Liverpool were recently linked to a £40m swoop for two Southampton stars: midfielder Adam Lallana and defender Dejan Lovren. Whilst most fans were tripping over themselves in anticipation of the arrival of Lallana (who has the potential to go on and become Steven Gerrard’s long-term replacement), I can’t help but feel that Lovren could be the most important addition The Reds make to their squad this year.
For all the advances they’ve made, Liverpool are still weak in one key area: their defense. They’ve conceded 50 Premier League goals this season, which is more than any other side in the top 8. Even Arsenal have a better record, and they shipped a collective 18 goals during their three games against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
There’s something that’s seriously brittle about The Reds defense. The 2-0 defeat against Chelsea and the 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace ended Liverpool’s title tilt and the defense needs to take their fair share of responsibility for this.
Fixing this issue should be Brendan Rodger’s key priority over the next two or three months. If The Reds come back with a better balanced side next year, who knows what they’ll be capable of?
That’s why I was so excited to see Liverpool chasing a talented defender with a year’s worth of Premier League experience. Dejan Lovren is an astute centre-back who could prove to be exactly what The Reds need at this moment in time. Unfortunately, he also recently commented on the rumours linking him with a move away from St Mary’s, suggesting that he’s happy where he currently is:
“I follow the media and I saw that Liverpool is allegedly interested in me. But that is all that I know so far. I feel great at Southampton and my contract is valid for the next three years. So the only thing I can say right now is that the club is the one who decides.” (Source: The Mirror)
Oh dear. Still, if Liverpool offer The Saints enough cash, I’m sure they’d be tempted to sell. They’d sooner lose Lovren than, say, Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez or Luke Shaw. What’s more, I’m sure Lovren would fancy a move to a club that’s capable of winning the Premier League, regardless of what he’s told The Press.
With that in mind, I hope Brendan Rodgers doesn’t get disheartened. If he pushes on, he could still get his man.
What’s your take? Should The Reds continue to target this Southampton star?
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….And then there is Clyne and Schneirdelin to add to the package… anybody else you fancy from our team? Rodriques is injured at the moment so you’ll have to wait until January to buy him.
That’ll be £87.5m please.. do you have a loyalty card?
What a load of bollocks ! Lovren will not leave saints for a team whose best chance in 20 years has gone Liverpool will be lucky to make top 4 next season
Harry cloke your a class a1 clown clearly live with your head in the sand
Lallana obviously can’t be Gerrard’s long term replacement as he is 27 next birthday . Do the maths .
Agree with you on this and Lallana is to expensive.
More unsubstantiated rumour!
This one mentions a bid of £8m, which considering Saints paid £8.5m for him a year ago when he was unknown, is not even a realistic guess!
Think Saints would do the business if Liverpool pay us 5 mill.and Sturridge to St.Marys as a makeweight-
No chance Saints selling Lovren. Player himself said only 3 days ago he is staying at the very least to the remainder of his current 3 year contract.
“They’d sooner lose Lovren than, say, Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez or Luke Shaw”
How do you know, have you asked us?
He has been a vital cog in a very weak area for us too. We have back up at Left back, midfield and strikers, but not central defence.
So no I personally would rather lose any of the 3 mentioned before Lovren!
Typical arrogant ‘bigger club’ comment. Cost a lot more than £8m but posting made without knowing anything about the player or how much he cost Saints. Not everyone wants to play for Liverpool don’t you know? You all talk in a silly voice and have terrible dress sense
I’m a Saints fan and agree with most of what you say. But seriously there was no need to get all personal at the end of your post. Show a little respect please.
Sorry saints fans, but these are the realities of the capitalist world we live in. Owners who want to make profits, players who want better pay and opportunities to advance their careers a la champions league are all disastrous recipe for loosing idolised players.