Liverpool have announced the signing of England U-21 and Burnley striker, Danny Ings on a free transfer although it is understood that Liverpool will have to pay some sort of compensation to Burnley ( seems a bit strange ).
This news is coming a few days after Liverpool signed Manchester City 'Mr Reliable or Dependable', James Milner, also on a free. Milner, 29, with 53 caps for England brings loads of experience coupled with his versatility in any area on the pitch. His experience would be crucial as Liverpool prepares for life without Steven Gerrard.
Brendan Rodgers must be delighted at how he has been able to capture these players swiftly without much of a fight from other clubs. But does the ease at which he snapped both players up give an insight at how their quality is being perceived in the premier league?
The just concluded premier league season ended with disappointment for Liverpool. Liverpool missed out on the Champions League with club Legend Steven Gerrard announcing he was leaving Anfield and Raheem Sterling also refusing to sign an improved contract with Liverpool, thus, indicating his desire to quit the club.
Brendan Rodgers position as manager of Liverpool was also called into question during the early season bad run and the late season collapse which was magnified by that capitulation at Stoke where they were well beaten.
Most of the blame for the sloppy performances was attributed to the poor signings by Rodgers and Liverpool since he came on board. Players such as Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana, Ricky Lambert, Iago Aspas, Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini, and Dejan Lovren have failed to impress. The jury is still probably out on Alberto Moreno, Joe Allen and Emre Can.
A few have lived up to the billing though. Phillipe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge have been very impressive since joining Liverpool. Simon Mignolet to an extent has also proved a good signing by Rodgers. Rodgers will be hopeful that Ings and Milner who are set to join on July 1, will turn out to be astute signings for the club.
Danny ings ,23, certainly has potential. He scored 11 goals for Burnley last season. With a top side such as Liverpool, you would expect him to develop his game and score more goals. He certainly will be a good back up for Daniel Sturridge who could miss the start of the season.
If he clicks for Liverpool, then expect Liverpool to improve on their scoring stats. Last season, Liverpool scored 52 goals in the league with their top scorer being Steven Gerrard with 9 goals. This is utterly unacceptable for a club of Liverpool's standing.
What could befall the likes of Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini? It's unlikely Rodgers will be playing with two strikers regularly, so, if you include Balotelli in the equation, and Divock Origi who is set to return from the loan deal at Lille, it is easy to conclude that one or two of Liverpool's strikers will be surplus to requirements. A move away from Anfield is imminent for the likes of Lambert and Borini after Ings passes his medical on July 1.
Whether Balotelli will be around before the start or the end of next season is anyone's guess. We expect some drama in that regard.
James Milner on the other hand, will give Rodgers several options. One thing is certain, he will put in a shift for the team. He comes with loads of experience, a winning mentality, and could provide leadership and inspiration for the lads when the going gets tough.
Milner, one would expect, would be on the starting 11 for Liverpool whenever fit or when not being given a rest. If Liverpool succumb to pressure and sell Raheem Sterling, Milner would probably be given the responsibility of filling the role he would leave behind on the wings.
Rodgers will be expected to continue the rebuilding of his squad in the coming months. He would need to look at the defence and see areas that need improving. Kolo Toure was given a contract extension. Not sure that is a good idea. Rodgers, however, would be hoping Lovren finally comes good. He was awful last season. Glen Johnson may leave and that means a new full back is needed. Surely, Can's talents are being wasted in the right back position in defence?
Whether the signings of Milner and Ings turn out to be astute ones is left to be seen even though they are hardly world class. Rodgers knows he has to get his signings right this time. The Fenway Sports Group, owners of Liverpool, have kept faith with him and thus far, have resisted the urge to press the sack button as some potential suitors like Jurgen Klopp are now unemployed. If results go the way of last season or Liverpool makes a slow start, patience and goodwill might run out very quickly.
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