Liverpool Transfer News: Huge Moves Targeted by Brendan Rodgers, Latest Rumours

Christian Benteke will reportedly have a medical at Liverpool on Monday before completing his £32.5 million transfer from Aston Villa.

That’s according to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, who claimed a decision will then be made on whether or not the Belgian international striker will fly out to join the club’s pre-season tour, which will have moved on to Kuala Lumpur.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

It’s a signing former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann thinks is a bargain for the Reds, per Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

"

I think £32million is probably about right. In fact I would have paid a bit more for him because I think he's that good. I've seen him terrorise defences and he gave Liverpool a torrid time at Wembley a few months ago.

There's not many players out there who can play up front on their own. You have to be able to hold the ball up, score goals, occupy defenders and bring others into play. He does that. He's an aerial threat, he has pace and he can finish. I think he's tailor-made for Liverpool.

"

Sebastian Widmann/Associated Press

It’s certainly an acquisition that has divided those of a red persuasion. On the one hand, Benteke is a player who will add something completely different to the Liverpool attack with his physical playing style and astute hold-up play.

Plus, as we can see here courtesy of Sky Sports News HQ, you can’t argue with his goal record either:

There are concerns about Benteke’s ability to play for a manager like Brendan Rodgers, though, a manager who is renowned for his willingness for his teams to play short, sharp passing football. And while the Belgian is no slouch with the ball at his feet, he’s at his ruthless best with a direct supply line, not as a foil for more dynamic and intricate talents.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

As we can see here courtesy of ESPN’s Alex Shaw, it’s questionable whether Benteke will get that at Liverpool:

Surely a tactical compromise will be reached and the fact Rodgers is willing to shell out £32.5 million on the forward suggests some stylistic tweaks are in order for the Reds. But with so much attacking talent in situ, the Liverpool manager faces an intriguing dilemma on how to get the very best out of his team.

Roma Eye Up Shock Moreno Move

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Serie A giants AS Roma will reportedly make a shock move to land Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno this summer.

According to Calcio Mercato Web (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express), the Giallorossi hierarchy are big fans of the Spaniard, who impressed in bursts during his first season on Merseyside. The piece claims that sporting director Walter Sabatini will “get the ball rolling” on a deal, which could be struck in the region of £8 million.

Paul White/Associated Press

As we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, Moreno was a creative presence from left-back for the Reds last season:

While his forward forays gave Liverpool an attacking balance, there were times when Moreno’s defending left much to be desired. Indeed, the former Sevilla star seemed to be dragged out of position far too easily, often leaving his team-mates exposed to dangerous opposition attacks.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Even so, it’d be a strange move on behalf of Liverpool to let the player go for a fee of £8 million, especially after shelling out £12 million to bring him to Anfield from Andalucia last summer, per Ben Smith of BBC Sport. In addition, aside from the perennially injured Jose Enrique, there are no other orthodox left-back options in the Reds squad.

In a squad that’s had a major facelift for the second successive summer, Rodgers will be desperate to preserve some stability in the team, and although Moreno struggled at times last season, expect him to fare much better in the Premier League second time around.