KOP News # 1730

Liverpool Transfer News: Demba Ba Would Be Wise Addition to Reds' Anemic Attack

By Ian Hanford

(Featured Columnist) on October 13, 2012

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Liverpool's issues on offense have carried over from last season, leaving Brendan Rodgers searching for outside options.

According to Daily Mail reporter John Edwards, Rodgers is interested in acquiring Newcastle United striker Demba Ba:

The Liverpool manager knows Ba, 27, would fit easily into his side's style of play and arrive with a proven goalscoring record in the Barclays Premier League.

Securing the Senegal forward's release from Newcastle should be straightforward, after it emerged a £7million get-out clause in his contract kicks in again in the January transfer window.

Picking up another attacker became a desperate need after Fabio Borini broke his foot while training with Italy's Under-21 team. Borini hasn't scored a goal—or dished an assist—this season, but he's still one of the team's most skilled players in the offensive third.

The Reds need someone. Ba has 22 goals in 41 appearances with Newcastle, making him an interesting possibility. At 27 years old, he's young enough and he's proven in English Premier League play.

Liverpool's offensive struggles are nothing new. Last season, the team finished eighth on the EPL table after scoring 47 goals in 38 games. This year, the Reds have scored nine goals in seven games so far.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

With high-octane attacks playing a major role in the success of the EPL's top teams, Liverpool cannot go all season with things as they are.

If they do, another disappointing finish is on the way.

Outside of Luis Suarez, the Reds don't have a consistent option. Suarez's five goals lead the team. Steven Gerrard has two scores, but he's the only other player with more than one to his credit.

Ba's strong frame would work well in Rodgers' possession-style offense. He's a big body who uses his physicality to his benefit.

Is he the world's most gifted goal-scorer? No, he's not, but his proven track record with Newcastle looks much better than what Liverpool is dealing with at the moment.