With injuries increasing, Liverpool could take advantage of the January transfer market to replenish their squad. We discussed what might be on the horizon over the next month.
January is traditionally a difficult time for teams, especially those buying clubs, to do business. In fact, Jurgen Klopp often states that he prefers to do business in the summer and not in the middle of the season.
However, of late, transfers have often been declarations of intent, with Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo all moving to Merseyside at the start of a calendar year.
Before Klopp, Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suárez and Philippe Coutinho were January additions who certainly showed that the winter window can be very fruitful.
Here, Sam Millne (@sam_millne), David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) and Jack Lusby (@LusbyJack) discuss Liverpool’s upcoming January transfer window.
Which position do you think should be a priority?
MILLNE: This is a difficult question because the obvious answer in the summer was defensive midfield and to some extent that is still the answer.
However, Luis Díaz’s lack of form combined with the fact that Darwin Núñez is yet to reach the levels we expected has led many to want an attacker of star quality suitable to lead Liverpool to the title.
We’re at a point where a big signing could give Liverpool another title, and those kinds of opportunities don’t come around every year.
LYNCH: I know midfield and defense are considered the biggest priority for most but, like Sam, I would love to see a young striker added to the team.
Díaz and Núñez have not scored at the level one would expect so far this season and there is a big call about Mohamed Salah’s future in the summer.
Getting ahead of that decision and adding more firepower could be the boost this team needs to get over the line. You can manage in other areas of the field, but goals win you games.
LUSBY: It’s hard to say. In fact, I think the team is well equipped in most areas and is possibly the strongest Klopp has ever had when he is fully fit.
Another midfielder would make sense given that Thiago is likely to leave, but I echo the calls for a new striker.
As things stand, the three Jota, Núñez and Cody Gakpo seem more comfortable on the left, where Díaz already plays, so another central striker could be necessary.
Realistically, is there anyone in particular you would like?
LYNCH: There have been links with PSV’s Johan Bakayoko and while I can’t personally guarantee whether he’s good enough or not, someone of that profile would make sense to me if Liverpool were looking for forwards.
LUSBY: Victor Boniface seems to be a perfect fit, while there is known to be interest in Maximilian Beier at Hoffenheim.
But how about we use that buyback clause for Dominic Solanke, if it’s still active?
MILLNE: This is where the recruiting team makes money! Basically I would like Sadio Mane to get younger.
I wish I could say I watch enough other teams’ kits to know exactly who would fit, but right now the best wingers seem to play on the right, where we already have Salah.
Do you think Liverpool will dive into the market?
LYNCH: Personally, I have a hard time watching it.
Andy Robertson will return soon to cover the loss of Kostas Tsimikas, while there are hopes that Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic will not be around much longer.
If that’s the case, the positions that many consider most in need of strengthening will be fairly filled until the summer.
MILLNE: I agree that it’s hard to imagine Liverpool spending lavishly in January, although we’ve been surprised before.
There is clearly funds there, as evidenced by the £115m bid for Moisés Caicedo, but unless there is a future replacement for Salah, I don’t see Liverpool spending the money.
LUSBY: I can’t see it at all. If something happens in the January window, it will surely be expenses.
Kaide Gordon could use a loan, for example. The focus should really be on finalizing new contracts for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah.
Do we have enough in defense with Matip’s injury?
MILLNE: Without Jarell Quansah, the answer would be no. With Quansah, the answer is a resounding yes from me.
Playing alongside Van Dijk obviously helps, but he looked confident even in the Europa League games he played without the captain.
Joe Gomez is also there to play centre-back in case Ibrahima Konate inevitably gets injured.
LYNCH: It seems Liverpool are convinced Quansah is ready to step up in Matip’s absence and, based on his performances, who could disagree?
LUSBY: As others say, it seems that Quansah is here to stay in the first team and that is great news.
Much depends on how Conor Bradley and, to a lesser extent, Luke Chambers and Calum Scanlon develop as backup full-backs, as that would have a knock-on effect on Gomez.
To me, Gómez looks better as a right-back than a centre-back, which could mean another centre-half is needed in the summer.
Liverpool were clearly interested in Andre, but Endo has recently stepped up. Do you think that affects LFC’s thinking?
LYNCH: I don’t think Liverpool’s interest in Andre existed once they signed Wataru Endo.
It was crazy to me that someone thought they had signed a holding midfielder and then decided he wasn’t good enough and needed to be replaced just two months later.
I believe in Liverpool when they say they are happy with what they have in midfield until the end of the season.
In purely numerical terms, it is difficult to disagree given that Bajcetic and Thiago have barely played this season and have yet to be missed.
If they return soon, surely the midfield reinforcements can wait until the summer.
MILLNE: I agree that Klopp is unlikely to be desperate for a midfielder in January.
However, Endo is 30 years old and Andre is at the other end of his career.
I’m not saying Andre is going to sign, in fact I unfortunately don’t see it, but there are chances of a player arriving in the summer.
LUSBY: Andre is a prime example of hysteria when it comes to transfers. How many of us had seen him play before this month’s Club World Cup?
Also look at Joao Palhinha. Many seem convinced that he is the definitive number 6 for Liverpool, but there is very little evidence that he really fits.
I can see why Klopp would stay with the current group and perhaps join them when Thiago leaves. Clearly there is a lot of faith in Bajcetic and that is how it is.
