We take a look at how Liverpool can improve their squad through use of the bosman market.
Whilst the opening of the January transfer window generally leads to speculation surrounding the players clubs are set to spend big on in the winter window, it also represents the time at which players from clubs abroad can be approached with regards to a bosman transfer, if their contract expires at the end of the season.
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Liverpool’s disappointing season so far has exposed some of the clear holes in Brendan Rodgers’ squad, problems that are only set to be exacerbated by the impending departure of iconic midfielder Steven Gerrard.
The Reds do not need to spend big to solve their problems, however – here are five players that we believe can help to fix Brendan Rodgers’ squad on free transfers once the season has come to an end:
GK) Loris Karius (Mainz)
Once a part of the youth system at Manchester City, Mainz goalkeeper Loris Karius has emerged as one of the finest young talents in the Bundesliga over recent seasons and possibly as the clear back up to Manuel Neuer for Germany, even ahead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Whilst Karius has indicated that he will remain at Mainz until the end of the summer, he is likely to move on, and would represent a fine long term solution to Liverpool’s issues between the sticks.
Fabian Schar (FC Basel)
FC Basel central defender Fabian Schar has been one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe over the last couple of seasons, but he has surprisingly waited to take the plunge and leave the relative comfort of St. Jakob Park. This summer looks almost certain to be the time that the Swiss international does leave, and he is just the kind of player that Liverpool need to parachute into their defence.
James Milner (Manchester City)
James Milner has a new contract on the table from Premier League champions Manchester City, but the England international is taking his time over signing it and wants assurances over regular first team action. With Gerrard set to leave Anfield, the Reds desperately need midfield reinforcements and Milner, often derided as a workhorse, is an intelligent, driven player who is best in the centre of the park. Liverpool should push the boat out to make him their marquee buy.
Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)
Another Premier League option for strengthening the Liverpool midfield is Aston Villa and England star Fabian Delph, whose contract at Villa Park also expires in the summer. The former Leeds United trainee is injury prone and that will need to be a consideration, but he is young and has the potential to become a mainstay of the Anfield midfield for the next decade. On a free transfer, that could be an opportunity that is far too good to pass by.
Luiz Adriano (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Brazilian forward Luiz Adriano is a slightly more outlandish suggestion, but the Champions League top scorer is out of contract in the summer and looks unlikely to extend his stay in Ukraine. Adriano is unproven in a major European league but has caused big clubs problems in continental competition in the past with his pace and skill – is certainly an option that deserves serious consideration by Brendan Rodgers.