5 Realistic Strikers Liverpool could sign this Transfer Window

We are at the halfway point of the Premier League season and it's fair to say that Liverpool Football Club are nothing but a shadow of the team they were last season. While many deem their well below par defence as the issue, very few take notice of the kopites shortcomings in the final third.

 

With the departure of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge's injury woes, Mario Balotelli's poor form and the likes of Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini simply not being good enough, the reds have failed to hit their heights of goal scoring excellence they achieved last term, often relying on Raheem Sterling to play up top which we all know isn't his natural habitat so to speak.

Liverpool are 22 goals short of their tally of 53 goals from this stage last season with a pretty average 31 goals scored in 22 Premier League fixtures this time out. Something has to change. Luckily enough for Mr. Brendan Rodgers, the January transfer window is open. The gaffer desperatey needs to splash the cash on some much needed fire power. In this article we'll take a look at five strikers that could proivde Rodgers' men with the ammunition they need in the final run in of the 2014/15 campaign if they're bought in this transfer window. 

Honourable Mentions: Saido Berahino (West Brom), Danny Ings (Burnley), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)

Liverpool have shown a tendency of purchasing young players under Brendan Rodgers and the three front men mentioned above certainly fall into that category. Although these players are good for their respective teams, reds fans will probably be hoping for more proven top level talent to come into the club this time around. 

 

5. Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow)

A player that his been linked to various Premier clubs numerous times in the past, Doumbia could be a relatively cheap but effective catch for the Merseyside outfit. 

The Ivory Coast international boasts a consitent goal scoring record at every club he has plyed his trade for and is a major player for CSKA both in the Russian domestic league and in European competition. 

He has scored 67 goals in 95 appearances since joining CSKA in 2010 and would provide Liverpool with plenty of pace and dribbling ability in the forward positions, something they've lacked since Suarez packed his bags.

 

4. Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City, on loan at Valencia)

Ok so techinically he is out on loan with Valencia but if Liverpool were to hit City with an offer that they just can't turn down, that could very well change. 

It remains a mystery why the champions sent him out on loan in the first place. Whether he was in the starting 11 or coming off the bench, he always proved to be a solid performer for the champions in their title charge last season. 

With the world class Sergio Aguero, Stefan Jovetic, Edin Dzeko and new signing, Wilfried Bony now appearing to be higher in the pecking order for the Manchester blues upon his return from loan, there may be no time like the present for Liverpool to make their move. 

He would add power to Liverpool's attack and would prove quite a nuissance in the air with his vast aerial abiltiy. 

 

3. Charlie Austin (QPR)

So I said in the honourable mentions that the LFC fans will want to see proven top level talent come into the club this January but lets face it Charlie Austin is on fire!

The Queens Park Rangers number 9 is in the form of his life this season, having scored 13 goals and garnered two assists in 20 league appearances thus far for the releagtion beckoned side. It's only a matter of time before a higher positoned club swoop in for the physically imposing striker so Brendan Rodgers will have to move swiftly on this one.

The reds would probably have to adjust their style of play ever so slightly if they are to fully avail of Austin's services. A more direct approach would get the best out of the English man but if partnered with Daniel Sturridge and if fed by the likes of Sterling, Henderson and Coutinho, the Kopites free flowing style of play may not have to be altered at all!

 

2. Jackson Martinez (FC Porto)

Moving into the higher cost bracket of players, former Arsenal and Spurs target, Martinez, could prove to be exactly what the reds need in order to light up the Premier League goal scoring charts. 

Jackson's scoring record with Porto has been nothing less than sublime. A whopping 60 goals in 76 appearances is no mean feat, even if those goals did come in the not so stellar Portugese league.

Liverpool may have to cough up a hefty fee for the free scoring striker but the fee would be well worth it should Martinez perform to his full potential for the Anfield side. Martinez and Sturridge have the makings of a lethal combination if they were to be utilised together.

 

1. Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli)

Without a doubt a player all Kop fans would love to see in their beloved reds shirt is none other than Gonzalo Higuain.

The former Real Madrid hitman is a top class finisher and would be the closest thing Liverpool could get to a Luis Suarez replacement. However, Brendan Rodgers would have to ask Fenway Sports Group very nicely for money to fund for such a big name player. The negotiaters at Anfield will have to get move on if they are to secure his services, as Arsenal are also potential suitors.

His pace and technical ability would certainly add to Liverpool's lack luster forward line and it's a guarantee he would have a much higher work rate than a certain Mario Balotelli, not to mention more mobile and complementing to Liverpool's philosophy than the likes of Rickie Lambert. 107 goals in 190 appearances for Real Madrid and and 37 strikes in 57 outings for Napoli says it all really. He could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Liverpool.

That concludes my list of five potential strikers Liverpool could spalsh the cash for this January Transfer Window.