Eight new signings could be made this summer at Anfield…
Liverpool have already signed Emre Can and Rickie Lambert, and look set to add a number of other stars in the coming months to bolster their relatively thin squad ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.
With Luis Suarez potentially leaving as well, it’s likely that Brendan Rodgers will have a huge cash injection – with the talented manager claiming today that more signings are likely.
Here’s the potential 23 man squad, in all its glory.
Goalkeepers:
Simon Mignolet
Rodgers will continue trusting the talented but inconsistent Belgian as no.1.
Guillermo Ochoa
The World Cup star is available on a free, and the Reds are looking to bring him in as competition for Mignolet next season. Pepe Reina is almost certain to leave permanently after spending last season on loan at Napoli.
Brad Jones
Don’t expect to see much of the Australian next season.
Defenders:
Jon Flanagan
Flanagan can play either right-back or left-back, and will be an important member of the squad after an excellent run of form last season, which saw Liverpool narrowly miss out on the title.
Glen Johnson
Johnson excels going forward, but he’ll be reminded of his defensive duties during big Champions League matches.
Mamadou Sakho
Sakho will want to perform much better next season, and he’s shown at the World Cup with France that he has more than enough ability to do so.
Kolo Toure
Unlikely to feature very much, Toure will simply provide experience in the dressing room.
Martin Skrtel
Skrtel scores goals, and puts in the occasional heroic performance – but he’ll need to cut out mistakes if he’s to continue in the starting XI.
Dejan Lovren
Arsenal and Tottenham both want the Croat as well, but Liverpool’s need is perhaps greatest – with the side having conceded 50 goals last term. The fact they’ve also signed Lambert and Lallana from Southampton could help as well.
Jose Enrique
The left-back could be fit again in 2014/15, having missed virtually the entire season last time out with injury.
Ricardo Rodriguez
The Reds badly need at least one top level new left-back, and with a deal for Alberto Moreno falling through, they could target the talented 21-year-old Swiss international instead.
Midfielders:
Steven Gerrard
Gerrard’s 34, but his captaincy and performances from the middle of Liverpool’s side will be as crucial as ever.
Emre Can
The young German signed for £10m, and will act as backup to club captain Gerrard in the anchorman spot.
Joe Allen
Allen finally began to show in the second half of last season why the club shelled out £15m for his services. Rodgers rates him highly, and his ability to control possession could be invaluable.
Jordan Henderson
Liverpool’s Duracell Bunny provides the legs and energy alongside Steven Gerrard in the centre.
Lucas
The Brazilian anchorman is a great servant of the Reds, and although unlikely to start, will be strong defensive midfield backup if Rodgers decides to keep him.
Adam Lallana
The English midfielder is all set to complete a £25m move to Anfield. The price tag seems steep, but the 26-year-old showed last term that he can drive through the middle of the park and provide a consistent end product.
Raheem Sterling
The wonderkid shone at the World Cup, and bagged nine top flight goals last term. He’ll look to continue his exciting development.
Coutinho
The Brazilian is wonderfully talented, and can play as a no.10, or in a deeper central midfield role.
Lazar Markovic
The 20-year-old Serbian is being targeted to compete with Raheem Sterling in the wide positions. Benfica want £25m for the supremely talented attacker, and it’s rumoured that Liverpoool are willing to pay it.
Forwards:
Divock Origi
The Belgian wonderkid is expected to sign for around £9m, and while there were rumours that he could be loaned straight back to Lille, with Luis Suarez potentially leaving – the Reds will likely keep him on Merseyside.
Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge will lead Liverpool’s line next year, looking to match his excellent 21 goal Premier League season from 2013/14.
Rickie Lambert
The ageing Englishman arrived for £4m, and will provide strong backup from the bench for Liverpool.
