Liverpool will have a more difficult job of convincing players to join the club in the summer. This can be done as many Europa League clubs have signed some excellent players over the past few years, but Liverpool do not have much room for error this summer. The players who come in must be ready to contribute within the first few months of the season irrespective of age and experience.
Simon Mignolet and Mamadou Sakho have starred this season but both were signed in 2013's summer transfer window. Only Emre Can has been fit and in form during Liverpool's 13-match unbeaten run. Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini have been crucial in Manchester United's fine form this in recent months, while Radamel Falcao and Ángel Di María were the big underwhelming signings of last summer. Falcao's injuries made him a gamble, but Di María's quality is undoubted. This transfer game can more difficult than some would like to admit! Liverpool are unlikely to be able to offer Champions League football this summer, but will it make a difference? Brendan Rodgers remains optimistic about what Liverpool can offer new recruits.
That would be more for the players [to decide]. If it’s right for the player, and the project is right for them to come and learn and develop, then if we’re not in the Champions League – which is probably highly unlikely – players will still want to come. Of course, they want to play in the Champions League. But if they’ve watched us over a few years, this is maybe a season we miss out on, but if we can regroup again, get some quality starters in for the summer, then we can go on another great adventure next season and hopefully get back in there.
Much talk has centred around Memphis Depay, the PSV Eindhoven left-winger, joining either Liverpool or Manchester United over the coming months. Liverpool already have a number of wide players and attacking support players, but a move for Depay could similar to the attempt to bring Alexis Sánchez in last summer. A wide player who can bring goals but also take up central positions if necessary with his speed, movement, and dribbling ability. However Rodgers wouldn't give much away on any potential pursuit of the Netherlands international.
I can’t confirm either way - you know me, in terms of speculation of players. The kid is a very talented player, of course. But I wouldn’t like to confirm either way. It’s clear we need the goal threat for next year. There’s going to be a whole raft of players that I’m sure will be looked at, then will be up to the club if they’re affordable and if they’re available. We’ve identified that [a striker] as a priority. We’ll have to see availability first, and then take it from there.
With Liverpool playing for fifth and the dubious "we weren't that far away from fourth" award, focus will inevitably centre on transfer targets as well as the structure in place designed to acquire said targets.