to make some predictions on what will be revealed in Episode VIII.

1. It was Kylo Ren who put Rey on Jakku.
It seems weird that parents would abandon a little girl on Jakku with a stranger who treats her like crap, unless it wasn't her parents who did it. Rey says that she is waiting for her "family" not her parents, which could mean that Kylo is her older brother. My theory is that Rey was shipped off to receive Jedi training like her brother. Ben struggled in his training and when it came easy to his little sister he became enraged and willing to do anything for more power. Snoke reached out to him and promised more power, if he followed him. Snoke's first order was to kill all of the jedi in training, which included his sister. Just as it shows in Rey's vision, Kylo and the Knights of Ren killed the padawans with Rey looking on. My theory is that Kylo couldn't bring himself to kill his sister, but couldn't go back to Snoke leaving her alive, so he took her and dropped her off on a random planet instead. Kylo becomes enraged when he learns that a girl from Jakku is with BB-8, very much more than the news that they got away. Kylo becomes just as angry when he learns that Rey has escaped her constraints on Starkiller. He also seems to know a bit about her power, saying that she will get stronger and stronger as she feels out her power. Kylo wants to train her, not kill her in their battle, which is another suggestion that there is a connection between the two. So why doesn't Rey seem to know him? This is hard to answer but it could have been that she has blocked out those painful memories from her mind, and she was quite young when she was dropped on Jakku.

2. Finn will not be trained as a Jedi, but as a pilot under Poe Dameron.
We want to see Luke rebuild the Jedi Order, but I don't think that is happening anytime soon, at least not in many numbers. I think Rey will be taught one on one with Luke. It is still uncertain if Finn is force sensitive at all, and even capable of becoming a Jedi. All Finn seems to want is to make up for what the First Order has done and so I'm sure he will continue to fight with the Resistance and his budding friendship with Poe will help him climb the ranks and acquire skills.

3. Poe Dameron will be killed, and Finn will step into his shoes.
I think that Poe is too perfect to keep around for the full trilogy and will probably be the next big character to bite the dust.

4. Kylo Ren will be much more powerful and dangerous.
Kylo is heading back to his master, Snoke to complete his training. Now that Kylo has killed his father he has given himself almost fully to the Dark Side and able to acquire more power because of it, like when Vader killed the younglings.

5. Snoke's identity will be revealed.
I believe there will be two big reveals in the next episode, first of Rey's Skywalker lineage and then that Snoke is indeed Darth Plagueis. In Episode III we learn about Darth Plagueis. We learn that he learned how to create life and prevent death, and then it is very heavily implied that Sidious is his apprentice. It is also said that his apprentice killed him in his sleep. Later Sidious tries to persuade Anakin to join him in order to save Padme saying that there has only been one that has cheated death but that they can figure it out together. This implies that Sidious knows that Plagueis is still alive, though obviously not revealing himself. My theory is that Plagueis knew that Sidious would kill him and so he created a life form powerful in the Force that could avenge him, that was Anakin. Anakin's mother said that she doesn't know how she became pregnant that she couldn't explain it. Anakin eventually killed Sidious, thus allowing Plagueis to come forth from the shadows and reclaim what was left of the Empire he helped Sidious create. Obviously Plagueis would be weak from nearly being killed by Sidious and carry scars from the attack. Snoke carries a large scar on his head that looks like a lightsaber cut. Even if this theory is incorrect I believe that Snoke's true identity will be revealed.

6. There will be less battles than in Episode VIII
Now that The Force Awakens has appeased fans by replicating much of the content from the original Star Wars they has created enough hype to get away with more dialogue and less action. Fans will be dying for answers that this movie didn't answer and I think most of them will be answered. I think this movie will include a lot of jedi training on both sides of the Force, Snoke and Kylo and Luke with Rey. Much like in Empire Strikes Back I think the training will halt when a new threat arises, this time probably between the First Order and the Republic directly.

Star Wars The Force Awakens: What I Believe Will Happen

My Microsoft Word is being stupid so I am writing this on my blog! I have done extensive research on this movie and I think I have a pretty good idea about what is going to be shown when the movie opens December 18. This is just speculation though and I could be totally wrong.

The movie will start as all Star Wars movies do, with a spaceship traveling towards a planet. The ship is a First Order shuttle travelling towards the desert planet Jakku along with some carriers. The ships lands outside of a settlement and a battle commences when Resistance fighters show up. The First Order is there looking for something under the leadership of Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma. The First Order wins the battle, torching the settlement and taking Resistance leader Poe Dameron captive for questioning. Poe's astromech droid, takes Luke's lightsaber and escapes into the desert in search of the person the First Order is looking for. The First Order leave the planet to their Star Destroyer above the planet. (Another possibility is that Luke is there at this battle and the First Order is unable to defeat them, so they decide to find his hidden daughter to convince him to join them).

Now we go to a different part of Jakku where Rey, Luke's secret daughter, is scavenging an old fallen Star Destroyer for parts. After a hard days work she begins heading for home when she encounters another scavenger who has just captured BB8. Rey threatens him until he gives her BB8, who says that he has come for her. The scavenger is part of a gang and says that she is going to pay for this. Rey and BB8 talk on their way home.

Back to the bad guys on the Star Destroyer and Kylo Ren is interrogating Poe to discover the location of the hidden thing. He tortures him until he tells him the location. Finn, the Stormtrooper escorting Poe back to his quarters, decides that he has seen enough evil and decides to quit the First Order and plots to save Poe. During this time General Hux, Kylo and Phasma discuss their next actions. Finn and Poe hijack ships and they get away but Finn's TIE fighter is shot down on Jakku. Finn ejects from the fighter in time to survive and walks a ways to the settlement that Rey lives in.

Rey is at the settlement trading some parts, probably for water and supplies when gang members show up and want to beat her up for taking BB8. Finn has just arrived at the settlement and is watching. Rey fights them and Finn helps her and they get away from them. Finn tells her that he is there to help her get away from the First Order, who are looking for her. Then the First Order show up, first with TIE fighters that try to shoot them up and they try to get to a speeder but that is blown up. Rey says she knows where to find a ship and pilot and they run and get Han and Chewie to help and then in the confusion of Stormtroopers attacking the settlement they escape in the Falcon, which was taken by the gang. Once again the Falcon's hyperdrive is damaged so Chewie and Han work on it while Rey flies and Finn mans the guns. They fly through the battle ruins and shoot down the TIE fighters and go into lightspeed.

While travelling through space the good guys have a chance to talk about things. Han says that all the stories in the original trilogy are all true. This is significant because those events are now not much more than myth or legend.

The good guys arrive at the forest planet of Takodana, at the hidden pirate castle owned by pirate queen Maz Kanata, a small alien that is good friends with Han. They are going there for refuge as well as answers about the location of the Resistance and more importantly Luke. It is here that Rey learns that Luke is her father. She is shocked and upset about hearing this and goes off into the woods to be alone with her thoughts. During this time the First Order shows up and attacks them. Maz has a traitor in her midst who leaked their location to them. The First Order destroys the castle and takes the good guys captive. When all seems lost Poe shows up with a squadron of X-wings and a big battle ensues. Finn uses Luke's lightsaber in the battle. Kylo Ren learns that Rey has fled to the forest and he goes after her. Rey fires a blaster at him but it is no use and he captures her and they flee the planet.

Poe leads Han and Finn to the planet D'Qar where the Resistance base is hidden, here Han and Leia reunite. During the battle the heroes learned about the First Orders' superweapon, the Starkiller Base. The discuss battle plans to attack the base and rescue Rey.

Kylo takes Rey to the base and they talk about their pasts. Kylo tries to convince Rey to join him and the Knights of Ren. She is taken to Supreme Leader Snoke. She resists them for now, but is confused about which path to take.

