If we can take one thing from the transfer window thus far, it’s that Liverpool are hustling. Hard.
Just three weeks into the summer drama and the Reds already have signed one player, Celta Vigo’s Iago Aspas, bid on two others, Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet and Sevilla’s Luis Alberto, and are reportedly close to signing two others, Porto’s Christian Atsu and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Which begs the question - if these transfers go through, what will Liverpool look like when the Premier League kicks off in August?
Iago Aspas
The deal for Aspas was finalized last week after what seemed like ages of negotiations. The final accord saw the Celta born player, who recently helped his boyhood club avoid relegation on the final day of the season, come to Anfield in exchange for £7.6 million ($11.9m).
Was that good deal for the striker? At this juncture, it’s difficult to say. The 25 year old did manage an impressive campaign last season, scoring 12 goals in 34 La Liga appearances. Prior to that, however, the bustling and somewhat tempermental striker spent four seasons in the Segunda where he scored 16 goals in 86 matches, not exactly a bragable goal haul.
Those close to the Spanish game, however, suggest that Aspas may be developing somewhat late for a European striker and if so, then that’s promising news. The Galician typically operates by himself up top, which means he could slide right in to help Liverpool overcome Luis Suarez’ suspension (and potential transfer) and Daniel Sturridge’s ankle ligament damage. What’s more, once Sturridge gets healthy, Aspas could be moved out wide and used along with Philippe Coutinho when Suarez and/or Sturridge return.
With the possible departure of Suarez, the health of Sturridge and the recent sale of Andy Carroll to West Ham, Aspas finds himself in a wonderful position to make an immediate impact at Anfield. While Liverpool may look to bring further competition in up front, for now we can expect Aspas and Fabio Borini to compete for the spot up top.
Simon Mignolet
As for Simon Mignolet, Liverpool reportedly made a £6.5 million ($10m) bid for the Sunderland goal-keeper last week only to be told to increase the price. Rumors claim the Black Cats are looking for £9 million ($13.9) for the 24 year old Belgian but it’s not the price difference that’s holding this deal off.
The dominos will fall when Sunderland finds a suitable replacement, Liverpool reaches a deal to send Pepe Reina to Barcelona, and the Blaugrana figure out where to dump off Victor Valdez. Deals for starting keepers are tough like that. This one may take some time, but expect it to be done and done before the transfer window closes.
Luis Alberto
The other bid Liverpool have made is for Sevilla midfielder Luis Alberto who spent last year on loan with Barcelona B squad where he shined. While it’s unclear what the Reds bid for Alberto, Sevilla descibed it as being “very good” but wanting more. It’s believed the Andalucian club are looking for something in the range of £7 million ($10.8m).
If Liverpool give Sevilla what they want they’ll have yet another creative, attacking midfielder to join the ranks. And while the 20 year old is not expected to push anyone out of Anfield, he would fit right in with similar up-and-comers Coutinho and Suso.
Christian Atsu
Liverpool is reported to be in advanced negotiations with Porto over Ghanaian international winger, Christian Atsu (pictured). Atsu may sign with the Reds for as little as £3 million ($4.6m), an unbelievable deal that is due to the player’s contract running out next season and his refusal to re-sign.
Atsu may not come in and make an immediate impact at Anfield but with freakish pace and bags of talent he could very well end up knocking Stewart Downing from his rickety perch while providing a healthy push for Raheem Sterling.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The player who, for now, has Liverpool in the biggest tizzy is Shakhtar’s holding-come-attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian’s versatility, pedigree, skills, intelligence and nose for goal has all of Liverpool clamoring for his services. And although the price tag is a bit steep - £22 million ($34m) is the current quote - all indications are that he’s well worth it.
Where Rodgers will deploy Mkhitaryan is anyone’s guess. Shakhtar used him as a deep laying playmaker as cover for Fernandinho when he broke his leg. Once the Brazilian recovered, Mkhitaryan was back in an attacking role, dominating the Ukrainian Premier League for 25 goals this past season.
If placed in the playmaker role that could spell problems for Lucas and Jordan Henderson while it could be curtains for players like Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Allen. More likely than not, however, Rodgers will play Mkhitaryan just behind the striker, meaning Coutinho will likely stay out on the left with Sterling and Downing/Atsu on the right. Suso, the cretive young Spaniard who did so well for the Reds last season, may also see his playing time seriously impeded.
Such is life for a club on the hustle.