Fernando Torres has a lot to think about this summer, not just the world cup with Spain, but more importantly, where will the Spanish striker be playing his club football next season?
Liverpool have had one of their worst seasons in recent memory, and as a result, speculations have risen and continue to grow whether Torres will be at the club when the new season kicks off.
Torres did have a brilliant season for the Merseyside club despite their final outcome in the domestic league and Europe. The striker endured a few injuries along the way, but nonetheless managed to make 22 league appearances and net 18 times for Liverpool. It’s clear to some fans (Liverpool and neutrals) that the Spanish ace wants to excel and win trophies, but can he achieve these goals at Liverpool?
Torres is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world and it will come as no surprise why many clubs have expressed their interest in the Liverpool ace. Manchester City, Chelsea, and most freshly Spanish champions Barcelona are amongst the favourites to land the striker when the window re-opens in July. It has also been reported that all the clubs mentioned will be launching bids in the region of £50-70 million for the Spaniard’s services. However, Torres has not told anybody, including his manager, whether he will be staying or departing from Anfield this summer. But, if he does decide to close the curtains on his Liverpool career then the club will want a huge profit for his exit.
So, if ‘El Nino’ does leave Liverpool for an estimated £50-70 million, who could the club, look to bring in to replace him?
Here are 5 strikers that the Liverpool boss should consider looking into should Torres leave this summer:
Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg)
The Bosnian striker has been in fantastic form for German side Wolfsburg this season. The striker has appeared 33 times in the Bundersliga where he netted 23 times along the way, which made him the leagues top goal scorer.
His fantastic record has not gone unnoticed as a number of clubs around Europe, which include the likes of A.C Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United, have expressed their interest in the Wolfsburg hitman, while the 24-year-old is also being tracked by Liverpool as a possible candidate to replace Torres.
Dzeko should definitely be considered as a possible replacement should Torres decide to leave. However, with other clubs in the mix and battling for his signature, it may prove to be a lost cause for a team with no Champions League football next season. Time will tell.
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Find out the next two candidates on page 2
Nilmar (Villarreal)
The Villarreal striker has been in great form for his club this season. The 25-year-old appeared 42 times in total for the primera league side and managed to score 12 goals a long the way.
The Brazilian has been so impressive in the past two years that Dunga has included him in his Brazilian world cup squad this summer. His National record is great to say the very least. When given the chance, Nilmar has shone in the world cup qualifying campaign for Brazil. The striker bagged 4 goals in 3 international games so far, and more is expected of him when the tournament begins in June.
However, Nilmar maybe looking to leave El Madrigal this summer as the Yellow Submarine failed to clinch any sort of European football for next season. Several clubs will be monitoring the Brazilians movements over the summer, and if Liverpool are looking for a possible replacement for Torres, then Nilmar may fit the bill in some fans eyes. A bid of around £18-22 million would more than likely see the Brazilian play his club football at Anfield next season.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona)
The recent £34 million arrival of David Villa from Valencia has sparked rumours that Ibrahimovic may be on his way out of the Nou Camp this summer. The Swedish international has had a rocky year with Barcelona, and many of the Catalan fans are unsure about the player’s ability and commitment, even though the striker helped the Spanish giants lift the primera league title this season.
Zlatan is known to be a ‘lazy’ striker which may be a fair view on the striker, but you cannot doubt his ability. He has exceptional skills, great technique and an eye for goal (his tally of 16 goals in 28 games this season is testament to this). All in all the Swede is a world renowned striker, and any team in Europe would be glad to have him.
A.C Milan and Manchester City have expressed their interest in Ibrahimovic, but it’s been reported that the Spanish champions will only let their forward leave for £40 million and nothing less.
Barcelona have recently expressed their interest in Fernando Torres and are willing to offer £70 million for the Spaniard. However, Barcelona maybe tempted to offer a part exchange deal which would include cash and Ibrahimovic for the Liverpool ace. It will be interesting to see if anything like this occurs between the two clubs over the next few months. Keep an eye out for this one.
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Finally, continue to page 3 to see the last two strikers
Edinson Cavani (Palermo)
The 23-year-old Uruguayan has been reported to have penned a new three-year deal with Serie A side Palermo this week. However, there is a £25 million release clause within his contract which means teams around Europe can offer this amount for the player’s services (domestic clubs do not apply).
Cavani has been selected for his national side and is highly likely to take part in the world cup this summer at some stage.
The striker had a good season for Palermo managing to net 13 times in 35 appearances in the domestic league this season. His goal scoring ratio may appear poor, but his goals did help Palermo qualify for the Europa league next season ahead of Napoli, Juventus and Fiorentina. He has drawn a few premier league clubs attention due to his splendid performances for Rosanero. Tottenham and Manchester City are rumoured to be keen on the forward.
Cavani is still a very young striker, but yet already a highly rated one in Italy (Inter are interested in acquiring him as well). The striker can only get better with time, and if Liverpool are looking for a complete forward man then Cavani is that player. £25 million is the release clause which would allow the player to discuss terms with the Merseyside club, if they decide to obtain him of course.
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Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)
What a sensational season the Argentine has had for Real Madrid this year. The 22-year-old netted 27 times in 32 appearances in the primera league this season and was one of the Galacticos best players along with Ronaldo. It has been his best season so far for the Madrid giants without a doubt.
Higuain has been at Real for four years now, and since wearing the famous white shirt ‘El Pipita’ (as he’s known in Argentina) already has 59 goals in 110 appearances for the Spanish club…an outstanding record to say the very least.
The Argentine is a great striker and has bags of ability at his disposal. Higuain loves to score goals, has speed, and is a very potent forward as well. He is a definite player to look out for when the world cup begins in June.
Higuain has not yet been offered a contract extension at Real which may see a horde of European clubs looking to acquire his services this summer. Manchester City and Chelsea are rumoured to be interested in the Argentinean striker, and both clubs claim that if they can’t land Torres this summer, then Higuain would be their next best target.
Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in Torres, so a possible swap deal may ensue over the next few months. However, Higuain will want champion’s league football, and unfortunately Liverpool cannot offer this to him, but then again, absolutely anything can happen in football.
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