The Resistance leaves D'Qar for Starkiller to attack. The First Order hold a Nazi style rally to prepare for battle. Han and Finn land on the planet and go on the ground to get to where Rey is being held.

A huge battle ensues. The Resistance blows up the superweapon as they are preparing to use it against them.

During this time the heroes meet with Kylo and maybe Snoke. They break in and retrieve Rey and they use speeders to get away but Kylo chases them down. Kylo shoots down Han and Chewie and corners Rey and Finn. Finn fights Kylo and just as he is about to be defeated Luke shows up and uses the Force like a wizard to send Kylo fleeing for his life and they escape.

Bam!

Nice huh. Yeah, next season should be pretty great. Nuf said.

A Good Summer

It is pretty clear that Liverpool are not going to be spending the kind of money that they did last summer. Even if they don't break the bank there are plenty of good business that can be done. Here is a look at what I hope the squad will look like at the beginning of next season after they bring in a few signings. The most expensive signing would be a top striker, but Liverpool might decide against such a big investment and go with someone like Ings instead, which still wouldn't be the end of the world.

Clear out trouble

It is well known that Liverpool are looking to offload quite a large number of players during the summer due to too many poor performances this season. It looked as though Liverpool were looking to get rid of Brendan Rodgers and as many as a dozen players including: Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto, Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard, Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini, Sebastian Coates, Brad Jones, Jose Enrique, Kolo Toure, Raheem Sterling, Lazar Markovic, Joao Teixera, and maybe Lucas Leiva and Tiago Ilori. It appears that as the dust is beginning to settle that the owners are having a change of heart and are willing to give many of these players another chance. The most surprising that FSG are supposedly willing to give Rodgers another season despite an embarrassing campaign and having quality managers like Klopp and Ancelotti available to replace him. Another shock were contract renewals for Kolo Toure and Andre Wisdom. Rodgers has also made it clear that Liverpool don't plan on selling Raheem Sterling and expect him to see out his remaining 2 years of his contract. The last to mention was reported today when Balotelli's agent reiterated that his client will not be moving this summer.

The news that Balo will be staying (supposedly) another season is the most shocking since Liverpool are is such dire need of a proper replacement for Suarez and it is hard to see the owners sanctioning signing another expensive striker with big wage demands. It hasn't even been a week since the season ended and already it appears that it will be much harder for Liverpool to move unwanted players away. Players like Enrique, Alberto, Coates and Jones will likely find it hard to find permanent transfer suitors due to their lack of playing time recently. Most Liverpool fans were looking forget this season ever happened but now it appears as though fans will have to relive it as most of the under performers will be returning next season. This is not all bad though, it will definitely save a bit of face for the transfer committee by not getting rid of half of last summer's signings.

So how will the summer transfer plans be different now that we know that major changes in personnel won't be happening? For one don't expect a top striker to be signed. I expect Liverpool to get rid of Iago Aspas, Fabio Borini and/or Rickie Lambert. If they get rid of all of them then I could see them signing another striker of a similar caliber such as Danny Ings. The renewing of Andre Wisdom's contract and the fact that Javier Manquillo's 2 year loan spell hasn't been canceled is leading us to believe that Liverpool will not be signing a new right back as well. This is almost as worrying as not signing a new striker. Manquillo is average and Wisdom is not any better, though he might end up playing center back in a back three which might suit Wisdom better. With Gerrard leaving it is expected that Emre Can will be moving to his preferred position as a defending midfielder instead of center or right back. Despite this Gerrard leaves the midfield a bit shorthanded, especially in terms of top level experience. Lucas would be the one with the most experience but I think Can will edge him out for a place in the starting lineup which means that Henderson will have the most experience, which is a bit of a worry. Hopefully Liverpool end up signing James Milner on a free transfer to give the midfield some needed experience. Milner has mostly been employed as a winger but he has stated that he would prefer to play in a more central role like he did in his last year with Villa. The last thing worth mentioning is the potential departure of our top scorer and most promising young player Raheem Sterling. If Sterling is sold then I believe Liverpool will use most of the profits from his sale to get a replacement. I believe that this will be the area that Liverpool will improve on this summer. There are so many top wingers/attacking midfielders available that it will be easy to get another great one. My hope is a Sterling/Walcott swap but there are plenty others like Javier Pastore, Eduardo Salvio. James Milner, Alexandre Lacazette (yeah I know he is primarily a striker but he is fine in any attacking role), Denis Cheryshev, Andre Ayew, Arda Turan, Jeremy Menez, Pedro, Yannick Bolasie. That is not to mention all of the promising young wingers currently at the club including Adam Lallana, Jordan Ibe, Lazar Markovic, Jerome Sinclair, and Sheyi Ojo.

All of this is to say that the owners will probably not be making wholesale changes this summer. Its probably not the best thing to do, but this is the Liverpool we have to live with. Let's just hope that there are enough improvements made to the squad to make a difference, if only ever so slightly, so that we don't have to endure any painful season. #Klopp for Kop

Sterling silver

We were all hoping that Raheem Sterling would listen to the rest of the entire human population and accept a new contract at Liverpool. If recent reports are to be believed then we are all going to be disappointed because he is supposedly going to meet with Rodgers to ask to be sold this summer. Like many fans I would be sad to see Sterling leave but let's be honest, he hasn't exactly endeared himself to fans recently with things he's said in the media. Sterling leaving would be a blow to Liverpool's ego more than anything because I believe we have good cover in his position, and the fee for his transfer would be more than sufficient to bring in someone who could be ever better for us.

If Sterling is sold this summer he will command a fee probably between 30m-40m pounds. The owners would have undoubtedly put aside a considerable amount already as they need a new, top striker and strengthening in other areas, and they are going to be selling plenty of fringe players like Borini and Aspas as well. This money, added to Sterling's fee, will provide plenty of cash to sign some serious talent. So with this serious cash, who should Liverpool be looking to sign?

Sterling's replacement

Liverpool have quite a few wingers in their ranks already: Lallana, Markovic, Ibe, Sinclair and even Coutinho who can take Sterling's place in the starting lineup. That said I think Liverpool need to do better and there have been plenty of wingers linked with a move. Here are a few players that have been linked.

James Milner

The Manchester City midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. Reports say that a lack of Champions League may be a hindrance for a move but I don't think it will effect his decision too much. Milner does not set the world alight but he still has been one of the most consistent players in the EPL over the past few years. He is hardworking and a true jack of all trades, able to play winger, center midfielder, fullback, wingback and has even played as striker occasionally for Manchester City. Liverpool have a very young squad, especially in the wing area, and so to have a seasoned veteran like Milner playing for us would be a huge positive. Add the fact that that he wouldn't cost a thing to sign and it seems like a no brainer.

Javier Pastore

The 25 year old Argentinian has enjoyed a good season at PSG after a somewhat indifferent first couple years in Paris. I have said this before but I believe that Pastore is one of the best players in the world, on his good days as he can be somewhat inconsistent but at others unplayable. I saw him play during a preseason friendly versus Chelsea almost three years ago and I thought he was the best on the pitch and probably the best I've ever seen play. He sets up his teammates in ways others would never envision and his ball control is unbelievable. The downside to his play is he is not the best at tracking back on defense. PSG are also not short in the wing area and so Pastore leaving wouldn't be the end of the world for them. He probably wouldn't be too expensive, probably between 15m-25m.

Andre Ayew

The young Ghanaian winger is out of contract at Marseilles at the end of the season and has said that he will probably be moving. Ayew has said that he is a big fan of the English Premier League and specifically Liverpool. Ayew has done a decent job for Marseilles and Ghana, having a good showing for his country at the World Cup. He would be an upgrade maybe for Sinclair, Ibe and maybe Markovic but to be honest, he's not a whole lot better than them. His signing would be free so it wouldn't be much of a risk to sign him. I think Ayew would be a good signing, but Liverpool can do better and is probably a plan B.

