So Brendan Rodgers has stoked the transfer flames and, at once, put a spring in the step of half of Merseyside by suggesting that he still wants a major signing in this window. Brilliant news. Easier said than done in January of course. But at least the intent is there from the Liverpool boss.
Putting the Villa game aside, Liverpool look every bit the title contenders at home. They aren’t just winning but battering most sides at Anfield. And, in general, goalscoring isn’t problem. So you would surely have to look further back in the formation to find areas that need immediate improvement.
While the defence still needs another left back it’s the midfield which could really use an addition. The injury to Lucas has highlighted the paucity of quality and depth in the Liverpool engine room. Jordan Henderson has had a decent season and, as with most of his players, Rodgers seems to be getting the best out of him. But Liverpool could do with another absolute bobby dazzler of a player in there. So we think that Liverpool will probably concentrate on the midfield for the rest of the transfer market.
One of the names mentioned most frequently in relation to Liverpool over the last week is Atletico Madrid’s on loan midfielder Saul Niguez. The Daily Star said this of the reported Liverpool interest this week:
Rodgers has met the player’s father Luis Antonio Niguez for secret talks on Merseyside, while Arsenal have also made contact.
Manchester United and Chelsea are monitoring the 19-year-old who can operate in either a defensive or attacking midfield role.
The 19 year old box to box man, who schooled at Real Madrid, has played at every youth international level for Spain. He went on loan from Atletico Madrid to Rayo Vallecano this season and has become a fixture in the side, turning out 19 times for the club.
With so many potential signings being thrown around we can only work on a process of deduction. Brendan Rodgers likes to invest in youth, especially when he’s spending big bucks and we think this guy could well be a serious target for Liverpool in the remaining days of the window.