. Liverpool FC need to spend big like Arsenal FC this summer, said former player Ray Houghton.
Ray Houghton called for manager Brendan Rodgers to spend big like Arsenal and land marquee players, if he wants to do well in the upcoming season.
The former Liverpool midfielder also insisted that Raheem Sterling’s sale should be utilised well to enable the Reds to spend.
He told TalkSPORT: “They should spend but it might depend on what happens with Raheem Sterling. If [Manchester City] get it up to the A?50m that Liverpool are looking for then that should free up some money.
“And not for Brendan to bring in a A?10m player or a A?15m player, you have to go for a A?30m or a A?35m and really put down a marker like Arsenal have in the last two years in getting Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
“They’re the names that get fans on the edge of their seats and get them upbeat for the season ahead and that is what Brendan needs. Having lost two coaching staff members that is not a good sign for Brendan at all.”
Liverpool’s policy of buying young players with potential underwent a lot of criticism last season as the Reds’ young squad failed to do too well and Brendan Rodgers was often left to rue the vulnerability shown by the young players on the pitch. Fans have been vocal in their demand for the club to land a top-class marquee player, someone who is already established and doesn’t need time to show his potential at the club.
Houghton, who made 202 appearances for Liverpool and scored 38 goals and also won a title with the club, also added that Christian Benteke was a big priority for the club and would prove to be a good signing.
“I heard that Benteke was one of their major priorities in the summer, that he was the one that they were looking for,” he added
“Benteke is a huge player. I think if he went to Liverpool he would fit into the style. He’s something they haven’t got, he’s big, he’s physical.
“He can upset defenders, he’s got genuine pace and when you get him in the right frame of mind he can score goals.”
The Belgian international was linked with a move to the Merseyside club, but after initial speculation, reports and rumors died out.
