There is still a feel-good factor at Liverpool following Kenny Dalglish’s return in January that has lifted the whole club. But clearly if Liverpool are to compete with Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Man City they will need to strengthen their squad considerably this summer.
It’s therefore sure to be a busy transfer window at Anfield, with at least four or five players coming in, and several leaving.
Last summer’s arrivals – Paul Konchesky, Milan Jovanovich, Christian Poulsen, and even Joe Cole, were all disappointing flops. This summer Liverpool fans are expecting much better.
Dalglish’s summer transfer targets are aimed at adding more vibrancy and pace in midfield and attack. The pass and move footall his sides are so famous for. The signing of Jordan Henderson is a start in that direction. He’s a young player with one Premiership season under his belt and will be likely to play either right midfield or central. Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, and Aaron Lennon are other summer targets that are likely to join and will fit the Dalglish plan.
Luis Suarez will be ready for his first full season in the Premier League. The striker was electric after coming to Anfield in the January transfer window.
The same cannot be said of Andy Carroll. Just six months after the Geordie’s £35 million move there are worries as to whether he has what it takes to become an Anfield legend. His lifestyle and lack of fitness are making many fear he may become an expensive flop. As the rigours of pre season training approach Carroll will be under intense pressure to start delivering.
There will be no breathing space in Liverpool’s midfield next season with the Reds poised to welcome back playmaker Alberto Aquilani. The Italian was signed by Rafael Benitez for £18m from AS Roma but after an injury plagued first season at Anfield he was allowed to move to Juventus for a season-long loan but the Turin club have failed to take up an option to buy him for £14m despite a good loan spell. Aquilani will surely need a miracle to play for Dalglish next season with huge question marks over his ability to adapt to the rigours of English football.
It’s not only midfield and attack that Dalglish will need to strengthen if they are to have a crack at a Champions League spot, or even a 19th Premier League title. Left back continues to be a problem. Fabio Aurelio is always injured so Gael Clichy of Arsenal has become a target but prising him away from Arsene Wenger will not be easy. Carragher and Kyriagos are not getting any younger, and are lacking pace, so a central defender must be on Dalglish’s shopping list.
It’s sure to be a busy few weeks for the Anfield club but after two decades of expensive mistakes in the transfer market it is time for Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli to deliver on the funds their Amercian owners are providing. There will be little margin for error if they want to get back among the big boys once again .