Transfers Liverpool should look to make in the summer

With the “Working class hero”, Jamie Carragher, set to retire after this weekend, Liverpool are going to be short on centre-backs for next season. The fans’ favourite will be recognized as one of the greatest defenders ever to have played in the red of Liverpool, and will be difficult to replace. Brendan Rodgers needs to build a strong centre-back partnership, just like Carra and Sami Hyypia, in order to fortify the defense .

But it’s not just the defense that needs improvement. Liverpool have had the youngest squad in this edition of EPL but we could see the verdancy in side. The rumours regarding the summer transfers have aggrandized.

Now let’s look ahead to the changes that Rodgers might make to his squad during the summer.

I have categorized the possible transfer on few criteria:

Smart Buys

Some players like Adel Taarabt, Adam le Fondre, James McArthur, Callum McManaman, Shaun Maloney and Julio Cesar – who were brilliant this season – could come very cheap. Players like le Fondre, Taarabt and Maloney would add to the bench strength while Julio Cesar would be an ideal replacement for Reina.

Future Investment

Martin Montaya, Cristian Tello, Richard Sukuta-Pasu, Bruno Uvini, Jeffrey Bruma, Fred, Sebastian Rudy and Ander Herrera are some of the young talents who will be at the peak of their careers within a year or so. Their addition would further strengthen the squad.We bought Coutinho this season and now he is one of our prized assets. Adam Morgan, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Pacheco and Suso should be adequate chances but should not be overplayed.

Also we need to start looking for Gerrard’s replacement, and bring him to the club now, to allow him to get familiar with life at Liverpool.

Investment for the next season

Players need to fight for their position in the squad. We have seen the turnaround in Downing’s career after the purchase of Coutinho and the promotion of Sterling to the first team. Enrique and Johnson are the only two senior wing-backs at the club, and the two are rarely competing for a place in the team. With youngsters Jack Robinson, Martin Kelly and John Flanagan not ready for immediate first team appearances, adding some competition for the senior wing back pair would prove vital for next season. Getting Xabi Alonso back would boost the moral of the team. Not only will the veteran perfectly fit in to the tiki-taka system but also he would help shape the game of Joe Allen and Henderson. Replacement of Carra in the form of Giorgio Chiellini or Mats Hummels would be great.

If Liverpool get sufficient funds by disposing off Andy Carroll, they could try to buy Cavani. A Suarez – Cavani attack, a Xabi – Gerrard – Lucas midfield and an Agger -Hummels – Chiellini defense would definitely make Liverpool invincible next season.