Dalglish plans summer spending spree
Liverpool’s caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish and director of football Damian Comolli are currently in the process of drawing up a transfer shortlist for the summer. If their ambitions are realised, we could see Liverpool spend a further £65 million pounds before the start of next season.
New owners FSG seem quite prepared to splash the cash after this season, especially as January arrivals Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez were almost entirely financed by the departures of Fernando Torres to Chelsea and Ryan Babel to TSG Hoffenheim. It looks as though Dalglish plans to bolster all aspects of the team, with new defensive, midfield and attacking players all targets for the Reds.
It appears that strengthening the midfield is the prime objective for Dalglish as Aston Villa’s Ashley Young, Wolves’ Matt Jarvis and Blackpool’s Charlie Adam look set to make the move. Pressure is on Villa to sell England starlet Ashley Young as the winger has refused a record £80,000 a week contract. With his current contract set to expire at the end of next season, Villa will be looking to pick up at least £20 million for him, before he walks out for free.
With both Wolves and Blackpool struggling this season, we may see talented players such as Adam and Jarvis leave for a bargain. However, strong competition for these players will drive up the price and each could reach a £10 million price tag should a bidding war ensue. The Seasiders’ resolve has already been tested this season when it comes to Adam, and neither club will want a knock down price for their midfield stars.
Gary Cahill’s move away from Bolton has been on the cards for a long time. Interest surrounded the player during the January transfer window, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all interested. Having signed defender David Luiz from Portuguese champions Benfica, Chelsea may no longer need the central defender, leaving Arsenal and Liverpool to compete for the player’s services. This may not be so pressing for Dalglish as Agger and Skrtel, both 26, still have a lot to give, whilst Arsenal’s defensive problems could see them better Liverpool’s offer.
If you think two strikers is enough, Liverpool fans may be in for a treat as speculation is growing over the signing of another forward. Many thought the signing of Carlton Cole from West Ham was inevitable, but now it seems Dalglish has his eyes set on some overseas talent. Bayern Munich’s target man Mario Gomez has scored 33 goals in 41 appearances this season and could complete a formidable strike force, costing around Liverpool around £30 million.
The summer looks set to give many fans a treat, with a host of players looking to move clubs. Although nothing is done until it’s done, we can be sure that some big names will arrive at Liverpool, but who they will be is still shrouded in mystery.
