da dobrowin: Liverpool are wasting no time this summer as they prepare for next season, strengthening right across the board and continuing to eye deals that will make them a realistic candidate for the top four in the Premier League.
da prosport bet: Is there ever a negative to getting transfers done early? Manchester City have already made a splash with the signings of Fernandinho and Jesus Navas from Shakhtar Donetsk and Sevilla, while a number of other top Premier League clubs are said to be finalising deals of their own.
Liverpool’s low-key transfer strategy is as much of a risk as splashing £20 million on a midfield hopeful – and they’ve certainly been down that road in the past. The acquisition of Iago Aspas has been one of praise from everyone who followed the Galician forward last season in La Liga, highlighting the Spaniard’s playing resemblance to Luis Suarez and how much quality he will add to the team.
In addition, Luis Alberto is a name who will only go on to have bright future in the game. He was and is far too good for Barcelona B, yet shy of making an impact in the first team at the Camp Nou. That’s no slight on the former Sevilla player; there aren’t too many youngsters who have a clear and mapped out path to first team football at Barcelona.
Were Liverpool jumping the gun on the signing of Kolo Toure, one of the other notable additions of the summer thus far? I can’t see that. With Jamie Carragher out of the picture through retirement, there was a need to bring in a veteran player who will be as much of an asset in the dressing room as he will be on the pitch. For Arsenal fans especially, there is nothing but fond memories for Toure and his time in north London. Manchester City too had a positive relationship with the player, and it’s very difficult to see any drawbacks to Liverpool bringing in a player of his experience. The fact that Toure still has a few miles left on the clock is only a bonus.
While players like Aspas and new goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will play key roles next season, the importance of this summer clearly rests on Luis Suarez and the decision to either sell or retain the star forward. Liverpool have expressed their desire to keep hold of the player, while Real Madrid have been quoted fees that will force them to rethink their approach for the Uruguayan.
It further adds to the club’s need to have all their figures in place ahead of the start of the season. Retaining Suarez is obviously the priority, but considering Liverpool have been in the hunt for £25 million Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the club are clearly not averse to spending heavily if need be. The quick and timely sale of Suarez will allow Liverpool to seek a replacement and have him well adjusted to life at Anfield before the season begins. Were the club to leave it late and still appear unclear about what their transfer strategy was, there would be justified criticism for the club’s lack of forward thinking.
Liverpool are clearly taking no chances with their transfer business, and that should be applauded. Even if Suarez is replaced this summer, the surrounding signings away from the Uruguayan’s saga will stand the club in good stead ahead of next season. Importantly, all the names who have been brought in thus far have a clear purpose in the squad, with Brendan Rodgers doing all he can to acquire players who are able to execute his preferred playing style next season.
Have Liverpool done well to wrap up their transfer deals this early in the summer?
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