Transfer Centre

Brendan Rodgers wants "ready-made" players at Liverpool

By Chris O'Keefe, Reporter | 04 January 2015

Brendan Rodgers urges Liverpool's owners to spend cash on "ready-made" players as they prepare for life after legendary captain Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that the club's owners will need to spend in the wake of Steven Gerrard's departure next summer.

The 34-year-old long-serving captain has announced that he will be heading to the MLS upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

Rodgers has suggested that the exit of the pivotal midfielder means that Fenway Sports Group must be willing to splash the cash in order to land world-class talent.

He told The Mirror: "A large part of our squad is young players but there's no doubt that if you want to take steps forward, you need to sign ready-made players.

"The model at the football club is clear in that the owners want to bring in young players in order to develop and create them into world class players.

"Of course, that can be a longer and more difficult process. It is certainly something I know the owners look at. They know that not every player can be a developer. If you're going to keep progressing, you also need those ready-made players."

Gerrard will follow fellow key players Jamie Carragher and Luis Suarez in leaving Anfield in successive summers.