Liverpool may well look to the January transfer market to strengthen their claim to the Premier League title this season.
That was certainly the suggestion made by Gary Neville after the Reds defeated Newcastle United 4-2 in the first game of the year in the English top flight.
“I was talking in the press room and wondering if Liverpool might have a sneaky raid on the transfer market in January,” the former defender spoke in Sky Sports coverage (via @SkySports PL on X).
“They won’t announce it because they are very smart and they won’t want other clubs to know that they are desperate, and they have been very smart in the transfer market over the last few years under Jurgen Klopp.
“I wonder if you think adding something to your team could make a difference, since it’s [the Premier League title] in Game.”
The Merseysiders will be without top scorer Mo Salah and summer signing Wataru Endo for the foreseeable future ahead of the AFCON and Asian Cup international tournaments.
READ MORE: Mike Dean reveals internal VAR knowledge on why Jota’s penalty was not overturned
READ MORE: Liverpool just reinforced its squad in January but already has ideal coverage
What do Liverpool really need?
There is justification for the club to take a closer look at market options for midfield and forward.
That said, in our opinion here at Empire of the Kop, the backline has to be the top priority.
Liverpool currently enjoy the best defense in the league (18 goals conceded is the fewest in the Premier League), but have already lost Kostas Tsimikas, Joel Matip and Andy Robertson to long-term injuries.
We hope to see the latter back on the field in the new year once his shoulder has full mobility.
But a January addition to the defensive department could prove instrumental in helping us maintain our defensive prowess.
📖 Anfield Annals: John Smith: Liverpool’s Red Knight and most successful president