First James Milner and now Danny Ings, Liverpool are getting their transfer business done early this summer. The club confirmed this morning that the Burnley ace will join them when his Turf Moor contract expires, ending months of speculation surrounding the future of the Englishman.
Ings’ imminent move to Anfield has, however, divided opinion already. Some claim that top quality international stars are needed if the Reds are to make a more realistic top four charge, while other are questioning whether or not the England U-21 international is actually good enough. We at FFC Towers believe that Liverpool have got themselves a good deal… and here are FIVE reasons why! [interaction id=“noneâ€]
A scorer of goals
11 goals in 35 appearances for, arguably, the poorest side in the Premier League in his debut season in the division. Ings may not be a blockbuster player, but those numbers are quite impressive. The Clarets created just 317 chances over the course of the campaign – 13 more than Sunderland, who ‘boasted’ the worst rate of making opportunities – while their return of just 28 was the lowest in the league.
Ings was responsible for almost 40% of Sean Dyche’s side’s goals, performing well even though those around him were struggling to provide the ammunition. Further to this, the 22-year-old scored 21 in the Championship as Burnley won promotion.
So, imagine what Ings could do with service from players such as Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana instead of Scott Arfield and George Boyd?
Absolute bargain
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Although a free agent, Ings will command a fee due to being under the age of 24. Burnley and Liverpool are attempting to reach an agreement to avoid the need for an independent tribunal to decide his value, with the Reds hoping that between £5m-£6m will be enough.
For now we’ll assume that figure is in the right ballpark. With the premium put on English talent, such a sum is low for Ings, who has shown that he’s able to score goals and is being tipped for a future role in the Three Lions’ senior set-up after shining at U-21 level
Still young
At 22, Ings is very much at the start of his career. Liverpool are known to be a side eager to snap up emerging talent and Rodgers’ record with players such as Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho suggests that he has what it takes to coach talented youngsters to success. It all looks positive, then!
Rodgers needs options
With Europa League football guaranteed for next season, Rodgers will need options up front. Injuries and the questionable decision to sign Mario Balotelli led to the Reds having a dearth of attacking choices last season, which resulted in Raheem Sterling being deployed up front…
Although he impressed, the 20-year-old was always a square peg in a round hole, so having a player like Ings to call upon during Daniel Sturridge’s almost guaranteed absence may help the Merseysiders to mount a more realistic top four challenge while also making an impact in Europe.
Recycle those shirts…
A bit of a joke one, admittedly! Okay, we’ll get away from the potential use of Sterling’s shirt should he leave and look at the fact he’s an upgrade on the options Rodgers currently has.
The Northern Irishman’s crop of four orthodox centre-forwards (Daniel Sturridge, Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli) notched just eight goals between them last term, while Ings registered 11 for a relegated team.