Liverpool have struggled to convert their chances all season- which striker should they sign to add to Luis Suarez, Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll in attack?
Luuk de Jong
The Dutchman would cost around £10 million and his agent admits he is likely to leave FC Twente in the summer. He is only 21, but has scored 20 goals in 23 games for his club this season, and seems a terrific prospect. Strikers have of course struggled to replicate the goalscoring success they achieved in Holland when they arrive in the Premier League, Luis Suarez for instance, but that is not to say de Jong is not worth the gamble. His price and age make his great value, and Liverpool would be advised to try and snap him up now in case his price escalates at Euro 2012.
Clint Dempsey
Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol, who now manages in the US, has suggested Clint Dempsey as an ideal signing for the Anfield club. The Fulham forward is having a standout season, scoring 12 goals in the league, plus a hat-trick in the FA Cup. He is a proven quantity in the Premier League, and scored the winner against Liverpool earlier in the season, as he has done before. He may cost more than de Jong, but surely he would be a guaranteed success?
Matias Suarez
There has to be a quirky attraction of having two Suarez’s in the side, and Matias is one of Europe’s most wanted strikers, scoring seven times in the Europa League before the winter break, in just eight games. The Argentine currently plays for Belgian side Anderlecht and has been heavily linked with Arsenal. Manchester United have also been linked, along with Italian side Juventus. He would cost around £10 million and can also play wide, giving Liverpool a much needed extra option, and increases his chances of game-time, as opposed to sitting on the bench and waiting for his chance.
Olivier Giroud
Giroud is another Liverpool target who Arsenal are also monitoring. The 25-year-old would also cost in the region of £10 million, The Montpellier striker is wanted by Newcastle and Napoli too and is almost certain to make a big move this summer. He is rated as France’s hottest property after scoring the opener in their recent friendly win against Germany and is certain to feature at Euro 2012 this summer. He has scored 20 goals in 28 games this season at club level.
Lukas Podolski
It has been rumoured that Kenny Dalglish is considering hijacking the German striker’s summer move to Arsenal. If his club side Cologne are relegated, Podolski could cost as little as £5 million, if not then he will cost around £10 million. Arsenal are said to be firm favourites, but Liverpool and clubs in Italy and Russia are all said to be monitoring the situation. The German striker is 26 and is enjoying his finest season for a while, scoring 16 times in 22 games.
Jackson Martinez
Martinez is the wildcard option, a Colombian striker who plays his football in Mexico. He is 25, and a full international with a goals ratio of one every two games, and would likely come cheap. There are a number of English clubs believed to be monitoring him along with Liverpool, and could cost as little as £5 million.
Who should Liverpool sign? Should it be any of these forwards?
image: © NathanF
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