Liverpool Transfer Target Jackson Martinez Assessed

Colombian striker Jackson Martinez is being linked with a January move to Anfield. The Daily Express’ Anthony Chapman reports that Liverpool will launch a £30 million bid for the Porto attacker in an effort to boost their faltering front line.

Mario Balotelli once again failed to net in the Premier League as Brendan Rodgers’ side lost 2-1 at home to league leaders Chelsea on Saturday. Strikers Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have all yet to register in the league this season.

The return of Daniel Sturridge should give the Reds an edge up front again, but reinforcements are required if they are to get close to the form which saw them finish second in last season’s Premier League.

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According to Goal.com’s Matthew Rogerson, Martinez has been linked with various clubs previously, and he now seems increasingly likely to join the endless turnaround of talent at Portugal’s top clubs, with Liverpool now a potential destination.

Would the January signing of Columbia’s World Cup striker Martinez provide an answer up front for Rodgers?

One thing he would certainly bring would be a fine goalscoring record. Since joining Porto in 2012 from Mexican outfit Chiapas the 28-year-old has been prolific. He bagged 20 in 30 last season in the Portuguese league, as per ESPN, to finish as the league’s top scorer.

This season, Martinez has seven in 10 league appearances so far, as per WhoScored.com, and with four in four in the Champions League it seems more than likely he would be capable of finding the net in the Premier League.

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He also managed two in three appearances at the World Cup in Brazil as part of the Colombian side which entertained before a quarter-final exit at the hands of the hosts.

Goals have been in shorter supply this season for Rodgers' side with only 14 in 11 so far this season compared to 22 at this stage last season, so Martinez’s figures must seem tempting for Liverpool’s manager.

The powerful forward can also produce a variation of finishes. Particularly strong in the air, his flamboyant effort against rivals Sporting Lisbon back in 2012 showcased his versatility in front of goal.

However, as Tim Vickery told the Hawksbee and Jacobs show on talkSPORT earlier this year, Martinez may not offer more than his impressive goalscoring record:

“He's an out-and-out goal scorer who doesn't give you much else, but if you want a penalty box scorer, Martinez could be the man.”

It would therefore appear unlikely that he could fit into a system which included Balotelli. A move for Martinez would further question Balotelli’s long-term future at Anfield.

Martinez’s qualities would not, as seen with Balotelli, offer the same dynamic threat that Luis Suarez brought when he led the line for Liverpool last season.

There is also the fact he would be cup-tied for any Champions League action should Liverpool manage to scramble out of their group.

However, the one thing he would certainly bring is goals, and for Liverpool that would be a valuable addition.

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