Denis Cheryshev

It has been a while since reports came out linking the young Russian with a move to Anfield. He has enjoyed a fruitful spell on loan at Villareal from Real Madrid but probably still has some developing to do before he can be considered a top player. I doubt that Real Madrid will be too worried about the Russian's possible transfer as they have so many top wingers like Ronaldo and Bale. He wouldn't cost too much, probably around the 15m pound range and would probably be another plan B, but it seems like Liverpool have had to sign all their plan B's recently.

Yannick Bolasie

It is probably just typical transfer speculation from the media that has linked the pacy Congonese winger with a move to Anfield. In recent years Liverpool have made a habit of signing players that have played exceptionally well against them like Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, and others. If that trend continues then it is likely that Liverpool will sign Bolasie as he tore them apart during Crystal Palace's game against Liverpool last weekend. His pace is electrifying and his play is anything but predictable, as the commentators said in the last match, even he doesn't know what he's going to do next. I expect Bolasie to sign a new deal with Palace this summer but you never know. He wouldn't be cheap either, probably in the 20m pound range. Liverpool fans definitely wouldn't be very excited about the signing of Bolasie, but he might be good at Liverpool, but we probably won't ever find out.

Steven's Farewell

I just watched Steven Gerrard's farewell speech following his last home game for Liverpool again and it really hit me. The reason I became a Liverpool fan was because of the 2005 Champions League Final, because Gerrard and co. showed heart as they fought their way back for the victory. As I became more familiar with Liverpool I realized how fortunate the club was to have a player like Steven Gerrard. He was a local lad who came through the ranks and now captained the team by example.

I've had some good influences in my life but to me Steven Gerrard was my true idol. I tried to play like him, live like him, even look like him. One of the best compliments I ever received was when I was in London in a JD Sports and my friends little brother said I looked just like Steven Gerrard, who was on a poster. Side note, I was told I look like Adam Lallana by my sister in law last week, another player I style after, another great compliment.

I am a Liverpool fan because of Steven Gerrard. I can't believe that he is leaving. I do not argue that he is making a mistake by leaving, I believe he has made the right decision, but it is still hard to accept. The era of the local lads, Gerrard and Carragher, has come to an end. Liverpool are now headed into uncharted territory and everyone will be asking, how will Liverpool cope?

There will only be one local lad in the first team squad next season, Jon Flanagan, who, due to injury has found himself on the periphery and may never feature heavily for the club. There are a few promising youngsters in the youth ranks from Liverpool like Jordan Rossiter but it will be a while before we may see any of them in the starting lineup. So the question is, will Liverpool be the same without a local heart in the dressing room? I certainly believe that it can, Liverpool just need to bring in the right kind of players.

Liverpool FC may not be as good as they once were but the passion is still there, especially in the fans. Rodgers and the owners need to ensure that the passion is not diminished by Gerrard's departure by signing players that realize how lucky they are to play in front of the Kop. A lack of Champions League will make things more difficult but it is certainly possible. I look at players like Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Martin Skrtel as players that love the club and will fight to the end for it. They were all signed when Liverpool could not offer Champions League football.

There are way too many players rumored with a move to Liverpool and it will only get crazier after the season ends and football reporters will have little else to write about other than transfer speculation. There are only a few positions that really need true strengthening during the off season, a right back would be nice but a top striker is a must as it appears that Sturridge may never be fit. A center midfielder may also be added with Gerrard departing but I do not believe that Liverpool need an out and out replacement as Emre Can can step into that role if a center back is signed (or a loaned player like Coates, Ilori or Wisdom is promoted). Brad Jones has said his goodbyes to fans and so it appears that Liverpool are in the market for a new goalkeeper, although probably an understudy to Mignolet due to the Beligan's much improved form this year.

I will waste may hours myself going on and on about transfer rumors this summer and praying to God that Liverpool will sign top players. One thing that I hope most of all is that these players are fans of Liverpool, that they would choose us over others (screw Depay), and that they realize that they have big shoes to fill next season. One thing is for sure, it will be different next season, and I can't wait to see what happens. In the meantime I will be catching a few MLS games with my local team Real Salt Lake, who will be entertaining Gerrard's new team, LA Galaxy, in July. I saw Gerrard play only once before in a friendly against Tottenham in Baltimore, and I can't wait to see him again.

New striker rumors

It appears that the rumors of Benteke becoming Liverpool's number one transfer target have passed, or at least put on hold for the time being. In the last week new rumors have emerged of Liverpool striker transfers. It appears as if Danny Ings is becoming closer to a move to Liverpool now that Burnley have been relegated.

The other most interesting rumor concerns Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a move to Anfield. This is a post to assess if Aubameyang would be a good signing for Liverpool, and if it is a plausible deal. The 25, soon 26 year old Gabonese striker has enjoyed a pretty successful second campaign in Germany, scoring 22 goals in all competitions. He has scored more than all of Liverpool's strikers combined this season and so would definitely bring much needed goals to the team.

Aubameyang is most known for his speed which is considerable. Speed and high pressing is a must for playing in Rodgers' system and Aubameyang certainly can fulfill those requirements. He is deadly on the break with great vision and finishing which is something Liverpool have lacked in a striker this season. In watching him he shows similar style to how Suarez plays, with creativity, speed and improvisation.

I have read reports saying that Aubameyang is a Klopp kind of player...which means if Klopp ends up becoming Liverpool's new manager then this deal becomes much more likely to happen. The fact that Aubameyang is being linked with Liverpool might be implying that Liverpool are trying to bring Dortmund players in because they are going to bring Klopp in too. This is unlikely and to be honest a deal for Aubemeyang seems far off, but still possible.

Summer Transfer Calendar

The season hasn't even ended and Reds fans have already suffered transfer heartache once again. Rodgers may deny that they were never interested in signing Depay, but the evidence is clear that he is just trying to save face. Liverpool fans are not buying it and so the owners will look to bring good news soon or else face further wrath from the fans. This will be another important summer for Liverpool, though to be honest I feel that only minor adjustments are needed this time around because I expect last summer's signings to perform better next time around after a season of getting used to their new club. Rodgers has stated that last summer it was about quantity, increasing the squad depth but that this time they will look for more quality and said they are looking for marquee signings. Here are my predictions for how Liverpool's summer will unfold.

Norberto Neto
I think that a back up goalkeeper will be the first signing of the season, though it probably won't be announced until mid to late May as negotiations with Fiorentina and other potential clubs will be ongoing as his contract winds down. He will probably be told that the starting lineup is his to claim, though in reality I don't see him overtaking Mignolet after his impressive form this year. Still a good piece of business as we clearly need to upgrade our back up goalkeeper from Brad Jones, who will probably leave this summer with Neto's arrival.

Asier Illaramendi
Liverpool will be losing Steven Gerrard this summer when his contract expires and joins LA Galaxy. Liverpool probably don't need to sign a replacement center midfielder as Emre Can should be playing there next season, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to sign another. Illaramendi hasn't ever really settled at Real Madrid since his move in 2013 and recently has been phased out even more as Sergio Ramos is playing in the midfield now. The young Spaniard will be pricey, probably 20m, but I believe Madrid would be willing to sell, though I expect Liverpool to haggle for weeks as they usually do. I expect this one to be completed just before the team ships out for the summer tour in Australia, mid June.

