Christian Benteke
Liverpool’s recognised forwards scored just eight Premier League goals between them last season, so signing a striker was the priority this summer, and it was vital that Rodgers got the man that he wanted.
There were hesitations over paying the £32.5m release clause in his Aston Villa contract, but Rodgers seemingly managed to persuade the rest of the transfer committee that Benteke is worth the money.
Conclusions:
Rodgers clearly has a preference for buying those with Premier League experience, although this does not necessarily mean English talent. It is also evident that Rodgers gives more support and chances to his signings – all five of the above players started versus Stoke at the weekend.
While Reds fans may be concerned that their manager does not have full control of the pursestrings, what is encouraging is that Anfield bosses are backing and trusting his judgement. Rodgers’s quintet of choice cost a whopping £92m – and Milner was on a free. The caveat for the Liverpool boss is that he is accountable if these signings fail to deliver him at least a top-four finish this season.
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