Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers to sign more established players next summer, rather than continuing to favour younger players with big potential, reports Empire of the Kop.
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Liverpool transfer news
Liverpool will likely be chasing replacements for both Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard, who are both set to leave the club in the summer window, and Carragher has insisted that his former club need to target players who can have an immediate impact.
He told reporters: “There is that thing with Liverpool, I have felt they are always buying players with potential. I think in terms of looking to the future, it looks rosy, but you don’t want to be continually looking ‘oh this team in three years time’.
“You want to see what they’re like next season, so maybe buy two or three players at 25 or 26 to go straight into the team. You don’t want to go to the summer and buy another three 20-year-olds and always be looking what it is going to be like tomorrow. We want it today.”
With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of ten potential candidates that could fill that role:
10) Guillermo Ochoa (Malaga)
The star of Mexico’s World Cup campaign last summer, he’s out of favour at Malaga, but could provide useful competition for Simon Mignolet.
9) Dani Alves (Barcelona)
An experienced player accustomed to playing at the top level, he would be an upgrade on Glen Johnson despite being in his twilight career years.
8) Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)
Signed a new contract with the Premier League strugglers earlier this year, but would be undoubtedly be open to leaving if Villa were to go down.
7) Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle United)
Impressed with the Dutch World Cup squad last summer, and raised some eyebrows by joining Newcastle. Would surely love a ‘bigger move’.
6) Yohan Cabaye (Paris Saint Germain)
Was one of the best players for his position in the country while at Newcastle, but has found game time harder to come by in the French capital.
5) Jackson Martinez (Porto)
The Colombian was heavily linked with the Reds last summer. His tally of 22 goals in all competitions this season is worthy of recognition.
4) Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli)
One of the best strikers in the world. The Argentine is eager to play European football, and if Liverpool finish top four they’ll have a chance.
3) James Miner (Manchester City)
The workmanlike midfielder has gone underrated for many years at City, and is looking for a new home where he’ll be fully appreciated.
2) Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint Germain)
The Argentine winger was impressive in PSG’s recent Champions League victory over Chelsea, and has been strongly linked in the past.
1) Mirian Pjanic (AS Roma)
Liverpool have already identified the Bosnian as the perfect candidate to replace Steven Gerrard, but will they be able to afford him in the summer?