There is little question that improving our squad has to be top of our club’s priority list this summer. However, buying those already plying their trade in the Premier League may result in paying over the odds for players that don’t improve the side we already have.
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In Spain, there are plenty of options that we should be considering already. Some could go into the first-team, some have shown signs of enormous potential, and some add a much needed depth that our team has lacked at times this season.
Here is a list 20 players – one from each La Liga side – that could add something to Liverpool’s team in the future:
Almeria: Julian (GK)
With Brad Jones’ contract seemingly being left to run out, Brendan Rodgers will be keen to address the lack of options currently forming a queue behind Simon Mignolet. There is little question that the Belgian will remain number one next season, and it would be silly to go after another first-choice keeper. With 15 appearances in the league, Julian has done a pretty good job every time he’s been called upon for Almeria, and has helped the side stay out of the relegation zone. With the step-up in club that would come with a move to Merseyside, he would probably be quite content being Mignolet’s understudy.
Athletic Bilbao: Iker Muniain (AM)
According to the Daily Express, we have previously been interested in the Spaniard, and there has been little this season to suggest that we would be put off going back in, this summer. At 22, he is already a key member of the Bilbao side. Despite his fairly tender age, he has already made nearly 200 league appearances for the club. While he has proved to be an exciting player, and could play on either wing, his tally of one goal and one assist this season would have to be improved if he was to move to Anfield.
Atletico Madrid: Arda Turan (AM)
The Daily Express report that the 28-year-old has previously stated that we are his dream club, which, when it comes to attracting a player of his quality, could be critical, as Atletico can offer him Champions League football next season. His age means that he may not represent our traditional signings under Brendan Rodgers, however, his ability means that an exception should be made. He brings versatility, so can pull the strings in midfield, or offer support in attack.
Barcelona: Martin Montoya (RB)
With Glen Johnson’s contract unlikely to be renewed, and Jon Flanagan’s unfortunate injury problems, the right-back area is one that will need a lot of attention. The Metro reported that Martin Montoya is the man chosen to fill the void in a deal worth £7.3m. The 24-year-old has been the understudy to Dani Alves, who the Metro report is close to signing a new deal at the Nou Camp, and while there is little shame being second choice to the Brazilian, Montoya appears to be growing tired of the subs’ bench. We can offer first-team football straight away, which may help sway the deal.
Celta Vigo: Nolito (W/ST)
Apart from the obvious household names, few players have been more productive than Nolito this season. The 28-year-old – who made his international debut last year – has 12 goals and 11 assists just in La Liga this campaign. That record is very much comparable with PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard, who has two more goals, but three less assists. His production in both creating and scoring goals makes him a very attractive option, that could be used anywhere in the front three.
Cordoba: Fede Cartabia (AM)
It has been a difficult season for Cordoba, one that has already resulted in relegation. It would be very tough to suggest that a team eleven points adrift of their nearest rival could currently have a player in their squad worthy of pulling on our famous red shirt. However, the Argentinian has been a shining light among a very dim display for the side. He has four goals and five assists, meaning he’s been involved in nearly half of the team’s goals this season. His discipline makes him a potential concern, having already collected two reds this year.
Deportivo La Coruna: Celso Borges (MC)
Deportivo look perilously close to falling into the bottom three, and could be relying upon the performances of one of their most consistent players if they are to get out of trouble. The Costa Rican international joined the club in January and made an instant impact, scoring twice on his debut. He could be one of the many options we may need to recover from the loss of Steven Gerrard in the summer. His deal expires at the end of the season, so he would be available on a free, although he does have the opportunity to extend his stay at his current club.
Eibar: Didac Vila (LB)
When Alberto Moreno has been absent this season, we have looked short on options to take his place. While the Spaniard should remain Rodgers’ first choice, the 25-year-old – who is on loan from AC Milan – could be a decent replacement to come in should his countryman experience more injury problems. He has only made 13 appearances, but is certainly the best of an uninspiring lot.
Elche: Jonathas (ST)
The Brazilian has been on loan at Elche this season, but, with his efforts, it would be a surprise to see the La Liga side not attempt to persuade Pescara to sell the 26-year-old. His 12 goals and seven assists have guided the team to a safe mid-table position, not bad for a side that before last year, had not been in the top flight since 1989. He obviously would not be a first choice option, especially with Daniel Sturridge fit, however, his statistics suggest that he knows how to find the back of the net, and therefore, could be a decent replacement.
