Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Would Clint Dempsey Be a Success at Liverpool?

Brendan Rodgers has arrived at Anfield tasked with reviving a Liverpool team lacking inspiration and chemistry. At Swansea, the Northern Irishman moulded his side into one of the best passing teams in English football; now he must prove that lightning strikes twice.

A new manager often invigorates a club, sparking fresh enthusiasm and excitement. Rodgers will hope to capitalise on this goodwill by bringing in several new players and defining his style of play.

Under Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool was captivated by glimpses of form in the transfer market, splashing big money for the likes of Andy Carroll, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing. These players dominated at their previous clubs but could not reach the high expectations demanded of them once they made the switch.

Brendan Rodgers must tread carefully in the transfer market this offseason; one mistake and the anticipation from the Anfield faithful will rapidly dissolve into frustration.

In recent days Liverpool has been heavily linked with the Fulham striker Clint Dempsey, as reported in The Guardian. Dempsey is coming off his most successful season in the Premier League in 2012-13, scoring 17 goals while only missing one match.

Dempsey’s success has sparked interest from rival clubs, although the Liverpool hierarchy are understandably wary of repeating past mistakes. Andy Carroll’s £35 million move springs to mind, a transfer that still haunts the owners.

Would Clint Dempsey have an impact at Liverpool, or would he simply fade away to become another footnote of the Fenway Sports Group's failed transfer market dealings?

Those sceptical of Dempsey argue that he is nothing more than an honest poacher, a player who will surely fizzle out when asked to perform consistently at a higher level.

This argument is not without merit, especially as Liverpool has a track record with strikers failing to reach expected heights (Mr. Carroll, hang your head in shame).

But to simply hide behind the precedent of Carroll would be to ignore the most striking difference between the two transfers: Carroll was signed by Kenny Dalgish and Dempsey (if his transfer does eventuate) would play under Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers prizes hard work and willingness to listen above pure skill and talent; his Swansea side was an exquisite machine, with each player performing his role without fuss.

Meanwhile, Dalglish’s strategy seemed to compose of, “Give it to Suarez and see what happens”.

Andy Carroll never stood a chance.

Clint Dempsey has never been one to shy away from the dirty work, and with Brendan Rodgers as his manager, Liverpool will have a very capable striker able to take some pressure off Luis Suarez. 

Now, all they have to do is sign him for less than £35 million.