Christian Benteke
Signing the Belgian beast will be the marquee signing of the summer. While many fans will be calling out for strikers like Higuain or Cavani, I think Benteke might be even more of a success at Anfield, and significantly cheaper. That said he won't be cheap and will cost around 25-30m pounds as he has been Aston Villa's savior this season and in seasons past. The problem with Benteke is that he plays quite similarly to Balotelli, who didn't fit into Liverpool's style at all. The difference is that he is very good on the counter attack on the break, which was the signature of SAS last season. Plus Benteke is a menace to defenders and wins almost every ball in the air, plus a killer poacher of goals. There will be haggling of course but I think Liverpool will will willing to fork over the big bucks to sign Benteke because they need a quality striker to replace Daniel Sturridge.

Martin Montoya
I think that the potential signing of Barcelona right back Martin Montoya will be the transfer saga that keeps rambling on all summer but won't be completed until the last few weeks. Barcelona don't use the young Spaniard but they will be hesitant to let him leave because they are under a transfer embargo so they couldn't sign a replacement until January. This one will be frustrating but Liverpool will realize that Manquillo and Flanagan are not good enough and finally shovel out enough money to sign a great up and coming right back.

I don't expect Liverpool to go crazy and sign the world's best players. Lack of funds and Champions League (and our manager/transfer committee) will also hamper our transfer ambitions. I think something similar to these signings in this sort of way will end up happening, and if it does I for one would be quite pleased. A backup goalkeeper would be a great addition, yet not a total necessity. Same goes for another center midfielder like Illaramendi but he would certainly add quality to the team. Benteke would be the marquee signing which Liverpool fans will be skeptical of but one that I think would be fantastic in the end. A new right back is probably the second most important position that Liverpool need to strengthen and Montoya would be a great addition. Like I stated earlier I don't think a complete overhaul is needed but additions like these would certainly make a difference as Liverpool look get back into the Champions League next season.

This is the price Depay. How will Liverpool sign top players again?

Clint Dempsey, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Diego Costa, Mohamed Salah, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Alexis Sanchez, Victor Valdez. Liverpool have missed out on all of these players and more in the last three years. We were outbid by Spurs for Dempsey, Klopp convinced Mkhitaryan to join Dortmund instead, Costa moved to Chelsea a year after Liverpool tried to sign him, Salah chose to be a bench warmer for Chelsea, we didn't offer enough for Konoplyanka, Sanchez chose London over Liverpool and Valdez chose Man U over us.

Today it was announced that Liverpool missed out on another top target, 21 year old superstar winger, Memphis Depay to Manchester United. So what is the reason Liverpool are so bad at signing top targets? Brendan Rodgers.

Many fans will place blame on the transfer committee or more specifically chief executive Ian Ayre on our transfer woes. They might be right, but looking at the previously named players you can see that Liverpool are targeting the right players...at first. The problem is that they have failed to convince those players that Liverpool are the right club for them, and then have to settle for players like Assaidi, Markovic and Balotelli.

Liverpool, under Fenway Sports Group, have made a concentrated effort to reduce player wages the past few years. Fans may blame this stinginess with player wages as the reason for their failure to sign a higher caliber of player. I believe that this may be true to a point, but it is not the biggest reason.

Failure to be consistently competing in the Champions League has been perhaps the biggest hindrance to the transfer problem. Liverpool missed out on a fantastic opportunity last summer as Champions League and an obese transfer kitty (from the Suarez sale) were once again at Liverpool's disposal to bring in top targets, but still failed to do so. With no Champions League next season (bar an epic miracle happens) it will probably be even more difficult to attract big talents to Anfield.

So Liverpool must look at what they can change in the immediate future to buck this trend of mediocrity in the transfer market. The change that can make all the difference is the managerial seat. Players want to play for top managers, it is an obvious statement, but important to understand. Under Rafael Benitez Liverpool signed players like Torres, Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Reina, to name a few. Even under Dalglish, who had been out of the managerial game for years, was able to attract the likes of Carrol, Suarez and Henderson.

Now we look at Rodgers. When he was appointed Liverpool manager he had just had a surprisingly successful first season with Swansea in the Premier League. Rodgers' first signings were Borini and Allen (who he knew from his time with them at Swansea), Assaidi, and a loan move for Nuri Sahin. It is safe to say that all of those signings have not been successful for Liverpool. When Liverpool appointed Rodgers they began to implement a new transfer policy based on signing young talents with potential to grow into superstars. Rodgers hit the jackpot with the January signings of Sturridge and Coutinho but since then none of his young signings have been able to replicate such miraculous growth.

And then Liverpool entered into the era of missing out on players. I believe that it is Rodgers' reputation that is to blame for transfer failings.  It is clear that many Liverpool players do not respect Rodgers.When players have the choice to play for the likes of Wenger, Klopp, Mourinho,van Gaal or Rodgers, most players will choose the formers. And so this brings us to what Liverpool can do to solve this problem, they can bring in a manager of elite status, a manager who top players want to play for.

Liverpool should be doing all they can to bring in one of the top managers in the world this summer who in recent weeks made it be known that he is seeking employment elsewhere. Jurgen Klopp will certainly have many suitors this summer, but this is one transfer that I hope Liverpool can pull off, and by doing so will be able to pull off many top transfers in the future that previously would have escaped us.

An in-between and more probable 2015/16 starting 11

Liverpool are set to undergo more changes in personnel this summer, yet I expect a similar squad for next season.

Mignolet has turned things around this year and currently holds the clean sheet record in the EPL so I would not be opposed to him carrying on next season as number one. Manquillo started the season as the starting right back but lost out to wing backs and now Johnson. He is decent but still has a way to go, yet I think he will continue to improve. Plus good right backs are a dime a dozen these days. Skrtel will probably sign a new contract before the end of the season, yay. Let's hope that Sakho can stay fit next season as he has shown he can be a very decent center back this season. Moreno had a decent yet uneven first season at Liverpool. Like Manquillo he is still very young and will continue to get better. He will become one of the best left backs in the world one day.

Emre Can has become a starting center back since the switch back to three at the back, yet seeing him make forward runs it is clear that he is more useful in the midfield. With Gerrard leaving this summer and Lucas being injured on a frequent basis I would bet that Can will start more games. Henderson will most undoubtedly become the new Liverpool captain and he deserves it. He has come a long way and has become one of Liverpool's most consistent performers. Rounding off the midfield is Coutinho, who recently made it into the EPL's Best 11 for his performances this year. His numbers aren't awesome but he has become an awesome player. He can be somewhat inconsistent and less effective against tougher opposition or when teams park the bus, which is something he can hopefully improve on next season. Plus he needs to grow out his hair to how it was when he first arrived when he looked like a proper Brazilian.

The biggest changes will most likely happen in the attacking positions. Sturridge is injured for the long haul once again and every other striker isn't good enough. There have been some big names linked with a move to Liverpool but I think they will end up signing Benteke as one of their two marquee signings. He has impressed me immensely in recent weeks and his goals to games played ratio is crazy good this season. Forget the overpriced and over hyped strikers, sign Benteke up! Sterling will have one year left on his current contract and I expect him to stay even if he doesn't sign a new one this summer, that is unless Manchester City are desperate for English blood and fork out the big bucks. If so then there are plenty of other options including Lallana, Ibe and Markovic. Last of the attacking three will hopefully be Depay from PSV. There are a lot of clubs going after the young Dutch winger but Liverpool seem to be one of the top suitors for his signature. These changes up front are sure to bring many more goals for Liverpool than this season.

Please no more half measures this summer

Life as a Liverpool fan has been difficult since Suarez left us. The current squad is just not good enough for Liverpool. The reason Liverpool have gone so long without a title has been failing in the transfer window, a fact that Stan Collymore pointed out this week. In order to bring the good times back to Liverpool serious changes need to happen. Here is my dream team for 2015/16.

Goalkeeper

Cech or Lloris in. Brad Jones out.