Espanyol: Sergio Garcia (W/ST)
The 31-year-old does not tick many of the boxes when it comes to desired signings. However, sometimes it makes a little sense to break the rules and go against your principles. He came through the Barcelona youth system, and broke into the first-team briefly. He also has an European Championship medal, having been part of Spain’s squad in 2008. That experience – as Steven Gerrard has proved – can come in handy when your squad consists of young, talented players, promising potential, but needing a role model to show them the way. Therefore, his role in the side could transcend just his playing ability.
Getafe: Emiliano Velazquez (DC)
Unlike Garcia, Velazquez fulfils a lot of the criteria of the modern Liverpool signing. The 21-year-old is on loan from Atletico, and signed a long-term deal last summer with the current champions, which does mean that it would probably take a hefty bid to tempt them to sell.
Granada: Nyom (RB)
As mentioned previously, signing a right-back should be an imperative part of Rodgers’ plans. The 27-year-old is not the kind of player that should be our first choice in the position, however, he has plenty of experience, so could be a backup option. One stumbling block to any potential deal is the slightly bizarre ownership involving Granada, his parent club Udinese, and Watford. The way the Pozzo family run their trio of clubs mean that the Cameroon international could be playing in the Premier League next season, but for the Hornets.
Levante: Ivan Lopez (RB)
Levante’s season has been fairly disappointing, and it is unlikely therefore, that many of the players will be subject of summer bids from sides aspiring to better themselves. One of the few players that has done quite well is Ivan Lopez. His age – 21 – means that there is plenty of scope for improvement, however, if he remains with an average team, his career may stagnate into mediocrity. While it is not our job to save players from their careers petering out, if there is obvious potential, then we should look closely at whether he could improve our team. With the right-back area looking thin, Lopez may be able to.
Malaga: Ignacio Camacho (DMC)
The Metro reported in March that we were monitoring the situation regarding the 25-year-old midfielder. He is one of the many players that have been lined up to try and replace Steven Gerrard. The Spaniard may become frustrated as the side have failed to qualify for Europe next year, which may help persuade him to come to Anfield. Although, he may become more tempted should a club that can offer Champions League football next season come calling.
Rayo Vallecano: Alberto Bueno (ST)
It’s fair to say that if it hadn’t been for the 27-year-old, Rayo Vallecano would be looking over their shoulder, and worrying about the possibility of the bottom three picking up points. As it is, his 16 goals have guided the side to a mid-table place, and, with two games to go, given them hope of breaking into the top half. His ability to find the back of the net is obviously a desirable attribute, and one that has been lacking this campaign for us. However, the alarm bells should be ringing, as Bueno spent a season on loan at Derby County in 2010/11, and failed to capture the imagination, scoring just five goals in 29 appearances.
Real Madrid: Sami Khedira (MC)
The Daily Express report that the World Cup winner has a host of Premier League sides after him, including ourselves, and it is not difficult to understand why. Real Madrid appear to be happy to let him go in the summer, with a cluster of other options restricting his playing time. But their loss could be our gain. A player of his quality is arguably as close to replacing Steven Gerrard as we’re going to get in terms of ability, and so, we should have no hesitation in offering him as lucrative a deal as possible.
Real Sociedad: Inigo Martinez (DC)
How much satisfaction would it give to pinch David Moyes’ best player? The answer is a lot, not just because it would take a key component of his side away, but, also as we would secure a wonderful acquisition. According to the Daily Mirror earlier this week, we placed a £14.3m bid for the 21-year-old. He may not be able to oust the likes of Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho straight away, but by working with the players already here, he could become one of the best players at the club in the future.
Sevilla: Carlos Bacca (ST)
The Metro suggests we are interested in the South American goal machine. His side are in yet another Europa League final, and he has bagged 20 goals in the league. There may be many other sides interested in the 28-year-old, making it very difficult to see a deal being done. We’re dying out for a summer striker signing, and he’s one of the options.
Valencia: Daniel Parejo (MC)
Valencia are currently sitting in fourth place in La Liga, and thus, on course for a spot in next season’s Champions League. Parejo has been crucial to that, contributing 11 goals and five assists. The Daily Express reported last year that we were contemplating a £20m move for the Spaniard. At 26, he has still most of his best years ahead of him, and could provide the flair in midfield that allows our footballing philosophy to flow right through the side.
Villarreal: Luciano Vietto (ST)
Given his impressive goalscoring record, it is a surprise that the 21-year-old has made nearly as many appearances from the bench as he has from the start. In 31 appearances in La Liga, he has 12 goals. And his European record is also promising, having scored six goals in ten Europa League games. The Liverpool Echo suggested at the start of the month that we could be battling it out with Barcelona for Vietto. And while that may have many fans throwing in the towel, and wishing him good luck at the Catalan giants, it is important to remember their transfer embargo will restrict them signing any players until January next year. We need to swoop in, as his potential could be frightening.