Another linked with the reds is Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross. He marshalls Stoke‘s defense incredibly well, and steered them well clear of the drop last season. Like Dann, he is good on the floor, and strong in the air. He is a good honest player, and you know exactly what you will get with him. He has good Premier League experience, which is what you are looking for in a centre back. The stumbling block could be over his fee, with Stoke demanding a high price in this inflated market.
A cheaper option could come from the continent in Werder Bremen defensive rock Per Mertesacker. He has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Bundesliga, he is vastly experienced, and is a German international. He has one year left on his contract so could leave for a reasonable offer. The only problem potentially is his lack of pace, but the rest of his game more than makes up for that.
The final centre back Liverpool have been linked with is Bolton‘s Gary Cahill, and after his performance against QPR on the weekend, his price tag has probably jumped up again. He is an exceptionally talented player, calm and composed on the ball, and willing to get forward. He is attracting a higher price tag than the rest, but a cash plus David Ngog deal, would suit Liverpool.
So who should be Liverpools final summer signing, or do they even need one? They have options they can rotate in defense, but with worries over Carragher’s age and Agger’s fitness, as well as the relative youth and inexperience of Kelly and Wilson at this level, it is probably best for the reds to get in a quality centre back for the long term. Dann and Mertesacker are likely to come cheaper, and would both provide solid options at the back. Cahill and Shawcross are arguably more talented and would be more expensive. If Liverpool do decide to sign one of the above mentioned players, they will know exactly what they are getting, a quality centre back, with plenty of experience, someone who is comfortable on the ball, and will be confident and calm to lead the Liverpool back line in the years ahead.
Written by Lauren Rutter for FootballFancast.com. Who do you think should be Liverpools final summer signing, if anyone? Follow me on Twitter for more comment and debate @LaurenRutter
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Too much money on too many DECENT but not special players.
entirely agree.
You both clearly know more than Kenny Dalglish and the rest of the people at Liverpool football Club! May be you should both take over as joint managers?!
@Chirag: I take it that you do not have a mind or an opinion of your own then. So, you are one of those cretins who subscribe to the “In Kenny We Trust” and “YNWA” doctrine. What a YAWN!
i think we should sign cahill and a back up striker, iker muniain of athletico bilboa, he is a very impressive young lad and would be a greata signing
Did no-one see that run that Downing made against Sunderland then? You can’t make that type of run if you’re just “decent”!
I totally agree with Matu. We have class in Downing and Adam, but we need someone to compliment their play and that will be Stevie G and with what’s left of him… YNWA!!
i totally agree
Charlie Adam,Jose Enrique,Doni and Stewart Downing are great buys in my opinion,not only decent,but great.but i dont find any sense in the Henderson transfer.what is more,i’d welcome 3 more players in the current squad with the offloads of our known flops(Joe Cole,Kyrgiakos,Poulsen,Insua,Aurelio,Jones,N’Gog).In this squad i’d love a new center back(as this article says),a right winger and a back up striker.i know i sound like playing FIFA but i’d love those 3 at Liverpool.My choices:
1)Gary Cahill(15-17 million)
2)Adam Johnson(15-20 million)
3)Daniel Sturridge(13-16 million)
My top LFC squad:
Reina
Johnson Cahill Agger Enrique
A.Johnson Gerrard Adam Downing
Suarez Carroll
Bench:Doni Kelly Skrtel Carragher Robinson Lucas Meireles Aquilani Henderson Maxi Kuyt Sturridge
In my opinion,that’s a title winning squad.Still hope that Kenny makes Henderson a great player but it’s the only transfer we made this summer i question so highly.we’ll see in the future.YNWA
Agree, act now KD
well the deal i want to see happening is swapping david ngog and an amount of money for gary cahil of bolton cos their’re in serious need for a striker and allow daniel pacheco to under studie players like suarez and carroll
we should have buy Aguero or Benzema in place of Carroll
where is our marquee signing this new season? No sergio Aguero, No Neymar, No Ribery…duh!!
Where is the money to pay the over inflated wages of players lilke this? Duh!!