Goalkeeper is not an area that needs massive improvement as Mignolet has done a bang up job since being dropped in December, but we can always do better. Cech and Lloris are definitely upgrades on Mignolet and so I would be happy to see either play for Liverpool.

Right back

Daryl Janmaat or Serge Aurier in. Johnson out, Manquillo out, Flanagan loaned out.

Earlier today I saw Glen Johnson play right wing back for us once again and it was painful to watch. Manquillo is an okay player but offers little to nothing going forward, which doesn't suit this 3-4-3 system we are currently playing. Flangan is still recovering from a season long injury and plays similarly to Manquillo. Obviously serious changes are needed at right back and so the transfer committee needs to make it a priority. They solved the left back problem with Moreno and need a similar kind of player on the right. To be honest decent right backs are hard to come by these days. Nathaniel Clyne would be the perfect match but it appears as though he already has all but signed for Manchester United. Daryl Janmaat impressed playing for Holland in the World Cup and has been one of the bright spots of Newcastles torrid season. He is able to also play center back, which makes him perfect for our current system. He is still decent going forward as a right back, as he did so in the World Cup. Prying him away from Newcastle could be difficult though. Serge Aurier was linked with many Premier League teams last summer before he sealed a season long loan move to PSG. He hasn't been first choice this season and so I expect that he will have many suitors. He is more of a true right back with pace and decent attacking threat. 

Center Backs

Papadopoulos in, Toure and Coates out

Despite all of the stick that our center backs, especially Lovren, get I don't think that we need to make serious changes in this position. Skrtel has been great and Sakho has shown how good he can be as well. Since Liverpool shoved out such an enormous fee for Lovren I think they should give him one more season to prove himself. If Rodgers insists with the 3 center backs then he needs to get someone to take Can's spot. Can has done well but it is clearly not his best position and Janmaat or Schalke's Kyriakos Papadopoulos would be good replacements. Good center backs are also hard to come by which makes improving in the position hard for Liverpool at the moment. Papadopoulos made a loan move to Bayern Leverkusen this season and hasn't played a ton but lately he is getting more game time. He isn't the fastest but his physical presence is massive and would be very helpful to Liverpool's back line. If Liverpool don't bring another center back it wouldn't be the end of the world.

Left Back

Stay the same

I don't see any reason to change things around at left back. Moreno has had some shaky moments but he is still extremely young and he has shown us how good he can be this season. Behind him in the pecking order is the social media freak Jose Enrique, who is a good back up.

Center midfielder

Nainggolan in. Gerrard out.

Everyone knows that Gerrard is leaving at the end of the season and everyone knows that Liverpool need to bring in a new midfielder to help in midfield. We don't need to sign another Gerrard, what we need is a solid midfielder who can allow the likes of Henderson, Coutinho and Allen to do their thing. A new midfielder isn't as important as other positions but I do believe that getting a quality midfielder in will do wonders. We don't need a midfielder like Coutinho, Lallana or Markovic but a player who can tackle and cover. Nadja Nainggolan of Roma can certainly do that so I would like to see Liverpool sign him.

Attacking midfield/winger
Depay and Milner in. Markovic out.
Liverpool signed both Markovic and Lallana last summer but neither has made serious contributions. Sterling has done well but because of it his head has grown too big and might look to move elsewhere. Liverpool needs to do all they can to convince Sterling to stay. That said I believe it wouldn't hurt to improve in the winger position and in doing so provide a back up if Sterling leaves. Memphis Depay is another Dutch player that shone on the main stage of the World Cup and has continued to improve in club play with PSV, who just won their first title in 8 years. This kid is seriously good, and only 21 years old. He will be one of the most coveted players of this coming transfer window so if Liverpool can sign him it would be a major coup. Manchester United are said to already be in negotiations, as has Liverpool, but I am hoping that we sign him. If we do sign him then someone will have to make way and I believe that would be either Markovic or Ibe, and I like Ibe. It also appears that Liverpool have already negotiated a deal for out of contract player James Milner who will be leaving Man City in the summer. He would bring precious winning experience and versatility that would be invaluable to our team. His main position is winger but I could see him excelling in a wingback role as well, or even in center midfield.

Striker
Cavani or Jovetic or Higuain or Lacazette, and Ings in. Balotelli, Borini and maybe Lambert out.
Liverpool need a new striker. Suarez was not adequately replaced and as a result Liverpool have only scored 47 goals in 34 games, while last season we had scored 94 in as many games. Balotelli was a risk but most of us knew it would fail. Liverpool need to go big this summer or they will endure another goal shy campaign as Sturridge is out half the time with broken nails or paper cuts. Edinson Cavani is my choice for striker, but it is quite a long shot as PSG bought him for 50m and are in no need for cash. Gonzalo Higuain is next on my list and is a more realistic target for Liverpool. Higuain has done good at his time at Napoli over the past 2 years, but not brilliant. I believe he would do very well at Liverpool, he has the same style as Suarez which would possibly help his teammates sync together like they did last season. Higuain wouldn't be cheap either but I think 30m would do the trick. The most realistic of the three is Stevan Jovetic, but even he is a bit of a long shot because I am sure Manchester City will not want to sell to a rival, especially if Milner ends up signing for us. Jovetic is quite similar to Higuain but injuries and stiff competition have kept Jovetic from getting enough playing time to truly prove himself, though he certainly has shown us glimpses of his talent. I would be happy with any of these three strikers. Last of the superstars would be Lacazette of Lyon. The Frenchman has been linked with all the top European sides this season as he has been scoring for fun. He has pace and a special eye for goal and is also able to play in any advanced position. Competition for him will be fierce but I would be very happy if Liverpool signed him. Now on to Danny Ings, who will undoubtedly look to move in order to have another season of the Premier League after Burnley look like being relegated. Ings has shone despite Burnley's troubles and Liverpool are long time admirers of the young English player. He is also out of contract in the summer so he is free, so a move totally makes sense. I believe that every striker besides Sturridge should leave this summer. Balotelli has been trying hard lately but just isn't what Liverpool needs. Liverpool have been trying to get rid of Borini almost as soon as they signed him 3 years ago and I expect him to leave in the summer as he got almost no playing time this season. Lambert is a tough one. His transfer was an emotional one as he was a boyhood supporter of Liverpool finally playing for the team he loves. His style isn't really suited for Liverpool but he offers a Plan B and has no shortage of passion. If Liverpool get a good offer I say sell but I wouldn't mind if he stayed for another season, especially if we qualify for Europa League.

Here is what my dream team would look like for the 2015/16 season.


Here is what will most likely happen.

Will will be Liverpool's attacking reinforcements?

In a recent press conference Brendan Rodgers admitted that the difference from last season to the current season has been the number of goals. Suarez left and Sturridge was nursing his injuries 90% of the season. Liverpool took a chance with the signing of Balotelli but it just didn't work out. Lambert has done okay when called upon but he is not quick enough to suit Liverpool's high pressing game. Don't get me started on Borini. Rodgers even called on contract rebel Raheem Sterling at times to play as center forward, a role which he performed admirably, yet it is clear that he is not the long term solution for that position.

In the conference Rodgers admitted that they will look at a large number of players during the summer to help them in attack. There have already been countless strikers linked recently with a move to Liverpool, so let us take a look to see if they would be a good fit.

Memphis Depay

Obviously the young Dutchman is not a striker, but he is an attacking player for sure. I previously wrote about how Depay would fit in at Liverpool as we already have so many young wingers/attacking midfielders. While he would be coming in to stiff competition for a place in the starting lineup I now believe that he would be an upgrade to the current squad. He is an extremely creative and exciting player, I would describe him as a mix between Hazard and Coutinho, though he still has work to do of course. He has scored over 20 goals for PSV this year, helping them win the Eredivise. He can score goals and he knows how to win at only 21 years old. Sign him up.

