Liverpool Transfer News: Rodgers' Retaining Talent and Looking to Add More

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers in making bold moves already at Anfield and will improve the Reds’ roster before next season.

After leaving Swansea City, his first step was to clear any doubts about the future of star striker Luis Suarez.

Suarez faced significant controversy last season and received an eight-match suspension for making racist comments to Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.

He was productive when he was on the field, scoring 11 goals and dishing out three assists in 28 Premier League appearances.

According to Geoff Sweet of the Sun, a source close to Suarez said, “Rodgers has spoken with Luis to gain his confidence and explain the new project and his role in the team. Luis is calm about everything.” 

Next, Rodgers immediately started rustling the feathers of the other English giants.

The new boss is now battling Manchester United and Arsenal over Crewe youngster Nick Powell, via Alan Nixon of the Mirror Football.

Powell is an attacking central midfielder who scored 15 goals and recorded seven assists this past year. He has also been a regular on England’s international youth squads.

Crewe finished seventh in the League Two standings, but Powell scored an incredible goal in a playoff against Cheltenham to help his team win 2-0 and receive a promotion to League One. 

The 18-year-old is unlikely to help his side achieve further success with all the major clubs competing for his services. Of the teams interested, there is no question that Liverpool has the greatest need for a center mid.

Stewart Downing’s inability to notch a single assist this past year was well publicized. Charlie Adam and Lucas Leiva are both reliable players, but neither are comfortable in attacking roles, whereas Powell thrives going forward.

Holding on to Suarez was a necessary move for Rodgers, and signing Powell would be a very good sign of things to come. 

Liverpool cannot afford to lose any of their top talent after finishing seventh in the EPL last season, and they obviously will need to add more players.

A young star like Powell is an ideal target. If Rodgers can close a deal, he will be on the right track towards bringing the Reds back into the top-four.