A look at five options for Liverpool as Barca bid for Suarez.
With Barcelona seemingly desperate to sign Luis Suarez from Liverpool this summer, the Reds should do their best to make the most out of this potential deal, by requesting at least one star player currently on the books at the Nou Camp as part of the transfer.
Several big names at Barca have already been linked as possible targets for Brendan Rodgers in this move, while others have simply been linked with the Merseyside giants on a number of occasions in the past.
Although it will be near impossible to adequately replace the qualities that Suarez brings to Liverpool’s attack, CaughtOffside looks at five options that could arrive and prove good business for the Premier League title hopefuls as they look to rebuild their squad for next season.
5) Cristian Tello
A promising young player coming through the youth ranks at Barcelona, Cristian Tello has never quite had the chance to prove himself in the club’s first-team on a regular basis. Now 22, the Spaniard will feel he needs to be playing more regularly at the top level to progress further in his career, and it is widely expected that he will leave the Nou Camp this summer. Liverpool have long been linked as admirers of his, along with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and it could now be the perfect chance for the Reds to sign this talented and versatile forward player in an attempt to ease the pain of Suarez’s departure.
4) Adriano
A talented and versatile full-back, Adriano could prove a very useful signing for Liverpool this summer as they eye signings at both right-back and left-back. The 29-year-old Brazilian has been a highly effective squad player for Barca during his time at the club due to his ability to play in so many positions, and he has often shone with some memorable goals from the back and overall impressive attacking play. Liverpool have been linked with the player before, and it would make sense to try to sign him now as Barcelona step up their interest in Suarez. Although this would not address the gaping hole left in Liverpool’s attack, it would still surely prove a good addition for their squad as they try to improve in various other areas for next season.
3) Pedro Rodriguez
A more ambitious target perhaps, but Liverpool could try their luck with a move to sign Pedro Rodriguez from the Catalan giants. The Spanish international has been a terrific servant to the club he has been with for his entire career so far, but it seems as though he could be another who will be allowed to leave this summer as new manager Luis Enrique plots a major squad overhaul. The 26-year-old scored an impressive 19 goals and contributed 8 assists in all competitions in 2013/14, and his ability to score and create from the flanks would surely ease the pain of Suarez’s departure. Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked with the prolific attacker, but Barca’s desire to bring in Suarez could put Liverpool in the driving seat for this deal.
2) Alexis Sanchez
A player strongly tipped to be Liverpool’s first choice in any exchange deal with Barcelona for Suarez, Alexis Sanchez would be a superb addition to the Merseyside giants for Brendan Rodgers. The Chilean has just enjoyed his best season in a Barca shirt, scoring 21 goals and weighing in with 15 assists in all competitions to prove a key player in an attack that also includes stars such as Lionel Messi and Neymar. Like Pedro, Sanchez is unlucky to be the victim of the Catalan giants’ desire to make major changes to almost all areas of their squad after finishing the season trophyless, and this has already sparked interest from Italian giants Juventus. Still, Liverpool could be in a good position to sign the 25-year-old, and if he finds his best form at Anfield he would certainly ensure Suarez is not too badly missed next season.
1) Gerard Deulofeu
In what could be a controversial as well as exciting deal, it may be worth Liverpool renewing their interest in one of Barcelona’s most highly rated young players, Gerard Deulofeu. The 20-year-old has been linked with a whole host of top clubs, including Liverpool, in the past, and his potential move to Anfield would have the added bonus of angering fans of the Reds’ local rivals Everton, with whom he just spent a season on loan in the Premier League, catching the eye with some dazzling displays. After drawing comparisons with Lionel Messi whilst coming through Barca’s youth academy, Deulofeu would be a great long-term replacement for Suarez and has already shown he can handle life in the Premier League.