Possibility: 6/10

Stevan Jovetic

Recent reports are linking Liverpool with moves for two of Manchester City's players. We have already known of Liverpool's interest in bringing in James Milner when his contract expires this summer, but now Jovetic is supposedly interesting Liverpool too. The 25 year old Monteneran has endured an injury ridden 2 years at City yet has shown glimpses of his talent during this time. City will undoubtedly look to offload at least one striker this summer as they currently have Aguero, Bony, Dzeko, Jovetic, and Negredo (currently on loan at Valencia), and it might be Jovetic if they receive a good offer. Jovetic hasn't scored hundreds of goals but he is still young and all he needs is an injury free season to get his career back on track. I find his style of play to be similar to Suarez's with much improvisation and invention. It is a bit unlikely but I would welcome Jovetic to Anfield.

Possibility: 4/10

Christian Benteke

The 24 year old Belgian was an instant hit in the Premier League with Aston Villa but suffered a second season slump which continued into this season. Injuries have kept his goal numbers down but in recent months Benteke has again shown his class as he is almost single handedly dragging Villa out of the relegation zone. He has scored against Liverpool for fun as our defenders just can't seem to deal with his physical presence. At 24 he still have many years of playing and improving left, but the question is, does he fit Liverpool's style? He is big and physical and a great striker of the ball but he is not quick and a fantastic passer of the ball. I fear that he would play similar to how Lambert has for us this season, which just doesn't seem to be a great fit. He is a great player but I don't see him succeeding for Liverpool. Plus he's an Arsenal fan, so there's that.

Possibility: 2/10

Radamel Falcao

There are so many questions surrounding the Colombian right now and none will really be answered until the summer. Reports say that talks have already begun between Falcao and Liverpool, but I don't trust them. It appears that Man U are still deciding if they should keep him or not, but my gut tells me that he won't stay. There are few clubs that can pay his enormous wages and Liverpool have become weary of paying huge wages to players in recent years. I believe Falcao would do better at Liverpool than he did at Man U, but I don't seem him being our savior either. He would cost a fortune to buy and it is just too much of a risk.

Possibility: 2/10

Danny Ings

Signing the Burnley striker certainly wouldn't solve all of Liverpool's troubles up top, but it certainly would help. He is only 22 years old and has been Burnley's top scorer, impressing in his first season in the Premier League. Ing's current contract expires in the summer and it now appears that his team will be relegated, which means Premier League teams will be eyeing his situation closely like vultures. He is quick and hard working, creative and can score goals even when his team is struggling. I believe he would be a great acquisition with minimal risk as he would be a free transfer. I can see him playing deputy to the often injured Sturridge next season and doing a bang up job of it. Liverpool will have much competition for his signature but they should make Ings a priority.

Possibility: 5/10

From looking at the possibilities that I assigned each striker it is clear that it is unclear as to what Liverpool are thinking for the summer transfer window. There are many others that I haven't mentioned such as Lacazette or Immobile, but these deals seem very unlikely. We still have more than a month before the window officially opens so there is plenty of time, though hopefully Liverpool have learned their lessons about the consequences of leaving things late. If it was me in charge of transfers then I would sign Depay, Ings and Jovetic (or another striker of his caliber like Lacazette). After a season of more failure than success from the players signed last summer I hope that the Liverpool hierarchy begin to get their acts together and spend serious cash on seriously good, established players. We have the basis of promising youth players, now let's get a world beater!

Mass Exodus out of Liverpool

There has been reports that Liverpool are preparing a massive overhaul of their squad by getting rid of as many as 10 players in the summer. Here we will discuss who should go if Liverpool are ready to wield the transfer ax, beginning with the most obvious.

Steven Gerrard
The captain will be missed but after his lackluster performances this season I agree that it is time for him to move on when his contract expires this summer. You will be missed Stevey G.

Glen Johnson
Liverpool were smart not to extend his contract further as Johnson has become a liability in defense, as most of our defenders currently are. He is too slow and too lazy. His marauding runs forward will be remembered but it has been some time since he has been able to do them.

Mario Balotelli
It was a pure gamble to bring the controversial Italian to Anfield, he is a quality player after all, yet he just didn't fit Liverpool's style and never got going. Liverpool under Rodgers press fast and high up the pitch, something that Balotelli was never interested in. Liverpool will take a financial hit for his sale, but his negative attitude and massive wages need to be passed on elsewhere.

Fabio Borini
Liverpool have been trying to get rid of Borini for two years now but the kid doesn't seem to take a hint. He received multiple offers in the Premier League last summer and his native Italy want him to. He isn't a bad player but it seems as though he doesn't have the cutting edge that is needed to succeed at a big club. I was really pulling for Borini from the start but its time to move on, I expect Origi to take his position next season.

Kolo Toure
The Ivorian's contract expires in the summer. At times it seemed as though he was our best defender this season but Rodgers has lost patience with him, even shouting at him after the loss to Arsenal. He simply is not quick enough to be an effective defender. He needs to be replaced with a competent defender.

Sebastian Coates
The Uruguayan's contract has one more year but Liverpool clearly don't rate him as he is on loan at Sunderland, where he can't get a game it should be said. He is a good defender with potential but injuries have stopped him from developing and his pace is too slow for the Premier League.

Iago Aspas
His was a shrewd acquisition that came as a surprise to fans. He was behind SAS in the pecking order last season so rarely got on the pitch. He was given chances but seemed out of his depth in the Premier League so he was loaned to Sevilla, where he hasn't gotten many more games. His goal return for Sevilla has not been terrible though despite his lack of playing time. He seems to fit in much better in the Spanish league.

Javier Manquillo
The young Spaniard has one year of his 2 year loan spell from Atletico Madrid left but it appears as though Liverpool want to send him back early. He hasn't started a game in a very long while, since Rodgers switched to a back 3. Manquillo isn't good enough at attacking to put him in the wingback position and so he rarely makes the bench anymore. He hasn't been bad for Liverpool, but he hasn't been good either. A mediocre player that has been given his chance and found wanting.

Dejan Lovren
It appears as though Liverpool signed the wrong Southampton defender. Lovren has been a liability at back while Southampton have conceded the least amount of goals this season. Lovren cost a whopping 20m and it will be difficult to find anyone who is willing to pay half of that, but if Liverpool do they should take it and run. I would have loved to see Lovren do well for us but I have lost my patience. There is a possibility of him staying as a second chance, but only if nobody wants him.

Rodgers out?

Liverpool has been through a bit of a roller coaster ride since Rodgers took the helm three years ago. His first season was bad but finished on a high note as the team began to accept his philosophies. His second was outstanding as Liverpool nearly won the title if not for a few unfortunate errors. Then Rodgers had to rebuild his team once again as Suarez left for Barcelona and the Reds struggled to integrate the hosts of new players they signed in the summer. It seemed as though Rodgers' team was back as they stormed up the Premier League table to be within a shot of finishing in the top four and in the semifinals of the FA Cup and so fans once again hailed Rodgers as their savior.

Now Liverpool are out of the Cup and it seems as though the top four challenge is over after defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United in the last month. Now the question is being asked if Rodgers is still the right man for Liverpool right now. Liverpool fans, including myself, have been patient over the years of Liverpool's struggles and many of us still believe that Rodgers is the man for the job. But there is something else going on in Europe that might be enough to cause the owners to part ways with Rodgers. Highly rated manager of Borussia Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp, is now available for hire.

