Summer 2015 - Transfer Rumours, Speculation & Suggestions

[PeterWithe]

Really? He's as mad as a box of frogs but an immense talent, thats why so many big clubs have been so patient with him.

His next move will be downward mind, I think he will do well at his next club, it wont be us though.

[Matt C]

Can only see a right back arriving if Hutton leaves.

[Smirker]

Really? He's as mad as a box of frogs but an immense talent, thats why so many big clubs have been so patient with him.

His next move will be downward mind, I think he will do well at his next club, it wont be us though.

He is 24 and scored one league goal all season.

There comes a point when players are no longer hot prospects and you have to stop making excuses for them.

[dave.woodhall]

We still need a RB, DCM, winger and a proven PL striker .

Unless you're thinking Charlie Austin, I don't know who else there is available in the latter category.

Yes, an upgrade at right back over McCafu and Bacuna would be nice but I don't think that's a priority.

It's not THE priority I agree. Replacing Benteke is the priority. Followed for me by a big classy DCM and then a winger and finally a RB.

We've already signed two strikers, so Benteke has been replaced.

[Damo70]

I can see why Liverpool took a gamble on Balotelli but it didn't work and he will now either make a series of downward moves all of which won't work out or he will be a huge success somewhere. I suspect it will be the the former and even if it is the latter it will soon go tits up. He is the new Anelka.

[PaulWinch again]

He's not Anelka. Anelka was actually excellent at a few of his clubs.

[Mister E]

I can see why Liverpool took a gamble on Balotelli but it didn't work and he will now either make a series of downward moves all of which won't work out or he will be a huge success somewhere. I suspect it will be the the former and even if it is the latter it will soon go tits up. He is the new Anelka.

At £16m, Liverpool didn't take a gamble: it was hope over expectation. Balotelli is permanently damaged goods. Steer well clear.

As Brian G said above, the critical purchase is a seasoned and reliable CB.

[KRS]

I'd imagine the process of signing Balotelli would be like the first time you go to a prostitute...you think its a good idea at the time, it looks like a tasty prospect, you think you're in for the ride of your life...but you soon find out that it's shit, overrated, it cost you a small fortune, and you end up regretting it afterwards.

Disclaimer: I've never been to a prostitute and I'm sure there may well be higher standard of prostitute that will perform to a better level than the overpriced Balotelli level prostitute.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

I can see why Liverpool took a gamble on Balotelli but it didn't work and he will now either make a series of downward moves all of which won't work out or he will be a huge success somewhere. I suspect it will be the the former and even if it is the latter it will soon go tits up. He is the new Anelka.

At £16m, Liverpool didn't take a gamble: it was hope over expectation. Balotelli is permanently damaged goods. Steer well clear.

As Brian G said above, the critical purchase is a seasoned and reliable CB.

Lescott?

[silhillvilla]

Smethwick won't sell lescott to us on the eve of the new season.

[OCD]

What a load of bollocks this 'we must replace Benteke crap' is. Benteke was Benteke and he's gone. As good as he was, he was still part of a side that finished 17th. It shouldn't be too hard to rebuild a team and make it good enough to be a mid-table (for now) side.

[pauliewalnuts]

What a load of bollocks this 'we must replace Benteke crap' is. Benteke was Benteke and he's gone. As good as he was, he was still part of a side that finished 17th. It shouldn't be too hard to rebuild a team and make it good enough to be a mid-table (for now) side.

I think the point isn't that we must replace Benteke with a player just like him, it is that we need to find a player who can reasonably be expected to weigh in with a few goals.

You're right, he was part of a side that finished 17th. Which is why it is so important that we get someone in to score the goals, because he supplied most of them in that team.

[OCD]

Well, we know we're in for a second main striker. It's either a deal for Adebayor that's at an advantage stage or it will be someone else where we'll be basically starting over with and it may take a while to happen.

Going by pre-season, keeping clean sheets will be the challenge rather than goals scored.

[Dan England]

What a load of bollocks this 'we must replace Benteke crap' is. Benteke was Benteke and he's gone. As good as he was, he was still part of a side that finished 17th. It shouldn't be too hard to rebuild a team and make it good enough to be a mid-table (for now) side.

I think the point isn't that we must replace Benteke with a player just like him, it is that we need to find a player who can reasonably be expected to weigh in with a few goals.

You're right, he was part of a side that finished 17th. Which is why it is so important that we get someone in to score the goals, because he supplied most of them in that team.

We don't necessarily need a 20 goal a season man, but the front three need to contribute 10-12 each. Sinclair and Gabby are certainly capable and have done so in the past, Gestede and Ayew look like they also are capable.  The challenge is playing in a way that will create the space and chances that those 3/4 players will need to get those goals.

There are two choices; retain the style of play and directly replace Benteke, or, change style and utilise other players strengths.

[pauliewalnuts]

Going by pre-season, keeping clean sheets will be the challenge rather than goals scored.

I think we may struggle at both ends, to be honest, if we don't add more players, that is.