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Liverpool have had a stop-start begininng to the season, with the Reds taking one step forward and two steps back every week. Strong displays against Everton and West Brom have been marred by pitiful results against Norwich and Swansea at home. The Reds revamped their squad over the summer with big money transfer for the likes of Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing, but recent results have shown the Reds still have voids that need to be filled. Here is my wishlist for the January transfer window.
DEFENCE :
It’s no secret that Jamie Carragher is nearing the end of his playing days. The defender is determined as ever, but his body can’t keep up with the ever-growing pace of the Premier League. And with Glen Johnson rumored to be set for a January exit to Real Madrid, Liverpool could look for cover at both center-back and right-back. Here are my two options.
GARY CAHILL
CLUB: Bolton
POSITION: Centre-back
Harry Redknapp baulked at Bolton’s hefty price tag after expressing an interest during the summer window and may return with an improved offer, but if Liverpool take a long-term view they may feel that the England international is the man to succeed Jamie Carragher, as well as help them secure Champions League football and silverware this season. Cahill would add an English heartbeat to Liverpool’s back line, possibly replacing Skrtel in the current squad.
NEDUM ONUOHA
CLUB: Man City
POSITION: Centre-back/full-back
Versatility would be the biggest appeal in signing Nigerian-born Onuoha, whose appearances for Man City this season have been limited to a Carling Cup tie against Birmingham in September. Comfortable in any of the positions across the back line, the former England U21 man impressed at Sunderland last year, but may decide against signing for Liverpool should West Brom or Everton promise him regular first team football in January.
MIDFIELD :
Liverpool signed Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson to their midfield yet sent Alberto Aquilani and Joe Cole on loan, while selling Raul Meireles to Chelsea, leaving the Reds with very few creative options in the midfield. Charlie Adam and Lucas have begun to both sit back and hold the line, while Stewart Downing has ultimately failed to impress. Jordan Henderson has been played out of position leaving him rather ineffective for the most part. Here are the midfielder’s I would love to see in a Red shirt this January.
XHERDAN SHAQIRI
CLUB: Basel
POSITION: Winger
Europe’s top clubs are keeping tabs on this technically gifted 20-year-old, who scored a wonder goal for Switzerland during their 3-1 defeat to England in September 2010. Nine months later, Shaqiri again proved a constant threat to the Three Lions at Wembley during a Euro 2012 qualifier, suggesting his style is well suited to the fast pace of Premier League football. Four goals for Basel already this season also points to the youngster developing an even greater eye for goal than in previous years. He has reportedly told club officials in Switzerland of his desire to leave for a bigger club in January.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
CLUB: Ajax
POSITION: Attacking midfielder
Linked to Liverpool in September, Eriksen is one of Europe’s most highly rated youngsters and the Reds will need to stave off interest from Italian champions AC Milan if they choose to pursue their interest in the 19-year-old. Ajax refused to sell their star player during the summer but the situation could change in 2012 and the club are preparing themselves for a bidding war when the transfer window re-opens in January. The presence of compatriot Daniel Agger at Anfield may just persuade Eriksen that his future lies with Liverpool, rather than the Milanese giants
FORWARDS
Luis Suarez has been a revelation at Anfield, outplaying his £22.7 million transfer fee. Andy Carroll is showing signs of his Newcastle form that pushed Liverpool to splash out £35 million for him. Craig Bellamy was a clever free-transfer, however he has not sustained a run of starts since his return to Anfield. Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea can all boast a strong rotational system in their squads, and Liverpool would benefit greatly should they splash out for another striker or two…or three.
ROBERTO SOLDADO
CLUB: Valencia
POSITION: Striker
La Liga’s goal charts is dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but Soldado notched 18 goals in Spain last year to fire Valencia into third spot behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. Six goals in last year’s Champions League, including two against Rangers, prove the striker’s instinct in front of goal isn’t limited to domestic Spanish football.
FERNANDO LLORENTE
CLUB: Athletic Bilbao
POSITION: Striker
A reported target for both Spurs and Liverpool in January 2011, Llorente bagged an impressive 18 La Liga goals last season. He replaced Fernando Torres in Spain’s starting line-up for their last two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Scotland in October 2011, scoring three goals, while he also holidayed in Ibiza last summer with close pal and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Have a word, Pepe?
MARIO GOMEZ
CLUB: Bayern Munich
POSITION: Forward
This one may be a little dreamy, but he has expressed his interest in a move to England and his desire to play at Anfield. Gomez has been on the Anfield radar before, but the transfer would require an Andy Carroll-sized check. The German is arguably the best poacher in Europe, having bagged an impressive 19 goals in all competitions so far. Liverpool would be crazy to try a move for Gomez, but would be even crazier to not try and land the German international.
Tags: Ajax, Bayern Munich, Christian Eriksen, FC Basel, Fernando Llorente, Gary Cahill, Liverpool, Mario Gomez, Nedum Onouha, Roberto Saldado, Valencia, Xherdan Shaqiri
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