Loic To Fill Luis' Boots

After Luis Suarez said "Adios" to the Premier League and set off to begin his FIFA-issued Footballing ban with Barcelona, Brendan Rodgers has the unenviable task of finding a prolific goal-scorer.

He may not be one of the World's most renowned strikers, however, Loic Remy looks set for the chance to improve his reputation with an expected move to Liverpool this week. 

Remy now has to thrash out personal terms with The Reds after they met his £8.5 million release clause, specifically applying to Champions League clubs where Liverpool will return to next season after missing the grade in recent years.

After securing a move to QPR in January last year for a fee of £8m, Remy contributed 6 goals in the 2012-13 season but despite his best efforts, QPR failed as a team and suffered relegation after only a solitary season in their return to the top-flight. QPR have again returned to the 'Promise Land' but manager, Harry Redknapp will have to rely on Charlie Austin to provide a high goal tally if they are to survive on their second attempt.

An impressive 14 goals in 26 league appearances during last season's loan spell with Newcastle United made Loic Remy a popular figure but the price tag seems to put off Pardew, who hasn't attempted to bring in the Frenchman on a permanent basis.

Emre Can, Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic have already been recruited by Brendan Rodgers and a new-look Liverpool are set to roll out in the 2014-15 season. Improvement was definitely required after competing for the title last season, only to fall at the last hurdle.

Loic Remy could be the next man walking in through at Anfield, a battle for a starting berth with Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert commencing once he does so.

Whilst I expect Lambert to take the back seat and be a bit-part player in the next campaign, Remy's biggest task is knocking Sturridge from his perch. Sturridge racked up an impecable 21 goals last season and always played a prominent role in Suarez' absence and the Liverpool faithful may view him as the way forward.

At only 24, in my view, Daniel is not yet the finished product and seeing Loic Remy in action he could learn a few things from the French international.

If Rodgers is willing just like the season just gone, Sturridge could play a role behind Remy either playing in just behind or providing support from the wings yet many argue that the England striker isn't the same player in the deeper roles. Knowing Rodgers tactics it is viewed unlikely that he will opt for two strikers.

Personally, I would choose Loic Remy as the main man. From what I've seen of him during his time at Newcastle United, he's more powerful and a more direct striker than Sturridge and if given significant time in the role just behind the former Marseille man, I believe Sturridge can not only be a great provider for Remy but also notch up plenty of goals for himself.

With Markovic and Raheem Sterling either side of Sturridge, assisting in, well....assisting, Liverpool can again replicate last season's Premier League 102 goal tally and again challenge for title.

Will 2015 be Liverpool's year?

Let me know on Twitter @John_Clarkson 

Suarez A Good Fit For Barca

Each day, Luis Suarez seems a step closer to moving to Barcelona from Liverpool. The Catalan club undeterred by the recent four-month ban he received from FIFA.

Bite-gate has almost blown over following a public apology from Uruguay international, Suarez following his toothed-attack on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, the Juventus vice-captain quickly replying with a forgiving response.

Football isn't a "3 strikes and you're out" kind of game, if it was then it would be game over for Suarez, having now chewed on 3 different opponents whilst also being caught up in a race scandal back in 2011.

With an incident-tarnished career, after the most recent debacle, some Footballing figures suggested Suarez should be made to get help for his problems, in recent reports Barcelona may partner the Striker with a psychologist to improve his temper and physical outbursts.

All is forgotten after each incident when Luis Suarez shows us his real talent on the field, scoring goals. Racking up 40 goals in 78 appearances for his country and over 150 goals during spells with Ajax & Liverpool, it is hard to deny that Suarez is one of the world's best strikers at the moment and this is what Barcelona are paying a reported £80 million for.

One small dilemma for Barcelona - who had a trophy-less season in 2014 since 2008 - is how he will fit into the side.

King Leo - know also as Lionel Messi - will return from Argentina duty once their run in the World Cup is over. The skillful magician usually leads the line for Barcelona, but following Barcelona's poor season manager, Luis Enrique may choose Suarez to partner the World's best player or operate Messi behind the striker.

Messi will be the main man once La Liga reignites on August 26th, although possibly only until Suarez makes his grand entrance once his ban expires.

A partnership between Lionel Messi & Luis Suarez is something every Football fan would pay to see and has to experimented by Enrique. If it pays off, Barcelona will no doubt have the deadliest strike force in World Football. Two strikers who have it all in their lockers from free-kicks and skills, to headers and volleys. A move for Luis Suarez currently seems good business for Barcelona, even with the player's FIFA ban.

