Idealistic belief. “Our year.” Failure. Repeat.

Since the Premier League was inaugurated in 1992, this has been the ‘three step process conducted by all Liverpool fans at the start of every new season, including myself. Whether it was the belief of clinching our first PL title or more recently, our unrealistic pursuit of a Champions League spot, Liverpool have fallen short. And it hurts. But with Brendan Rogers as the club’s manager, many believe we have a man who is capable of guiding Liverpool back into the lucrative and prestigious Champions League. A brand new Liverpool. A Liverpool 2.0.

Ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating slightly when I say a “brand new Liverpool”. We have, after all, been in the infamous transition period for a number of years now – we’ve seen new managers, new players and a high quantity of money wasted in our attempts to re-establish ourselves as a Top 4 side. It hasn’t all been in vain, of course. Carling Cup victors in 2012 gave the fans something to cheer. But whilst domestic silverware is of sentimental value to all football fans, the £100,000 prize money barely fluttered the tills at the FSG headquarters in Boston. Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam amassed transfer fees totalling £84 million. Cash is king in modern football, not cups.

What I’m trying to say is that only Champions League qualification will do next season. Nothing less. Last season was the platform, the reconstruction of Liverpool in order for the club to maintain sustainable foundations for the coming years. Now comes the hard part. Without Champions League football to offer, or even any European football, attracting the ‘marquee signings’ which could evolve this Liverpool side into Top 4 contention will not be easy. For me, the primary objective of this transfer window should be to sign a defender. How about highly-rated, 21 year old, Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos? Brendan Rodgers has identified him as the new leader of Liverpool’s backline, with his pace allowing Rodgers to implement the high-line of defence that he has been unable to establish. Being right footed, Papadopoulos would also compliment the left-footed Daniel Agger. A perfect fit? And with Schalke needing to clear debts of around £15.4m, the right price would seemingly do the trick. In 10 appearances for Schalke last season (due to injury), he did not make a single defensive error and won 83% of his individual duels via (@Squawka). A young man with huge potential and passion in abundance. So much burning desire that some call him mad – labelling him a ‘gamble’ because of his ill-temper. But as Seneca once said, “No great genius exists without a touch of madness.” I for one, to use the cliché would be over the moon with such a signing.

Rodgers recently said in an interview that he wanted 20 more goals from the team. I wouldn’t mind that either thanks Brendan. In Daniel Sturridge, I genuinely believe that we have an exceptional talent. However flawed and inconsistent, that boy can score. 20 goals/season I would say. His versatility, creativity and flair will provide Liverpool with much joy in future years. But can we get more goals? Well with a player like Shakhtar Donetsk’s attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will certainly help. The three time Armenian player of the year and Ukranian Premier League player of the year scored 25 goals from midfield last season. In whatever league you play in, that’s no mean feat. He will likely cost in excess of £20m but that is a bargain in comparison to his undeniable quality. With his goals, Mkhitariyan assisted his team mates 10 times making him one of the most productive and efficient midfielders in Europe last season. Him in behind Sturridge/Suarez/Borini. Wow.

Now, I won’t divulge into every Liverpool target but with links with Aspas, Llori and Atsu, Liverpool may find themselves with a substitutes bench of some quality next season. So that’s two problems solved I guess. Strength in depth and a strong starting line-up is all we could really hope to attain from this year’s transfer window. The only other issue that must be addressed is Liverpool’s mentality. Consistently inconsistent. Two steps forward, one step back. You’ve heard them all I’m sure. It’s an issue that cannot be fixed by a hefty FSG. So unfortunately there’s nothing else to do but wait and see how the season pans out. Fingers crossed.

Idealistic belief. “Our year”. Success. Let’s make it happen Brendan. Thanks for reading and let me know your thoughts @PaceToBurn.

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About the author
Arthur Leventhorpe
Just another average football fan who has fallen deeply in love with the beautiful game. Unbiased. Opinionated. Analytical. Huge Liverpool fan as well. Please follow me on twitter @littlelev.