The busiest summer window the Merseyside Reds have seen in quite a while with 9 new faces entering the club. Here’s a look at the new arrivals in a little more detail.
Rickie Lambert – 6/10
The £4m capture of Scouser Rickie Lambert marked the beginning of a very busy transfer window for the Reds. Deemed to be a very clever signing by many, the 32 year old is a proven goal-scorer who is willing to play second fiddle to Daniel Sturridge off the bench. Thus, providing Rodgers with a plan B
Emre Can – 7.5/10
The £10m signing of powerful German youngster Emre Can is clearly one for the future. Very highly rated by former Reds captain and his manager at Bayer Leverkusen – Sami Hypia, Can arrives on English shores with high expectations. He will be given time to settle but the German under-21 international will be eager to break into the first-11 sa soon as possible.
Adam Lallana – 6.5/10
The transfer of former Saints skipper Adam Lallana has been the Reds’ most expensive acquistion this summer. The English playmaker is yet to make his Reds debut after picking up a nasty injury in training. Lallana is expected to directly slot into the Reds starting line-up after commanding an enormous £25m for his services.
Lazar Markovic – 8/10
The signing of Adam Lallana was soon followed by Serbian attacker Lazar Markovic. The explosive winger who is comfortable playing anywhere across the front 3 will add high-quality depth to the squad. An exciting signing, Markovic represents the new Liverpool, Rodgers’ is trying to build after the departure of Luis Suarez.
Dejan Lovren – 8/10
Rodgers’ raid of the South coast – Southampton continued as he snapped up Croatian centre-back Dejan Lovren for £20m next. Shoring up a very leaky defence, Lovren has been the kind of defensive signing Rodgers has been searching for since the retirement of Jamie Carragher. Vocal and commanding, Lovren is a leader from the back.
Divock Origi – 6.5/10
The signing of World Cup star Divock Origi was a clear sign of intent by Brendan Rodgers and the management at Liverpool that they are looking at the larger picture after the departure of one Luis Suarez. The 19 year old Belgian striker was signed from French outfit Lille and then loaned back for the season.
Javi Manquillo – 7/10
The signs were very clear that Rodgers was out to bolster his defence and the signing of young 20 year old Javi Manquillo from Atletico Madrid was just another clever piece of business. The right-back was signed on a 2-season loan deal with an option to make the deal permanent.
Alberto Moreno – 9/10
The long and dragged out pursuit of Alberto Moreno finally concluded with the explosive left-back making the move from Sevilla to Liverpool for a reported £12m. A steal compared to the 20 million Sevilla quoted for the 22 year old at the start of the window. A signing that gives Liverpool fans the hope that the feisty Spaniard might just be the solution to their left back problems.
Mario Balotelli – 7/10
Taking Liverpool’s summer spending to a whopping 117 million GBP came the man tasked with the responsibilities to replace Luis Suarez in every way he can – Mario Balotelli. The £16m man was signed from AC Milan to partner Daniel Sturridge in attack. An exceptional talent, the baggage Balotelli carries along with him makes him a dicey signing, one that will test Rodgers’ man – management skills.