With Barca having replaced Cesc Fabregas with Ivan Rackitic in midfield - pocketing 15 million euros in the process - joining the likes of Xavi, Iniesta & co. there's certainly no lack of creativity. Suarez can only be drooling at the thought of being fed by Barcelona's superb midfield and it will be on a plate for him to carry on his inspiring scoring form.

Once the deal is confirmed, Liverpool have a big task on their hands replacing their talisman number 7, Suarez. 

In the modern era of Football, £80m isn't too overwhelming for a player that is likely to repay that with 80 goals over 2 to 2 & 1/2 seasons along with increasing merchandise sales and increasing Barcelona's chances on the big European stage, the UEFA Champion's League.

Suarez will shine on & off the field in my view, a club like Barcelona will aid in removing his unpredictable side, at least the unpredictable side where he's not using his feet.

Race For Title Underway

Although the Barclays Premier League season starts on Saturday 16th of August, title contenders Manchester United & City along with Chelsea and Liverpool have begun preparing their squads, 12 years since the league was founded. Don't get me wrong, Arsenal, as always are considered strong candidates however, Mr Wenger has been a little slow in acquiring new talent so Gooners don't expect to hear to much about your club in this one.

Take a look at the biggest signings in England so far this summer.

Firstly, a look at Manchester United. No European competitions in the 2014/15 season gives David Moyes' successor - Louis Van Gaal, still yet to be unveiled - a prime opportunity to turn the club's fortunes around from last season and take United to a 14th Premier League title.

Currently on international duty, preparing Holland for a FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final, the former Ajax and Barcelona manager will take the reigns with two new faces in the squad. Luke Shaw, a reported £30m signing followed up the acquisition of midfielder, Ander Herrera from Spanish side, Athletic Bilboa.

The two aforementioned undoubtedly boost what was an ordinary looking Manchester United last season, but another two or three stand-out signings are necessary in my view, to achieve the Premier League title in Van Gaal's first season in charge. Shaw, 18, is seen as the prodigal England left back once he can surpass Leighton Baines in the England squad and has to be a starter in my book, it's Evra's time to step-down. Herrera, still only 24 himself, adds a sense of flair to United's midfield, making them more dynamic. The Holland boss has possibly a bigger task in forging a successful front line, with Wayne Rooney's role undetermined, the same problem can be said for RVP, Mata, Welbeck & co.


A short trip to Merseyside and Brendan Rodgers has added two England internationals to his Liverpool sqaud. The Reds parted with £25m to seal Adam Lallana, who joins Rickie Lambert in moving from Southampton. Both players made their England bow's last season and were part of England's World Cup squad, both however were bit-part players in the group stages. Rodgers will be hoping for them to replicate last season's form, Lambert may get a starting berth following Luis Suarez's four-month ban. Rodgers has also brought in Emre Can, a 20 year-old versatile midfielder, comparing him to Ballack & Schweingsteiger upon his arrival.


Current rumours suggest Liverpool are set to finalise a deal for Lille's Divock Origi. The 19 year-old striker has been a sensation for Belgium in their current World Cup run, overseeing the USA to reach the Quarter-Final. Barcelona are tracking Suarez, despite his ban however it's still unknown whether Brendan Rodgers will allow last season's top-scorer to depart.


London now, and Jose Mourinho has finally wrapped up Diego Costa for Chelsea. A talked-about transfer for some time that has recently been confirmed, after the club had met his release clause from Athletico Madrid. Former Arsenal man, Cesc Fabregas is another player to join from La Liga and is seen as replacement for Frank Lampard who's next destination looks to be the states. Costa is viewed as the manager's main striker next season with Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o all flopping in the goals department.

Mourinho's next target has been touted as Paul Pogba, another player shining at this summer's World Cup in Brazil. Costa's Athletico teammates, Miranda, Felipe and former CFC midfielder Tiago are others to be linked with club in the rumour mill.

Finally Manchester City.

The current Premier League holders have signed Bacary Sagna - another one Arsenal couldn't hold on to - and Brazilian international Fernando from Porto who will link up with his new club after the World Cup. It seems Manuel Pelligrini doesn't plan to change too much to a side that scored a whopping 102 goals in the Premier League last season. Gareth Barry could be heading to Everton, a move which will give him first-team Football, something unlikely at Etihad for Barry.

As for Arsenal, there isn't too much to report. Costa Rica star, Joel Campbell has secured a work permit allowing him to play a role next season. There's still plenty of time till the window shuts in September for Arsene to roll his sleeves up and make the pivotal signings required for the Gooners to any chance of overcome all of the above. Newcastle's Debuchy, is the closest to a new face at the Emirates, rumoured to be unveiled at the Emirates Stadium, once again after the World Cup is over.

Who do you believe will the best signing of 2013-14 season?
Who would you like to see at your club?

Let me know at https://twitter.com/John_Clarkson