The three signings that would soften Mkhitaryan blow REPORTS begun to surface towards the end of last week that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be heading to Anfield after all, but instead looks likely to join Champions League finalists, Borussia Dortmund. The Guardian, The Daily Mail, and Mirror have all come out with stories about how the Westphalian club have seemingly beaten Liverpool FC to the signature of the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder. Although these reports could be further speculation in the on-going saga that has surrounded Mkhitaryan, if true they would be a serious blow. Much had already been made about the abilities of the Armenian midfielder and Liverpool fans had long been awaiting his arrival as a marquee signing. If Brendan Rodgers and management at Anfield had secured the signature of the Shakhtar player then it could have been a clear sign of the direction in which the club was headed. With the uncertainty surrounded the future of Luis Suarez, the need for Liverpool to prepare for the loss of the Uruguayan was never more immediate. Although it remains uncertain if Suarez will stay or go, a player of Mkhitaryan’s calibre would have been a welcome addition to the team no matter when he was added. At times last season Liverpool’s attack was void of bite and their play lacked a creative spark but Mkhitaryan could have possibly provided some remedy to this situation. If the reports of his signing with Borussia Dortmund prove to be true then Liverpool will need to look in another direction. Brendan Rodgers has hinted that he is not done strengthening his squad this summer and has implied that he may look to add a creative, attacking option, as well as, an additional player to slot in at centre-back. For some these are necessities, as is the signing of a physical, defensive midfielder who can distribute the ball and orchestrate the attack from behind. As far as an attacking midfielder is concerned, Liverpool may once again turn their gaze to Christian Eriksen. The Danish youngster from Ajax certainly has plenty of potential and his best years ahead of him. Indeed, there may have been some who would have rated him above Mkhitaryan except that the Dane is not quite as experienced. Sticking with Ajax, Liverpool have long been rumoured with Toby Alderweireld, Eriksen’s teammate at the Dutch club. Alderweireld would add youth to the back line and potential. He would also challenge for a spot at the centre-back position and would be more than capable of earning a starting spot outright. As for a defensive midfielder, a man high on many a list is Celtic’s Victor Wanyama. At only 22 the Kenyan has impressed for the Scottish champions and has made a move to the Premier League likely. However, Liverpool may need to act fast to sign Wanyama as both Southampton and Cardiff are circling. The loss of Mkhitaryan’s signature, if proven to be true, could be a serious blow to Liverpool’s aspirations. Luckily for the Merseyside club the summer is far from over and there is plenty of talent left on the table. #Ady
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 17:32:23 +0000
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