After seven years with Dortmund Klopp has announced that he will leave the German side at the end of the season and looks to get right back to work as soon as possible. It appears to be a match made in heaven, a match that might be too good to turn down. Klopp has spoken of his admiration for both the Premier League as well as saying he is a fan of Liverpool in recent years so it is not unreasonable to link Klopp with the Liverpool job. Klopp's Dortmund defied the odds to win the Bundesliga twice and reaching the final of the Champions League during his time as manager. His team played with pace and high pressure, making stars out of underrated and inexpensive players. Sound familiar, it should because the same could be said of Rodgers' Liverpool, with less success it should be said.

Fans that oppose the appointment of Klopp will surely cite Dortmund's 2014/15 season as a reason not to hire the German. Dortmund were at one time in danger of relegation at one point. Klopp, much like Rodgers, turned things around to an extent and has brought them in the top half of the table, still not great but better than it could have turned out. Their team suffered similar afflictions as Liverpool with their top goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski leaving for bitter rivals Bayern Munich last summer and they failed to adequately replace him. This coupled with an extremely leaky defense led to their troubles. It must be asked if Klopp is capable of shaping up Liverpool's defensive woes if he was unable to do so while at Dortmund.

It is still unclear the path that Liverpool with take. Will they give Rodgers another season to solidify this new team or will they start a new era with a new manager, with Klopp being just one qualified candidate. I for one am torn. Rodgers has led Liverpool out of the darkness and has brought some good times back to Liverpool, including the Champions League. But with no trophies in 3 years, a top 4 finish looking unlikely, and a failure to perform well against top teams, it may be time for Liverpool to move on to bigger and better things. Let me reiterate, I am a fan of Brendan Rodgers. What I am saying is that I am a bigger fan of Jurgen Klopp. I have faith that Liverpool's owners and managers will make the right decision on Liverpool's future, and I await that decision with anticipation, as I do with all news pertaining to my beloved Liverpool.

Who is going where?

I love to make predictions. I have predicted many football matches on this blog in the past. I would like to take this opportunity to test my skills of predicting transfer activity. We still have a ways to go before the summer transfer window opens on June 1 but there has been constant transfer rumors flying, as there always is. So here are my predictions of some of the biggest deals I think will happen this summer.

Samir Nasri- Sold to Inter FC
James Milner- join Liverpool on a free transfer
Micah Richards- joins Southampton or Newcastle on a free transfer
Alvaro Negredo- makes loan move to Valencia permanent
Paul Pogba- sold to Manchester City for about 60m
Kevin de Bruyne- sold to Manchester City for 25m
England international to Manchester City, maybe Kyle Walker, John Stones or Ross Barkley
Nathaniel Clyne- sold to Manchester United for 20m
Morgan Schneiderlin- sold to Arsenal for 15m
Javier Hernandez- sold to Lazio or Southampton for 10m
Dani Alves- free transfer to PSG
Danny Ings- free transfer to Liverpool
Fabio Borini- sold to Swansea City for 8m
Mario Balotelli- staying at Liverpool
Carl Jenkinson- sold to West Ham
Charlie Austin- if relegated, transfer to  Newcastle
Memphis Depay- sold to Manchester United for 25m
Angel di Maria- sold to PSG for 40m
Tom Cleverly- sold to Everton for 8m
Andre Ayew- free transfer to Newcastle
Radamel Falcao- loaned to Juventus
Edinson Cavani- sold to Manchester United 40m
Javier Pastore- sold, hopefully to Liverpool :)
Andre-Pierre Gignac- free transfer to AC Milan
Neil Lennon- sold to Everton for 8m
Fabian Schar- sold to West Ham for 8m
Dybala- sold to Inter

Sterling, Coutinho, Lallana, Markovic, Ibe...and now Depay?

It would appear that Liverpool will be going head to head with Manchester United for a number of transfer targets. Nathaniel Clyne seems to be leaning towards the Red Devils while it seems that another target, Memphis Depay, appears to prefer a move to the Reds. After watching Depay tear it up at the World Cup for the Netherlands I would say that any team would be lucky to have him.

Now its time to contradict myself; Liverpool is not the place for Depay at the moment. It would appear that almost every top EPL team have an excess in the attacking midfielder department, and Liverpool are no different. Liverpool have Sterling, Coutinho, Lallana, Markovic, Ibe, and now they are bidding for Depay? Not to mention there is also the likes of Shinji Ojo and Jerome Sinclair who are rising stars as well through their loans in the Championship. Does Depay overcome the likes of Sterling and Coutinho? For a player that is still untested in a top league and team it is hard to tell if he can, and if he does, will he be enough of an upgrade to really make a difference?

Reports say that he will cost in the region of 23m pounds, and money is not growing on trees at the moment at Anfield. These funds could be used to strengthen in areas that actually need to strengthen, which is almost every other position. At right back we have Glen Johnson departing (oh what a relief it is), and Manquillo not impressing (his current loan will last until the end of next season) and so I believe the position we need to strengthen the most in is at right back. Clyne is the best option but not too likely but Daryl Janmaat is another great option as well.

Another position that needs another player coming in to fill is in center midfield. With Can being deployed mostly as a center back the midfield is already pretty scarce and with Gerrard leaving it will be even more so. We will have Henderson, Lucas and Allen with Can able to fill in too. There has been a lot of talk about who can replace Gerrard and the truth is that they need someone to replace him as a midfielder, and not so much as Captain Fantastic. There are many names that have made it through the rounds but in my opinion the best candidate would be Miralem Pjanic. He actually reminds me quite a bit of Gerrard due to his marauding runs in the final third and could add some needed creativity in that part of the pitch. Another midfield deal that seems to be nearing completion is a move for soon to be free agent James Milner. Signing the England international would be a major coup for Liverpool as he has true winning experience and able to play in almost any position be it winger, fullback or even striker.

Lastly we need to revamp our striking department. Sturridge needs to have a top class striker to either partner him or serve as deputy because he breaks a nail every month which rules him out of many matches. That role was supposed to be fulfilled by Mario Balotelli but anyone who has been paying attention knows that gamble didn't pay off. The other strikers haven't impressed either this season with Lambert only making late substitute appearances and Borini only making the bench on rare occasions. Liverpool need to drop the Italians (Balo and Borini) and bring in a top class striker to do what they have failed to do. Rumors on this front have been scarce with Danny Ings being one of the only realistic targets being talked about. Ings will also be a free agent come the summer and so presents a very low risk option for Liverpool. I like this kid a lot, he has been Burnely's best player, scoring quite a few goals despite being on one of the worst teams in the league. He is young, English, free, fast, hardworking...he's a perfect fit for Liverpool. The problem again is that he is being fought over by Liverpool and Manchester United. And so the fight between the two most decorated clubs in English history continues, and I hope that the Reds of Merseyside are able to win this transfer tug of war this summer, setting them up for a real push for silverware and a top four spot next season.

What Liverpool should do in the summer transfer market

There remains 10 games to play in the English Premier League but the transfer rumors never stop in this game and so I want to take a look at what Liverpool should do to in the transfer market to improve next season.

Out:

Mario Balotelli

It was well worth the gamble to sign the controversial Italian but it just simply hasn't worked out. It might be hard to find suitors for him but I think it is important to get him away from Anfield because he just brings the whole team down mentally. There have been rumors that MLS are interested in signing him, which would be a bit weird but stranger things have happened.

Steven Gerrard

Captain Fantastic's exit has already been confirmed and so Liverpool need to find a replacement for him. There have been musings that Gerrard might return back on loan as early as next January, though I wouldn't count on it.

Fabio Borini

Borini came very close to being sold off to Sunderland and later QPR but he rejected a move away to fight for a place at Liverpool. He didn't do too bad in his cameos this season but he certainly didn't set the world alight, he seems to lack that cutting edge that is needed to be a top club type of player. He will undoubtedly have plenty of suitors in England as well as his native Italy.

