According to various sources, Liverpool’s Director of Football Damien Comolli has been keeping tabs on German International Lukas Podolski who is viewed by many as an adept replacement for Luis Suarez whilst he plays out an 8-game ban.

This transfer rumour essentially assumes two things: Suarez’s appeal will fail and Kenny Dalglish has no faith in his misfiring striker Andy Carroll . There’s no doubt that Podolski is a talented forward and a natural goal-scorer, but it’s worth considering whether this would be a good move for Liverpool.

Firstly, we should note that Carroll’s Liverpool career hasn’t been a great success. His impact has been negligible and he has struggled for both confidence and goals. Of course, there’s every chance that he’ll leap on the opportunity created by Suarez’s absence, recover his form and start banging in goals, but on present evidence Liverpool fans won’t be full of confidence.

Then there’s Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy who have impressed sporadically this season, but are perhaps more effective when they’re played out on the wings. One thing Liverpool are desperately lacking at the moment is goals. I wouldn’t be surprised, therefore, if Dalglish felt the need to bring in some forward reinforcement this January.

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In contrast to Liverpool’s strikeforce, Lukas Podolski has enjoyed a fabulous couple of years in the Bundesliga. This season in particular has seen him grab an impressive (and Robin Van Persie-esque) 14 goals in 15 games for Cologne. It’s thought that the Polish born German International would be willing to make a move to the Premier League as despite his efforts his side are currently languishing in 10th place in the German League.

If Liverpool’s interest is genuine, they may well find themselves in competition with Arsenal, who are also desperate to bring in a world class striker.

But will Liverpool be willing to match FC Koln ’s £16.6m evaluation of their player? Liverpool’s owners have already dished out £100m on new signings and arrived at the club with a promise to cut out ‘wasteful spending’. Will they be willing to spend big money on a player who may not be necessary once Luis Suarez returns from his 8-game ban?

Even with his quality, it’s worth considering that Liverpool spent £35m on Andy Carroll only a year ago. Shouldn’t they be trying to get the most of their faltering star? During his time at Newcastle he proved he can get goals and if the club could help him recover his form they wouldn’t have to look to the transfer market and another big money signing.

At the very most Liverpool should look to secure a striker in a loan deal, so that the players they already have don’t get squeezed out over the course of the season. But for now, it doesn’t seem necessary to me that the club pursues Lukas Podolski.

But what’s your take? Would Podolski be a good signing for Liverpool?

Article courtesy of Harry Cloke from This is Futbol

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