Done deal. Nathaniel Clyne becomes Liverpool's sixth signing of the summer and fans are really starting to get that July feeling.
The 24-year-old England international defender has penned a long-term contract with the Reds. pic.twitter.com/4XVPUHxeKy
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 1, 2015
This follows on from the second most expensive deal in Liverpool's history in the form of Roberto Firmino and it's an indication (ignoring that fact that Sterling will soon be sold) that the club's owners are still very much invested in bringing success to Premier League starved Merseyside.
An awful lot of deadwood has to be shifted out but as things stand, Liverpool fans are already getting that 'excited for the new season' feeling. Now before you say it, we know that same feeling was there last year after the Suarez funded spending spree but, nonetheless, there's still goo reason to be excited about Firmino.
But where does he fit in to the Liverpool line-up at the start of next season?
The 23 year old is not an out and out striker. Ideally he's a second striker and, in that sense, he could be the perfect Suarez-esque foil for Daniel Sturridge should the England striker ever returns to full fitness. However, as things stand, Sturridge is out for at least the first month of the season.
You'd have to assume that all three of Fabio Borini, Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert will be moved on before Liverpool head to Stoke on August 8th. Danny Ings and Divock Origi are two options but it seems most likely that Rodgers will follow Dunga's lead and trust Firmino to lead the line as he has done with Brazil at the Copa America.
For the rest of our crystal ball gazing, we've decided to be as realistic as possible. Raheem Sterling is probably going to be sold for £50 million, so he's out. A striker is next on Liverpool's list but, as things stand, Aston Villa are not budging on the Christian Benteke valuation so we'll leave him out of things for the time being.
A lot of money has been spent on the likes of Sakho, Lovren, Moreno and Lallana. Fans may like to see more additions but it's unlikely there'll be a spending spree along the lines of last year. So with that in mind, here's how we think Liverpool could line-up on the opening day of the season:
