It’s quite clear that Liverpool are going to need more than just one signing to become a formidable English and European force again, probably beginning with their defensive line, as Brazilian centre back Douglas, who has been playing for Twente since his teenage years, looks like the premier candidate to earn a move to Anfield next season, although Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord) and Federico Fazio (Sevilla) are also being targeted.
Regardless of those names, Douglas looks like the man to be first on the shortlist of centre backs for Rodgers, looking to replace the retiring Jamie Carragher. Martin Skrtel won’t be a first team player again, at least not a regular one, and Sebastian Coates isn’t looking like someone who’s ready to grab a first team spot any time soon.
Douglas has been with Twente since 2007 and holding a Dutch passport makes his transfer all that easier after not playing a single match for the Brazilian national team so far. After getting his Dutch passport, Douglas has been awarded with a callup to the Dutch team, although he has yet to make an appearance for the Oranje. He won the title with Twente in 2010, but is often remembered for his six match suspension on February 28, 2011 – The suspension related to an incident in Twente’s previous match against AZ Alkmaar in which he was sent off for what initially looked like a punch on AZ midfielder Pontus Wernbloom, but after replays it was discovered there was no contact. In protest he proceeded to push match referee Ruud Bossen and then push Pontus Wernbloom whilst being escorted off.
According to rumors, Liverpool will give Brendan Rodgers £25 million to spend this upcoming summer, which means that if he’s planning on signing four players, he’ll have to look for the cheaper ones and stay away from the pricey Premier League. Douglas, 25, should be a good way to start, although transfer from the Eredivisie don’t always work out too well due to the huge difference in quality, pace and physicality between the divisions.