I think by this stage, Liverpool fans have every right to be concerned. The initial sheen following Brendan Rodgers action in the transfer market may well have faded away.
The following questions are worth asking: can Kolo Toure still cut it at the top level of the game? How long will it be until Luis Alberto is ready for first team action? Will Iago Aspas be able to make the step up to a top club? Is Simon Mignolet really a step up on Pepe Reina?
At the very most, these signings have rounded out Liverpool’s squad and will provide the side with more strength in depth. I’m not sure they will provide the impetus the Reds need to challenge for Champions League football next season.
Then there’s the Luis Suarez saga. If the Uruguayan moves on this summer, Liverpool will be in real trouble.
I think fans have been holding out for that one big marquee signing. A transfer that would tip Liverpool back into contention. Unfortunately, it hasn’t come.
Liverpool fans may well have to put up with more of the same. According to numerous sources (including The Mirror), Brendan Rodgers is chasing 22-year-old left-back, Lorenzo Melgarejo. Whilst it’s good to see the club chasing young talent, it must concern fans that he’s dedicating so much time to a player who (by all accounts) disappointed last season.
Despite establishing himself as Benfica’s first choice left-back, Melgarejo did not have a banner year. Whether he was scoring spectacular own-goals, gifting opportunities to opponents, or getting dropped for the Portuguese Cup final, the Paraguayan international must be somewhat disappointed with his showing.
His stock is at an all time low. If Liverpool really are interested, now is the time to strike.
Whilst this is a signing that may not excite Liverpool fans, there’s reason to be hopeful for the future. Brendan Rodgers is a smart man and I have to believe he’ll be looking to get the most out of Melgarejo.
And to do this, he’d have to convert the 22-year-old back into a left-winger, the position he played at back in the 2011/12 season. During a loan season with Pacos de Ferreira, whilst deployed as a left winger, he scored 10 goals in 29 appearances, finishing the season as the club’s top scorer.
Benfica were so enamoured with the young lad, that they wrote a 30m euro release clause into his contract. Whilst it’s all been down hill since then, this must surely be down to the fact that he hasn’t been managed well in Portugal.
If Liverpool do sign him, Brendan needs to (re-)unlock his basic game and get him doing what he does best. He’s a crafty, tricky, pacey player who could still have a big career if he’s given the opportunity.
Whilst he certainly won’t come to define Liverpool’s season, he won’t empty the cash reserves either. Let’s hope Brendan still has his eye on another more established talent.
What’s your take? Would Lorenzo Melgarejo be a good addition for Liverpool?
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I’m actually quite excited by the prospect of getting him.. I think he’d bring pace and width to the side on occasions where we’re struggling to break sides down.. Just my two cents at any case.
I don’t trust Rodgers,he still won’t admit both Allen & Borini for £26.5 million pound was shocking business ;-( And £22 million pound for Diego Costa is CRAZY,he’s not even prolific.And then his antics SPITTING SNOTTING ON PLAYERS ;-(
Well said mate!!!!!!!!!
Holding out for one marquee signing? Such as Torres? Carroll? Holding out for one is great when you already have a top team, but LFC need a few signings to improve the first team and don’t have £100m to spend.
What is needed is Rogers to be given a few years and for the board to ignore quick-fix commentary. Champions League, Champions League… There’s only one spot available and we’ll be fighting Arsenal and Spurs for it, so we need a solid base of quality youth players coming through to achieve this. Buying Ronaldo’s are great, but to anyone with sense, this is not where L’Pool are or are going.
Well said ross. Sensible way of looking at things. We need the best youth policy in the premier league. No short term fixes. And more importantly……a manager with the cahones to actually play these players on a regular basis, so all developing together
Rodgers should sign Eriksen and Alderwield……Only then he should go home…If we don’t bag Eriksen fast, Spurs are going to jump up with the Bale money which they will get from Real…Go fast or lose out…..Suarez ain’t gonna leave……………Gerrard,Eriksen,Coutinho and Downing would be lethal with Suarez and Sturridge with Aspas,Alberto and Borini for cover……On the defensive cards Johnson,Agger,Alderwield and Enrique would be gr8 with Kolo as a backup experienced player!!!!!!!!!Go 4 it BR or lose my faith if we don’t qualify for the Champions League again………!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think we got him on the cheap if we can resurrect his career not only would it be a boon just imagine where we can gi from there he is still young the potential is huge and largely it is not a gamble