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The Reds need a Striker and they need him now
Liverpool need goals and they need them soon. For goals, they need strikers and strikers don’t come cheap. £16million bought them almost nothing the last time they set out a net in striking waters. Rodgers can’t risk another £20million plus flop so a cheaper, home-grown and more reliable option would be much preferred. And in steps, Danny Ings from Burnley. Technically a Bosman who can be Rodgers’ for as little as £5 million.
Daniel Sturridge aside, Liverpool haven’t got a great deal of quality upfront. Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard are the Reds’ highest scorers with five, thus speaking volumes of the need of a striker at Merseyside. Danny Ings has 10 already in his first full season in the top flight.
There’s no doubting that on his return Sturridge is Liverpool’s main man; his performances over the last 18 months have earned him that accolade, but he needs help. Even when fit he needs someone to help share the load and create space for him to exploit. The lack of forward options is even more exposed when he’s not fit. When Sturridge does return fit, Ings would be a perfect foil for Sturridge or another alternative option late in the game.
A proven Premier League striker Ings scored against Manchester United and Everton. More crucially, perhaps, he notches routinely against sides struggling in the bottom half, including Hull, QPR and Newcastle. How Rodgers would have wanted a striker who could do that at the Hawthorns, against West Brom, and at the KC Stadium this season. And although Ings has no experience in Europe, he would offer a further option in the Europa League, too. A player you can rely upon in all competitions will allow for rotation.
Danny Ings to Liverpool, perhaps, makes more sense than all of Liverpool’s striking acquisition in the last 2 seasons.