It is believed that Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson will be given a transfer budget of £60m when the window opens once again in January, undoubtedly leading to wholesale changes after The Reds’ disappointing start to the new season.
So who are these fine young individuals who could kick-start Liverpool’s season, and more importantly, what will they bring to an ailing and disillusioned squad?
ASHLEY YOUNG
The first name on this list is a familiar one. Evidently Liverpool do not need a new free kick taker, with both Young and fellow international Steven Gerrard producing dead ball gold at the weekend, but the left side is (in the opinion of fans across several Liverpool boards) in further need of development. The emergence of Ashley Young as a target are strengthened by further rumours of midfielder Ryan Babel being released on a free, after failing to fulfil the potential he promised on arrival at Anfield in 2007.
KEISUKE HONDA
The man who can play just about anywhere was Japan’s world cup hero as his striking credentials did for Cameroon and Denmark, sending the Samurai Blue fighting onwards to the next round. ‘Kaizer Keisuke’ had his big break in December last year after being transferred from Dutch side VV-Venlo to CSKA Moscow, and his contributions sent CSKA to the quarter finals of the Champions League in lieu of tie favourites Sevilla. Undoubtedly, his versatility would be second to none if a move to Anfield should go ahead, and the quality of his finishing is arguably far in excess of a few names in Liverpool’s current set-up.
LEE CHUNG YONG
The Bolton winger could be flying onwards to Anfield, as a move for the best South Korean footballer since Ji Sung Park is being touted as a possibility. The ‘Blue Dragon’, as he is known, had a stellar World Cup and was a handful in what many neutrals predicted to be a difficult group containing Nigeria, Greece and sure bets Argentina.
On the domestic scene, Lee’s form has also been pleasing after the sceptics doubted his ability to make a smooth transition from the K-League to the Premier League last year. In his first season, Lee’s transfer value surged as a notably potent attacking ability became evident, helping him win the Bolton’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the year awards. At 22 years old, Lee’s career is about to peak, and it is up to Hodgson to take the initiative before somebody else does.
MARIO GOMEZ
The man who has been linked to about ten million different clubs is reportedly on Roy Hodgson’s new year shopping list. Gomez is well known for making a silk purse out of a cow’s rump, with a never say die attitude and a disquieting knack for finishing. A player with Gomez’ approach is precisely what Liverpool need right now, with play more often than not disjointed and lacking in cohesion, particularly in the attacking half of the pitch.
Gomez would undoubtedly take up a greater part of Roy Hodgson’s potential £60m January budget, but if Liverpool aspire to once more rub shoulders with the giants, then Gomez is exactly what they need. Getting on the phone and negotiating is easy – trying to prise Gomez away from the Allianz Arena will be anything but.
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