Five replacements for Daniel Agger at Liverpool?

With Daniel Agger’s future in doubt at Liverpool amid speculation linking him with Barcelona and Manchester city. If the Great Dane was to leave Liverpool would require a replacement with Jamie Carragher’s advancing years and it coming too soon for Coates and Kelly; so who could fill the potential void?

Mats Hummels

After a magnificent showing at Euro 2012; Hummels has increased his stall amongst Europe’s elite and at 23 he is one of the brightest young centre backs in the world.

An unlikely transfer with Hummels signing a new deal recently with the Westphalian club but football is fickle and the history of Anfield can be a lure for many a player. With his deceptive comfortability on the ball and composure in defence not enquiring about his availability at least would be a crime.

However, his defensive partner Neven Subotic may be a more realistic and cheaper option.

Mamadou Sakho

The 22 year old Parisian was appointed captain at Paris Saint-Germain at just 18 before mega riches arrived in the capital. A born leader and versatile enough to play at left back he has been told he can leave his hometown club after the arrival of Thiago Silva at the big spending French side. Liverpool again must have a vested interest in the French international as his class is undisputed.

Ryan Shawcross

A former pupil at the same school as Liverpool legends Michael Owen and Ian Rush this summer might finally be the right time for Shawcross to make the move away from the Britannia. The Potters captain has been an ever present and consistent performer in a solid defensive line since moving permanently from Manchester United in 2008. A young British option also suits Rodgers who would see attempts to sign his find of last season Steven Caulker from Spurs fruitless. Shawcross may see this as the perfect opportunity to leave and push for Champions League football.

Simon Kjaer

Replace the Dane with a Dane? Kjaer’s excellent passing ability may suit Rodgers plans and he was linked with a move to Liverpool as recently as June this year. He had a good Euro 2012 despite struggling in his recent club career. He has vowed to not play under Felix Magath at current club Wolfsburg ever again and may be available at a cut price deal with a chance of revamping his career on Merseyside.

Joris Mathijsen

Perhaps unlikely given the Dutchman’s age at 32 but he is a class performer who could add real stability to a Liverpool backline that has struggled recently. He could be available on a cut price deal at financially unstable Malaga but would more likely be brought in with another, younger option as another role model at the club for their various young pretenders.

Would you like to see any of these players at Anfield or does anybody else appeal to you more?

image: © Ronnie Macdonald