Déjà vu all over again. Liverpool have once again missed out on a major transfer target, with Memphis Depay snaking his way towards Manchester United – making the blow a even more bitter. Here’s a quick list of the players Liverpool have chased and missed out on recent seasons and where they are now:
Henrikh Mkhitaryan –Dortmund
Willian – Chelsea
Diego Costa – also at Chelsea
Mohamed Salah – Fiorentina (via Chelsea)
Yevhen Konoplyanka – Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk
Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal
It’s fair to say the Reds are making a habit out of failing to get deals over the line, which is a big worry on Merseyside. A lack of big European appeal, an inability to compete financially with other clubs and sheer incompetence have scuppered all of the above in some capacity, and there are genuine fears that Depay may not be the only major target the club miss out on this summer.
Here are FIVE more stars Liverpool simply have to ensure aren’t added to the above list…
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Raheem Sterling
We’ll kick off by discussing a player already at the club. Raheem Sterling, despite being just 20, is one of Liverpool’s key men. His performances in a variety of attacking roles have been very impressive, while his seven Premier League goals make him Brendan Rodgers’ most prolific scorer – read into that what you will.
However, his contract saga is rumbling on, with the England international not willing to even discuss an extension to the two years he has remaining on Merseyside until the final ball of the 2015/16 campaign has been kicked. With Champions League football, barring a miracle, off the menu for next season and Rodgers having endured another trophy-less season, Liverpool may have a job on their hands to convince Sterling to stay, with Manchester City extremely keen.
James Milner
Although not a ‘box office’ name, James Milner could be one of the signings of the summer. The 29-year-old is looking increasingly likely to leave Manchester City on a free when his contract expires, and Liverpool have been mooted as the side closest to his signature.
A versatile and committed player, Milner could fill the void Steven Gerrard is set to leave in the Reds’ engine room – he’s due to join LA Galaxy in a few months’ time – making him a vital addition. The lack of fee will free up funds for other signatures, with a player of the former Leeds man’s quality likely to command around £20m in the real market. Arsenal are also keen, which is a worry.
Alexandre Lacazette
Tentative links have been bubbling away between Liverpool and Alexandre Lacazette for some time. We should perhaps say this quietly, but the Frenchman may be even better than Memphis Depay, with his season having been at least on a par with the Dutchman’s. Over in Ligue 1, Lacazette has smashed 27 goals in 31 outings, dragging unfancied Lyon into the title race alongside uber-rich Parisians, PSG.
The 23-year-old is lightening fast, excellent on the ball and prolific, making him an ideal Daniel Sturridge stand-in for the 50% of games he’ll inevitably miss through injury. However, Chelsea are interested…
Danny Ings
Another freebie on the Liverpool hit list is Danny Ings. The Burnley man may command a compensation fee of close to £5m due to his age – 23 – but he could be worth it. Brendan Rodgers’ side’s big struggle this season has been goals, and with Daniel Sturridge due to be out until September due to his latest injury, they will need a forward. Ings has netted 10 goals in his maiden voyage into the Premier League, which is all the more impressive given that he’s been playing the for relegated Clarets.
HMS Manchester United could, though, send a torpedo towards Liverpool again.
Martin Montoya
Reports in Spain have suggested that Martin Montoya is on the verge of joining Liverpool, which is welcome news for Reds fans. The Spaniard would be a direct replacement for departing right-back Glen Johnson, and it’s fair to say he’ll be an immediate upgrade given the Englishman’s worrying decline over the last 12 months.
However, the longer the deal drags on the more likely it is another club could come in for the Spaniard, which would leave Rodgers without an experienced full-back to fill the role.