LONDON – Five things to know about Liverpool going into the 2013-14 English Premier League season:
FOUR NEW ARRIVALS
Coach Brendan Rodgers has made four offseason signings as he looks to push Liverpool toward the top four of the Premier League and qualification for the Champions League.
Central defender Kolo Toure has joined from Manchester City on a free transfer, while forward Luis Alberto signed from Sevilla alongside Spanish compatriot and striker Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo. Aspas has impressed during Liverpool's preseason friendlies, scoring four goals in seven games.
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet completed a move from Sunderland, replacing Pepe Reina, who left on loan for Napoli to play under former Liverpool and Chelsea coach Rafael Benitez.
SUAREZ STAYING?
The Luis Suarez transfer saga has dragged on throughout the transfer window, but his situation at Liverpool has seemed more of a case of when he would leave, rather than if.
He spoke publicly of his desire to move to Premier League rival Arsenal, with the lure of Champions League soccer on offer, while he was in the peak of his career. Liverpool rejected a 40,000,001 pound ($62 million) bid from Arsenal. Suarez believed the offer activated a release clause in his contract until owner John W. Henry gave an "unequivocal" assurance to Liverpool fans through the English media that Suarez will not be sold to a team it aims to beat to Champions League qualification.
Suarez then told Uruguayan newspaper El Observador he would stay at Liverpool due to the fans' adoration of him.
CARROLL, DOWNING, SHELVEY AND MORE OUT
Aside from Reina, there have been several other exits from the club.
Andy Carroll signed for West Ham United on a permanent deal after spending the 2012-13 season on loan at the London side and has been joined there by midfielder Stewart Downing.
Jonjo Shelvey joined League Cup winners Swansea City for five million pounds ($7.7 million), while Jay Spearing also turned his loan to second-tier Bolton into a permanent switch.
Spain under-19 midfielder Suso, who featured prominently in the first half of last season, has gone on loan to La Liga side Almeria for 2013-14.
NEW VICE-CAPTAIN
Daniel Agger has been appointed as the club's new vice-captain following the retirement of Jamie Carragher.
The Denmark defender has made 209 appearances for Liverpool since arriving in January 2006 from Brondby and Rodgers highlighted Agger's passion for the team as a determining factor in making the decision.
BIG YEAR FOR COUTINHO
With the World Cup less than a year away, Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho will be looking to impress Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari enough to add to his solitary cap for the Brazil national side.
Signed from Inter Milan in January, Coutinho closed the 2012-13 season with a number of impressive performances, demonstrating some magical creative flair alongside an eye for goal.
A full season in the same vein should see Coutinho involved in the squad for the host nation.
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