Liverpool Transfers: Edin Dzeko Or Christian Benteke To Replace Luis Suarez?
Suarez said "It's a good moment for a change of environment because of all I've been through in England, where I haven't been judged as a player but based on other things". I'm not going to linger on whether or not Suarez was harshly treated by the media and whether it ultimately led to his decision, but his words have understandably generated interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs. Real Madrid look the most interested in the forward. The Spanish giants are looking for acquisitions in the post-Mourinho era but with their number one target, Gareth Bale, commanding a massive transfer fee, it is unlikely to see Real coming up with the £50 million asking fee of Liverpool. There has been reports of an offer made to the striker of £25 million and another of £20 million with the addition of young Real Madrid forward Jose Callejon. It is expected that Liverpool will reject any offer less than £50 million as they look to cash in on the Uruguayan after he has emerged as one of the best goal scorers in the world. Nevertheless, The Reds need to put into play some contingency plans if a substantial offer for Suarez emerges. Here are two possible - and affordable - signings for Liverpool if hey lose their main man before the start of the 2013/14 season ....
2. Edin Dzeko
According to Caught Offside, the Anfield club are preparing a bid for the Bosnian forward. As mentioned, Liverpool need to prepare for life without Suarez and the 27 year-old Dzeko would be a good replacement. Upset with limited game time at Manchester City behind Sergio Aguerro and Carlos Tevez, Dzeko has been targeted by Brendan Rodgers as a man who could propel his team into top-4 contention yet again. Rodgers believes the powerful forward would complement the pace and trickery of Daniel Sturridge and would allow him the luxury of playing to different formations. A move to Merseyside should interest the Bosnian as he can be guaranteed regular first-team football again as he looks to regenerate his career. Liverpool will have to edge out the interests of defeated Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund who are also keen to sign Dzeko as replacement for Robert Lewandowski. The price for his services will be around the £20 million range and it is a good price for a player who has proven form in the English Premier League. Whether he could repeat the efforts of Suarez remains to be seen, but the signature of Dzeko would be a massive plus for Liverpool if they were to lose their talismanic forward.