Rodgers must make marquee signings for Reds recovery

Last season Liverpool came agonisingly close to clinching their maiden Premier League crown, but a series of high-profile oversights ended all hopes, and the club have since slipped well off the pace this term.

The departure of Luis Suarez dealt a devastating blow to Brendan Rodgers’ Reds last summer, with the Uruguayan sharpshooter leaving for the Nou Camp, after his best efforts to guide Liverpool to a title triumph fell narrowly short.

Despite finishing second to eventual top-flight champions Manchester City last term, and only two points adrift, the stuttering Reds have stumbled to fifth spot this current campaign after a series of underwhelming performances and results.

Rodgers has overseen his faltering Anfield outfit drop a daunting seven points behind top four rivals Manchester United, as any hopes of securing a place in Europe’s elite club competition next season slip far beyond their grasp (25/1 with Coral to do so).

It is clear Rodgers will need to follow up last season’s nightmare transfer window with an encouraging summer spending spree if he is to start a Reds revival. The Northern Irishman recently admitted that he will need to purchase many marquee players, highlighting Suarez’s departure and the constant flow of injuries to Daniel Sturridge as the main causes of his side’s domestic downfall.

“We can’t hide away from fact we’ve lost over 50 goals from last season and any team is going to struggle to maintain their level with that,” said Rodgers.

“Now the challenge is even greater for us with Suarez gone and Sturridge injured. The players have given their best to meet that challenge and standard, but we’re not at that.

“We have to look to improve the squad again, which every big club will do. For fans and players, it’s great to get those marquee players.”

Following up last summer’s host of flop signings shouldn’t be difficult and, with a reportedly substantial war chest available, Rodgers could look to stars such as Edinson Cavani, Memphis Depay and Theo Walcott to boost his stuttering squad.

Former Anfield ace Suarez’s international teammate Cavani would provide the Reds with a great attacking outlet, with his clinical eye for goal and dangerous versatility on the frontline. The PSG poacher is a constant threat going forward and could be utilised either in a wide position or alongside Sturridge up front.

Arsenal’s rapid wingman Walcott has been heavily linked with a move to the red half of Merseyside, following contract complications, and he would bring a great deal of pace and attacking threat to Anfield. The England international could also be seen as a quality replacement for possibly-departing Raheem Sterling, though a potential swoop for PSV sensation Depay is a more appealing transfer prospect (3/1 to join).

Deadly Dutchman Depay has shot to stardom this term with his emphatic goalscoring displays in the Eredivisie, but Liverpool will have to battle a host of European giants in order to acquire his services. The dazzling wideman has slotted home over 20 goals this term and is a ferocious forward which Reds boss Rodgers admires.

“The kid is a very talented player, of course. But I wouldn’t like to confirm either way,” stated Rodgers.

“It’s clear we need the goal threat for next year. There’s going to be a whole raft of players that I’m sure will be looked at, then will be up to the club if they’re affordable and if they’re available.”

As well as attacking options needing strengthened, Liverpool’s midfield requires a massive boost, with Steven Gerrard set for an imminent move to MLS franchise LA Galaxy. Former Reds maestro and Kop favourite Xabi Alonso is a potential returning midfield anchor, with his creative qualities and ability to retain possession something Rodgers is currently lacking.

The Spaniard would slot perfectly into the Reds’ central area alongside Jordan Henderson and, even at 33 years of age, could bolster Rodgers’ ranks towards the end of his successful career as Liverpool aim to swiftly return to their successful silverware days.

Watch potential Liverpool target Cavani score an incredible individual goal for PSG in Ligue 1.