Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over arch-rivals Manchester United made it clear that Brendan Rodgers’ boys are now a real force to be reckoned with. Having also stuffed Arsenal 5-1, The Reds will feel like they can beat anybody at this moment in time and that they can beat them soundly.
In order to keep the momentum up, Liverpool will need to make a few smart signings in the summer transfer market. This brings me to The Mirror‘s claim that Liverpool ‘are plotting a £25m summer swoop’ for Benfica’s highly-regarded striker Rodrigo. That’s the same Rodrigo who put a goal past Hugo Lloris in Tottenham’s most recent Europa League outing.
Rodrigo’s contractual situation is a little hard to explain. The Benfica striker was purchased on deadline day of the January transfer window in a £25m third-party deal that now means he’s owned by Singaporean businessman Peter Lim’s company, Meriton Capital Limited.
It’s also worth noting that Peter Lim is the new owner of La Liga side Valencia. If he decides that he’d like his charge to play for the Spanish side, Liverpool are unlikely to have a say in the matter.
Rodrigo’s versatility is sure to appeal to Brendan Rodgers. The 23-year-old is capable of playing as a winger on either side, or down the middle as a centre-forward. Given that Liverpool can already call upon two of the world’s best strikers, Rodrigo’s ability to play down the flanks is sure to come in handy.
What will impress Brendan Rodgers most, however, is Rodrigo’s goal-scoring record. Sure, he had a dry spell whilst on loan at Bolton Wanderers, but since then he’s scored 24 goals for Benfica in 40 Primeira Liga starts. At international level, he’s also done a great job, finding the back of the net 15 times in 16 appearances for the Spanish U21 side.
Given his age, this is a very impressive return. Rodrigo’s record makes him one of the most promising young footballer’s in the game and that’s why it’s so exciting to see Liverpool on the hunt. I can only hope that Rodgers and co. are able to close the deal and that Mr. Lim doesn’t make things too difficult.
What’s your take? Do Liverpool really need Rodrigo? Would he be a good fit at Anfield?
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