After a tough year, Brendan Rodgers is likely to find himself delving into the transfer market. There is no question that improvements need to be made ahead of next season, however, we could also be seeing several other fresh faces returning to the fold.
READ MORE:
Liverpool Transfer News
20 worst signings of the season named – Liverpool trio included but Man United rated worse
Ranking the 12 best former Liverpool players this season – From Dani Pacheco to Luis Suarez
There are a number of players that have spent time away from Merseyside this season who Rodgers will be excited to see coming back into the fold, using the experience they have gained elsewhere to improve our first-team.
In the list below, we analyse the six players that we believe could make an immediate impact and stake a claim to play a regular part in proceedings next season…
6) Sheyi Ojo
The 17-year-old has been exciting in our U21 side, and is showing signs that he has the temperament to handle a role in our first-team. His loan spell consisted of 11 games with Championship side Wigan Athletic, who ultimately failed to avoid the drop into League One.
Experience of playing under that kind of pressure – considering that the Latics were a Premier League side not so long ago – will stand him in good stead to appreciate any opportunities that come his way at Anfield. The winger should have much more freedom to express himself as well, with a better quality of player around him.
5) Joao Teixeira
Like Ojo, Teixeira is a winger, but has proved during his loan spell with Brighton that he can play anywhere behind the striker. The 22-year-old has featured 32 times this season, and has shown he can score and create goals. He hit the back of the net six times, and got three assists before an injury ended his campaign.
As the 22-year-old is one of the more experienced players on the periphery of the first-team, it would not be a surprise to see Rodgers give him an opportunity – particularly if injuries keep some of the more established wingers out at any point. His biggest strength is his ability to make the ball appear as if glued to his feet, which has caused many headaches for Championship defenders this year and earned him our Academy Player of the Year award.
4) Jerome Sinclair
Jerome Sinclair might not have matched Ojo’s success during his loan spell at Wigan – making just the one appearance – but he’s clearly benefited from the experience, having returned to find a place in the first-team waiting for him. The 18-year-old is clearly making a name for himself, and thus chances will hopefully continue to come his way.
Apart from a goalkeeper, he plays in arguably the toughest position on the pitch, as there is one very important statistic that could decide his future. By playing up front, he will need to be a talisman for the side whatever his age. If he can fulfil his potential, then he could be a special talent. He’s notched plenty for the academy side but can he transfer those skills to the big stage?
3) Andre Wisdom
Playing right-back may not be as glamorous as playing as a striker, but it is still a position where we need to add some depth for next season. Glen Johnson may not be a Liverpool player for much longer (via ESPN), and Jon Flanagan looks set to miss much of the campaign through injury (via The Independent). That could allow for Andre Wisdom to get a good run in the side, which would allow him to stake a claim for a longer-term role.
The 22-year-old has played a handful of games for us in the past, but has used his loan spells to progress his game. Last season he was in the Championship with Derby, and he stepped up to the Premier League this year with West Brom. At both clubs he has looked impressive and confident. If Brendan Rodgers shows faith in him by selecting him as our first choice right-back, then we may see the best of Wisdom.
2) Divock Origi
No player in this list has as much of a question mark about them as Divock Origi. His talent is unquestionable, but it is almost impossible to predict how he will adapt to the English game. He joined us last summer, and swiftly returned to Ligue 1 to continue his development with former club Lille.
He has got eight goals this year in the French top flight, and has shown glimpses of real quality. If he can find that form when he arrives at Anfield, then we could see the player that stood out among a Belgium team full of stars at last year’s World Cup.
1) Jordon Ibe
You could be forgiven for considering Ibe a Liverpool regular already. However, he also started the season on loan…
Derby County’s collapse in the Championship promotion race was incredible, and has seen Steve McLaren go from being a contender for the Newcastle United post to struggling to hang on to his current job, according to BBC Sport. When Jordon Ibe was recalled by us in January – having made 20 appearances and scoring five goals at the iPro Stadium – the Rams sat in an automatic promotion spot. Since his return to Anfield, Derby won just seven of their final 21 games and even missed out on a play-off place.
But, their loss has been our gain. He has been electric since he came back and has made everyone confident that there is definitely life after Raheem Sterling – should the winger leave (via the Express). He has earned a prolonged spell in the first-team next season, and has recently penned a new contract (via The Guardian).