Signing a player requires a lot of behind the scenes work and the hard work usually starts pretty early. Identifying the positions which need an upgrade then thinking of probable targets and then trying to strike a deal at the right place in which all the parties can be satisfied. The manager and the transfer committee have to work in tandem this summer to bring the right blend of players to Anfield to make the reds challenging at the top again.
Jurgen Klopp is considered good at transfers and has worked his magic in small budgets both at Mainz and Dortmund. He has a knack of finding talent and nurturing them to bring out the best in them. This is what would have impressed FSG the most and with Klopp and FSG, the reds can hope for some world class players and exciting prospects to arrive at Anfield.
Not every player that is identified and is much needed turns out to be a success. Liverpool have done badly in the transfer windows and with the exception of few transfers, the past managers and the committee have not lived up to the mark. That is why Liverpool should be extra cautious this summer and avoid some targets that have been linked to the club. So let’s take a look at the three marquee signings that Liverpool should be wary of in the summer:
1. Thomas Vermaelen:
With Mamadou Sakho looking to serve a ban for at least six months, the reds have to buy a centre back to add some numbers in the defense department and bring some much needed leadership. Martin Skrtel is set to leave in the summer and Kolo Toure’s future is uncertain at the moment and hence a center back is a top priority. Liverpool have already bought Joel Matip from Schalke who definitely looks like a real deal.
On paper, Thomas Vermaelen looks a perfect target with him being a part of title winning teams in the Netherlands, England and Spain. The 30 year old is a leader and has been solid during his time at Arsenal. But a continuous streak of injuries ended his time at the gunners and has been injured for the majority of his time at FC Barcelona. The reds cannot afford to have such a liability in their squad and though he ticks all the boxes, Vermaelen should be avoided.
2. Hatem Ben Arfa:
The Frenchman is playing like a man on a mission with 18 goals and 3 assists, he has been single handedly carrying Nice into the Champions League. He has been in fine form and has is just behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexander Lacazette in the race to be the top scorer.
Though an attacker is needed, Klopp should not go for the 29 year old as he had a miserable time in England and failed to impress both at Newcastle and Hull. He is kind of a luxury player and doesn’t contribute defensively. He is just not the kind of player that plays in a Jurgen Klopp team and the reds should not even try going for him.
3. Theo Walcott:
Walcott is another player who has been linked to the reds since many years, but it never went ahead than just the speculation. The 27 year old is struggling for game time for the gunners and he is looking for a move away from the Emirates.
With all the attackers that Liverpool have at their disposal, Walcott sadly offers an upgrade and won’t get into the current Reds lineup. He is decent but just not what is needed in the summer. Sadly, everyone has seen it all what the pacy Englishman can offer, but it just isn’t worthy of signing him on a high wage and big transfer fee.
