While the transfer market has been relatively quiet this offseason, it's fair to say that Liverpool have been quite active after finishing out of the top 4 yet again last year. As we count down the days for the new season to begin, it's time to recap the transfers that Liverpool have engaged in.
Liverpool Transfers: Outs
Steven Gerrard: LA Galaxy (Free)
Signalling the end of an era, Steven Gerrard declared in January that he would
Raheem Sterling: Manchester City (£49 Million)
After his rapid ascension through the academic system at Queens Park Rangers, Sterling was purchased by Liverpool for £5 million. After having a career year with Liverpool in the 2013-14 campaign and showing flashes of brilliance for England during the World cup in 2014, Sterling became one of Liverpool's most coveted assets. Despite the confidence and trust shown by Brendan Rodgers and the fans of the club, Sterling decided that it was time to quit and move on in order
Other notable outs: Rickie Lambert, Glen Johnson, Sebastian Coates, Brad Jones.
Liverpool Transfers: Ins
James Milner: Manchester City (Free)
Jame Milner was Liverpool's first signing of the offseason, and probably a bargain (well duh, hes free). James Milner was signed by Manchester City after winning the PFA young player of the year while playing for Aston Villa. When asked why he chose Liverpool, Milner stated that he wanted to play as a central midfielder rather than a winger, since he excelled at that position while playing for Aston Villa. While he might not be a flashy signing or a sexy name, Milner's work ethic and his ability to pass the ball helps Brendan Rodgers fill in the void left by Steven Gerrard. With Jordan Henderson and Milner playing as central midfielders, it can potentially help playmakers like Couthinho and Firmino to play up the field more and create more chances for our strikers. Could turn out to be most underrated signing of the season.
Danny Ings: Burnley (Free)
After seeing how brilliantly Mario Balotelli turned out to be for £16 million, strikers were in desperate need for Liverpool. While Ings doesn't really scream out as a guy who can bag in 20+ goals in a season, he did score 9 goals for Burnley last season. He is young, plays for England and does have upside, so its worth a flier. With a better midfield to get support from, maybe that goal count might increase, but in the worst case scenario, he turns out to be a bust. But a bust that didn't cost a dime is far better than one that cost the club £16 million.
Joe Gomez: Charlton Athletic (£3 Million)
One of the pivotal players on the England sqaud that won the UEFA under 17 championship, Joe Gomez, a product of the Charlton Athletic academy is touted by scouts to be an excellent center back with a lot of upside. For now, he is a depth addition more than anything, but could help the team in 2016 if either Lovren or Sakho continue to disappoint or injuries pile up.
Nathaniel Clyne: Southampton (£12.5 Million)
Left back was one of the most important issues to be addressed this offseason, and Nathaniel Clyne is a solid buy to address that issue. A product of Southampton (our favorite store to shop players these days), Clyne rose up the ranks quickly and has established as a solid left back with good pace and awareness. He is also good at tracking back to help out his central defenders. Acquiring him for 12 million was an absolute bargain. Maybe Southampton gave us a discount since we purchased so many goods from them recently. Pretty sweet deal really.
Roberto Firmino: Hoffenheim (£21.3 Million)
One of the things that Liverpool seemed to lack after the departure of Luis Suarez was creativity in the midfield. Phillipe Coutinho certainly looked like he could use some help. Getting his national teammate and another Brazilian prospect certainly helps. Firmino vastly developed his game playing for 1899 Hoffenheim and helped them get promoted to the Bundesliga, earning plaudits in Germany as well as Brazil. His performances went on to help him cement his place in the Brazilian national team. His transition to the Premier League and playing in a more competitive environment will certainly test whether Rodgers has made the right choice, but we certainly needed an exciting signing and an x-factor to look forward to for the upcoming season, and Firmino fits that bill perfectly. Christian Benteke: Aston Villa (£33.5 Million)
After losing Sturridge for pretty much all of last season with persistent injuries and Balotelli proving to be absolutely worthless, we needed a striker badly. When Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert are you plan B's, you know something is wrong with out attack up front. Enter Christian Benteke. While he is certainly not known for having pace or being a playmaker, he is a proven finisher in the premier league, and that is what Liverpool craved for so much last season. In the 88 games that he started for with Aston Villa, he scored 42 goals. That's a pretty impressive record with a team that barely held on to avoid relegation last season. If Sturridge can stay healthy for most of next season, his partnership with Benteke could potentially be a treat to watch. Liverpool did have to pay a pretty penny to acquire his services however, and if Benteke turns out to a another expensive flop, he could represent the final nail in the coffin for Brendan Rodger's days as a Liverpool manager. The best way to categorize this signing would be to say that it is a "high risk-high reward" purchase for the club.Other notable ins: Adam Bogdan, Divock Origi (Returning back from Loan)
After giving a vote of confidence to Brendan Rodgers to keep his job at Liverpool, FSG has entrusted him once again to acquire the right pieces for Liverpool to improve for next season. Rodgers faces a grueling start with an extremely tough premier league schedule and will certainly hope that this team puts it all together soon enough. If Liverpool do not find themselves in a respectable position come Christmas however, Rodgers could be headed for the exit door.
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