Reds arguably need forward reinforcements at the nearest opportunity…
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Mario Balotelli has so far failed to replace Luis Suarez at Anfield. While the Italian maverick has worked tirelessly, he’s yet to bag a league goal for the Reds, and rumours are rife as a result that Brendan Rodgers will bring in another forward in January to compete with Balotelli and star striker Daniel Sturrige.
Here are the names most prominently linked so far.
Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli (The Express)
Rated at £32m, Higuain is exactly the kind of world-renowned striker Liverpool fans were expecting when Luis Suarez left. The Argentine is a wonderful finisher, and is technically excellent as well. There’s no reason why he couldn’t form an excellent partnership with Sturridge.
Andre-Pierre Gignac – Marseille (The Evening Standard)
Gignac is excelling in France this term for Marseille. He’s scored eight goals already, which is only bettered by Cristiano Ronaldo across Europe! Aged 28, he’s unlikely to ever develop into a truly world-class forward, but could provide a more than decent option in the second half of the season.
Karim Benzema – Real Madrid – (The Express)
Probably the biggest star on this list, but also the player that would cost the most money. Benzema starts for Real Madrid, the Champions League holders, but the Reds are lining up a £40m bid nonetheless. Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, there seems no real season why Los Blancos would consider selling.
Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund – (The Express)
Granted, Reus prefers to play from the left, but he provides exactly what Liverpool need – goals. He scored 16 in the Bundesliga last term, and he’s apparently refusing to sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool would have to compete with another of top clubs for his signature, however.
Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
It’s left-field, but could the wonderkid not move further forward? He has all the attributes needed for it. He will offer an option in behind (which Mario Balotelli doesn’t) because of his pace, and his attacking movement is sensational. Sterling also has the ability to move the ball quickly and get off shots off either foot. When Sturridge is unavailable, partnering the teenage phenomenon with Balotelli (who could act as a pivot) woud not be the worst idea.