January Transfer Window 2012/2013: Liverpool need a striker

Liverpool have played seven matches in the EPL, only to score nine goals in the competition. They are languishing in 14^th place in the 2012/2013 season EPL standings. One of the most important reasons for their unimpressive performance has been their showing in the final third, which has simply been below par, in spite of dominating the game for longer durations in the centre of the park. There is a serious need for Liverpool to engage themselves in some good business during the January transfer window – in search for a striker, who can score at least 20 goals per season.

Brendan Rodgers does not have plenty of options in his squad as of now. Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini are the only genuine strikers with experience in their present squad. The latter has not even opened his goal account for Liverpool. To make matters worse, Fabio Borini has now been sidelined for three months. There are some youngsters in the squad like Samed Yesil, who are options for Liverpool, but he has not been given a chance in the EPL by Brendan Rodgers. However, his time will come, and when it does come, he needs to impress Rodgers like the way Suso and Sterling did.

Though Luis Suarez is a great striker, he has not been a consistent scorer for the Reds. He does not have a good goal conversion record, for which he has been highly criticised. Apart from his hat-trick against Norwich, he has not been able to find the back of the net with any regularity. There is no doubt about the quality of the player, whose style of play seems appropriate for the role of a second striker or an attacking midfielder. He can provide regular assists to the strikers.

What are the options that are available in the January transfer market for Liverpool? The Liverpool management are not going to break the bank to get a established striker such as Falcao or Llorente, both of whom will require big money. These players fall into the bracket of Manchester City and Chelsea, who have owners that don’t mind splurging money.

Liverpool need to go into the market for a striker who fits in the present scheme of things under Brendan Rodgers. There are not many players in the market in the middle of the season, but some players who have grabbed Liverpool’s attention are Demba Ba, Daniel Sturridge, and Darren Bent. Any of these players could prove to be big buys for Liverpool, especially Ba, who with his goal-scoring ability, could set Anfield on fire.

All these players fit into Liverpool’s playing style, and have a knack of scoring goals, which will help the Reds. They were linked to Liverpool during the summer transfer window, but did not end up moving. Liverpool are in dire straits, and need to get a striker who will solve their goal-scoring problems.

Brendan Rodgers has always wanted to get players who wouldn’t burn a big hole in the club’s pocket. However, it has been heard that Rodgers was disappointed with the summer transfer budget, and is expected to get a bigger purse in January. However, it is also left to be seen if Rodgers spends the entire amount on one striker, or uses it for two or three players.

It would also not be a surprise if he went for a youngster from a foreign league, but he needs to do so after signing a quality striker. Liverpool’s target of acquiring a quality striker should not change, even if they are aiming for a number of other players as well. They have to take one step at a time. This team would look great with an out-and-out striker, as all their other positions are covered well enough for them to challenge for the title, if not this year, then next.