Liverpool’s Summer Signings-Rated
We look into each signing made so far by The Reds
Liverpool have been the joint busiest Premier League team so far in this transfer window, with Brendan Rodgers making no fewer than five additions to his squad.
Here’s how we see the new signings faring at Anfield:
James Milner (from Manchester City; Free)
The 29 year old was Liverpool‘s first summer signing, after his contract ended at Manchester City. Despite being in a team of superstars, Milner proved himself to be an important team player at the Etihad.
His versatility is going to be key for Brendan Rodgers. He can play in central midfield, and on either flank.
Going forward, Milner can produce service to the forwards, and can chip in with the odd goal. He will prove to be a good bit of business. 7/10
Danny Ings (from Burnley; Free, compensation fee yet to be agreed)
Brendan Rodgers will hope that Ings, plus the returning Divock Origi, can be able deputies to a fit and firing Daniel Sturridge in front of goal this season. Last season, the trio of strikers: Balotelli, Lambert and Borini, mustered just four league goals between them, meaning their Anfield careers could soon be over.
Ings however scored 11 goals in his debut Premier League campaign, but couldn’t help Burnley avoid relegation to the Championship. He is quick in behind, and obviously has an eye for goal. Ings prefers to play with a partner, which could make him an excellent impact player for the Reds.
Rodgers will still want to sign a high profile striker, with lingering doubts over Sturridge’s fitness, but Ings is certainly a decent back up option. 6.5/10
Adam Bogdan (from Bolton; Free)
Liverpool‘s third free signing was goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, as back up to Simon Mignolet. Bogdan put in a man of the match performance for Bolton, against Liverpool at Anfield in the 4th round of the FA Cup last season.
He has played in the Premier League for Bolton, but it remains to be seen whether he can cut it at Liverpool, especially if Mignolet gets injured. 5.5/10
Joe Gomez (from Charlton; £3.5m)
Liverpool fans might not know much about Joe Gomez, another Championship signing this time from Charlton. Gomez is a centre back by trade, but can also play at right back.
Last season was his first as a professional, after breaking into the Addicks‘ first team in August 2014. He has also represented England’s under 19 side on four occasions, but remains untested at the highest level.
Gomez is another one for the future, but it doesn’t look like Rodgers will send him out on loan next season, for the time being. 5/10
Roberto Firmino (from Hoffenheim; £21.3m)
Undoubtedly Liverpool’s marquee signing so far in this transfer window is Brazil playmaker Roberto Firmino, and not just because of the hefty pricetag.
Firmino is a quality player, and has all the attributes to succeed at Anfield, in the same way as his Brazil team mate Philippe Coutinho has. The 23 year old is a versatile forward, who can play in the number ten role, or to the left or right, and should prove an excellent replacement for Raheem Sterling, if he is sold.
He has the second highest number of assists in the last two Bundesliga seasons (21), five behind Kevin de Bruyne with 26. He can dribble, can create, and has the ability to score ten goals a season plus.
All things being good, Liverpool have bought a very good player here, and with Coutinho and a fit and firing Daniel Sturridge, they potentially possess a menacing front three. 8.5/10
Impending arrival of Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton
England right back Nathaniel Clyne is set to be added to this list, when he passes his medical, and would become the Reds‘ preferred right back. He is very athletic, gets forward, and is a terrific tackler, having made the most tackles of any Premier League defender last season.
He will want to avoid a repeat of Dejan Lovren‘s first season at Anfield, who signed from Southampton last summer. 7.5/10
By Joseph Richardson