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

Liverpool's transfer window so far

Liverpool have had a very active transfer window to date so far and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Luis Suarez has been sold and despite Rodgers' claims that they are not "pulling a Tottenham" they have emulated the Spurs' in bringing in a host of new, young players. Despite this I believe Liverpool have done a magnificent job this transfer window in bringing in talented and hungry players who will fight for places and trophies this season. There is still some unresolved transfer sagas such as bringing in Spanish defenders Javier Manuillo and Alberto Moreno. There are also rumors that Mario Balotelli could be on his way to Anfield, which would definitely be entertaining to say the least. Mostly though there are musings that there could be further exits as Rodgers seeks to get rid of the dead wood. He has already sent out Alberto, Aspas and Wisdom on loan and it seems as though Robinson and one of our current right backs will be leaving too. As to which one it will be is up to debate but in my opinion I believe it is Johnson who should be sold. Daniel Agger is once again being linked with a move away and his exclusion from the match with AC Milan yesterday has only fanned the flames of him being sold. The good preseason form of Coates and Toure, but most importantly the acquisition of Dejan Lovren has pushed Agger further down the pecking order at center back. I have loved having Agger at Anfield but I believe the time is right for him to leave, he has unfortunately made too many errors.

Everything is shaping up pretty well for Liverpool as we approach the beginning of the new Premier League season. The question on everyone's mind is can Daniel Sturridge become a world class striker to fill the void left by Suarez, or will Suarez's absence mean that the Reds will be out of the Champions League once again. I believe that Liverpool need another striker and a left back and then they will be ready to succeed in the EPL and Europe and I think Moreno and Balotelli are the guys to do the job. Even if they aren't brought in I will still be happy with all the work that Liverpool has done this transfer window. I for one cannot count the days until the new season starts but I suppose watching Liverpool take on Manchester United in the International Champions Cup will be a good distraction.