The transfer window is now open, but Liverpools summer spending spree began almost as soon as their disappointing 2014-15 campaign came to a close. James Milner, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez, Roberto Firmino, Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Bogan have all arrived at Anfield, with manager Brendan Rodgers still on the hunt for more players who can help his side return to the Champions League. IBTimes UK sports reporter Tony Mogan takes a look at who the club might be looking to sign ahead of the new season.
Manchester United transfer targets
Manchester City transfer targets
Its fair to say that Liverpools transfer signings this time last year were nothing short of a disaster. After pocketing £75m ($116.8m) from the departure of star player Luis Suarez to Barcelona, the Reds promptly wasted their cash reserves on the likes of Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli, all who have failed to perform in their time at Anfield. The slapdash spending spree smacked of Plan B signings rather than first choice targets.
But the signings Rodgers has made so far suggest that there is much more of a plan involved this time around, with the £29m purchase of Firmino from Hoffenheim a bold statement by the club that they can attract some of worlds most exciting players to Anfield.
Rodgers will still be on the hunt for another striker to join Danny Ings, due to Daniel Sturridges injury problems and the lack of quality shown by Balotelli, Lambert and Fabio Borini so far. Christian Benteke has been linked with a move, as the Belgian international appears unlikely to sign a new contract with Aston Villa. But will the £32m release clause be too rich for Liverpools blood?
Carlos Bacca was another striker linked with the club, but the Reds have been pipped to the post in signing the Brazilian by AC Milan, who snapped up the Sevilla player after they activated his £21.3m release clause.
Whatever signings Rodgers makes, he will know that unlike last season, they must impress and impress quickly. The pressure is on after a disappointing campaign in which the club finished sixth, culminating in a humiliating 6-1 loss to Stoke City on the final day of the season. Plenty of players have come through the door at Anfield, but if early results are poor, then it could be the manager on the way out.