Glen Johnson

The right back's current contract expires at the end of the season and so will become a free agent in the summer. I believe Liverpool have made a smart choice in choosing not to renew his contract as he has been abysmal in recent years, looking totally lackadaisical on the ball and unwilling to track back on defense. It also seems as though Rodgers is set on eliminating the fullback positions in favor of wing-backs, which doesn't favor Johnson.

In:

Danny Ings

With the theoretical exits of Balotelli and Borini Liverpool will need to bring in reinforcements to back up the exceptional yet injury prone Sturridge. Ings have impressed with relegation battling Burnley, scoring 9 Premier League goals despite the team's poor form. He fits the FSG transfer policy: he is young, English and hardworking. His style is very similar to that of Sturridge but is quite capable of playing in other advanced roles as well. The best part about Ings, he is out of contract at the end of the season which means he wouldn't cost a thing. A no brainer.

Petr Cech or Mignolet backup

Liverpool were linked with the Czech keeper after Courtois replaced him as first choice at Chelsea, but Chelsea were unmoving and Cech remained loyal. Cech has played a minor role for Chelsea and will probably seek to be first choice elsewhere and there is no doubt he would start above Mignolet. If a move for Cech doesn't materialize Liverpool will still need to bring in a keeper, as Mignolet needs better competition/backup than Brad Jones. Mignolet has been is sparking form since he was brought back after Jones was injured, but Cech is on another level than Mignolet.

Asier Illaramendi

The young Spanish midfielder has endured a season of sitting on the sidelines at Real Madrid and is rumored to want a move to get more game time. It is rumored that Liverpool are considering moving for him in the summer. With Gerrard gone and Lucas being in and out of the team with constant injuries it would be wise to bring in another midfielder. Illaramendi is good at controlling games and spreading passes, a role which Gerrard has played for Liverpool recently and so would be a good replacement. I am not sure he would automatically start each match for Liverpool but would be a great squad player to have.

Center back or right back

Emre Can is currently playing as the right-sided center back for Liverpool, despite being more comfortable in the midfield. I think this is the most unneeded position for Liverpool to reinforce and should only sign a player if they can get the right kind of player. The only player that comes to mind is Nathaniel Clyne, of Southampton, who has enjoyed another fantastic season with the Saints. Southampton will not want to let another young English player leave but Liverpool's pockets run deep.

EPL Predictions Week 24

I believe it has been over a year since I have published my Premier League predictions. I hope to renew the tradition now.

Tottenham v Arsenal

This is the first of the two derbies to be played this round. It should be a good fight as both North London teams are in fine form. This match will likely be a key fixture in the race for the top 4. Arsenal might be able to recover from a negative result but I don't think Tottenham have that same ability in their squad, so it will be even more important for Spurs to get a positive result. Arsenal are coming into the match on the back of a 5-0 hammering over Aston Villa. Tottenham are also coming off a good 3-0 win over West Brom themselves. This fixture often ends in a draw and I am fearful that this time it will be another draw, and perhaps a dull one as both do not want to lose at any costs.
Prediction: 1-1

Aston Villa v Chelsea

I do not think this will be a great match to watch as both teams will not be at their best. Chelsea will be without arguably their two best players, Costa and Fabregas. Villa have a number of players coming back to the squad such as Vlaar and Cole. I do not think these changes in the squads will change the result of the match, though I think it will make it closer. Chelsea will surely win this match, or maybe a tie because Villa quite frankly can't score to save their lives.
Prediction: 0-2

Leicester City v Crystal Palace

It should be a grand old game, as both teams are pretty desperate for points, especially bottom of the table Leicester. Palace won't go down without a good fight as Pardew has inspired the Eagles to a great run. Leicester will be buoyed by their new signings such as Huth and Kramaric, though I'm not sure it will be enough to save them from the drop. Crystal Palace has a decent away form and I think they will line up defensively to avoid defeat. I am expecting a draw.
Prediction: 1-1

Manchester City v Hull City

Man City are still in the title race, trailing leaders Chelsea by 5 points, a gap that they maintained by getting a draw at Stamford Bridge last week. Hull are simply despicable lately, losing to the turbulent Newcastle 3-0 at home, and this time they will playing at the Etihad. I can't see anything other than a thrashing to add to Hull's woes as they get closer and closer to the relegation zone, a place which I do not expect them to escape from.
Prediction: 2-0

QPR v Southampton

Both clubs are a bit hurt at the moment, though it appears as though QPR are on the ropes. Rednapp has abandoned them to their doom. He may claim that he will be unable to lead the team properly because of surgery but I think we all know its because of the lack of transfer activity that Rednapp so clearly loves to dabble in. QPR fought hard against Stoke last week but it was for naught as they lost 3-1 away from home, a place they despise this season. They will be the hosts this week but I don't think they can beat such a talented team. Swansea's stalwart defense, led by the amazing Ashley Williams, had it in them to get the clean sheet, but QPR's defense simply don't have it in them to mimic them. That said I expect a good fight to be fruitless as QPR begin life without Rednapp.
Prediction: 1-2

Swansea City v Sunderland

I believe this will be a very good match to watch as both teams are coming into it after crucial wins, Swansea against Southampton and Sunderland against Burnley. The Swans are pretty good at home and Sunderland are pretty good at tying, so I think it will be either a tie or a Swansea victory. I don't think Sunderland's attack is good enough, especially against Swansea's defense at home.
Prediction: 0-0

Everton v Liverpool

This is the big kahoona, the second derby of the round, the Merseyside Derby. These teams shared the honors the last time they met thanks to a miraculous Jagielka volley in the last minute. Despite being at home I believe Liverpool are doing too good lately to lose this match. Everton languish in 12th place and only scraped to a 1-0 win last week against Palace thanks to a very lucky deflected goal in the opening minutes. Added to their woes is the possibility of Liverpool's star striker, Sturridge, returning from injury and you have a recipe for disaster. As with almost all Merseyside derbies I am expecting a hard fought and close game, but I have to go with my Reds.
Prediction: 0-1

Burnley v WBA

These two teams will kick off the Sunday games and it will not be one that I will be waking up early to watch. Both teams lost their last games and are in need of a boost. Burnley needed to desperately sign some new players in January and they failed to do so. That said, keeping a hold of Ings was important and will be even more important for them as we are entering a crucial period in the season. WBA simply don't look that great, and while Burnley doesn't either, Burnley at least gives it their all. Pulis doesn't get relegated though, he just doesn't and winning these types of games are the ones that save you in the end. I expect it to be a close match and I think Burnley's intense pressure on the ball will see them avoid defeat.
Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle United v Stoke City

These teams aren't really challenging for anything, and aren't currently in danger of the relegation zone, so I don't think either side will be too bothered at the result. Two points favor Stoke in the table currently thanks in part to the transition period happening at Newcastle. Their manager, Carver, has all the passion in the world for Newcastle and will be desperate for a win to state his case for the permanent manager job. I don't think the players share his passion at all and I don't expect them to really care and Stoke will be happy to try and catch them on the break. This is a hard one to call but I am going to go with Newcastle, simply because they are the home side.
Prediction: 1-0

West Ham v Manchester United

West Ham won this figure the last time they met each other, at Old Trafford. Man U are currently on a bit of a roll, in terms of getting results at least. West Ham's current form in a bit wishy washy, they lost to Liverpool away from home last week 2-0 and only registered like 2 shots on goal, with none of them even close. Being at home will buoy their hopes and they seem to always be in the mood to take on the big boys like Man U. The Red Devils are doing alright, and yet find themselves in third place nonetheless. It should be a great match to watch, and it is hard to call. I am going to go with my gut, though it might just be more hope than gut, a West Ham win to get the double.
Prediction: 2-1