James Milner and Joel Matip are just two recent examples of Liverpool success stories on free transfers, so which players could be next to fit that bill?
Transfer windows offer clubs the opportunity to dip their hands into their pockets, with the Reds spending around £150m on a midfield rebuild last summer.
However, gems can also be found on the free transfer market, as Liverpool have discovered on multiple occasions over the years.
With many players across Europe approaching the end of their contracts, opportunities to secure signings for nothing could present themselves this summer.
For those residing outside of England, there is even the possibility of agreeing a pre-contract from January.
Let’s take a look at some realistic options Liverpool could consider on a free in 2024, considering how useful they would be given the make-up of the current squad.
Lloyd Kelly – Bournemouth
Age: 25Club: BournemouthNationality: EnglandPosition: Central, left back
Liverpool’s need for a left defender has been much discussed over the last year, and Lloyd Kelly could offer a cheap option for Jurgen Klopp.
The Bournemouth defender has been linked with Liverpool since 2018, and 2024 could be the year he finally makes the move.
He has only started eight Premier League games so far this season and injuries have hampered his momentum.
The 25-year-old usually operates as a left centre-back, but is also capable of a job as a left-back, something that could appeal to the Reds.
With Matip likely to leave on a free transfer this summer, Virgil van Dijk turning 33 and ongoing injury problems in the back four, multiple defensive signings are likely to be required in the coming windows.
However, Liverpool may first have to overcome the obstacle of the player’s environment. In 2020, The Athletic reported that former sporting director Michael Edwards “was angry at how the player’s agency was conducted.”
Tosin Adarabioyo – Fulham
Age: 26Club: FulhamNationality: EnglandPosition: Central
Continuing with the defensive theme, Tosin Adarabioyo is another centre-back who could become a useful option in Liverpool’s defence.
Like Kelly, the 26-year-old would become a welcome boost to the team’s home share, something that has been a consideration in the market for several years.
He was highly valued at Manchester City as a youngster and featured in each of England’s youth teams up to and including under-19 level.
While he wouldn’t be a sure starter, the club could do worse than add an extra option that doesn’t make a dent in the transfer budget.
Federico Redondo – Argentinos Juniors
Age: 20Club: Argentino JuniorsNationality: ArgentinaPosition: Defensive midfielder
Federico Redondo, a name that will be less familiar to Liverpool fans, could be an interesting prospect given his profile.
The Argentine is only 20 years old and predominantly plays in the number 6 position, a position in which Wataru Endo remains the team’s only current senior specialist.
He has four caps for an impressive Argentina Under-23 team to his name, but a muscle injury is keeping him out of action for Alexis Mac Allister’s former club.
Leandro Barreiro – Mainz
Klopp’s connections with his former club could prove useful if the Reds want to pursue Mainz midfielder Leandro Barreiro.
He also often appears as a starter in the middle of the park and has racked up an impressive 52 caps for Luxembourg despite being just 24 years old.
Player of the season! ?
Congratulations, Leandro Barreiro! ???#Mainz05 pic.twitter.com/jrUmJlJvaX
– Mainz 05 in English (@Mainz05en) June 9, 2023
Age: 24Club: MainzNationality: LuxembourgPosition: Defensive midfielder
Barreiro worked his way through Mainz’s youth academy and helped them on their way to securing back-to-back top-flight finishes in 2021/22 and 2022/23.
The midfielder currently plays alongside Liverpool loanee Sepp van den Berg, but both could arrive at Anfield this summer if the club sees fit.
Reports indicate that he is expected to leave the Bundesliga side this summer, with Benfica said to be the most likely destination based on recent links.
Sebastián Cáceres – Club América
Age: 24Club: Club AméricaNationality: UruguayPosition: Central
Not to be confused with former Reds defender Sebastián Coates, fellow Uruguayan centre-back Sebastián Cáceres may be of interest when his current contract expires.
Cáceres plays for Club América in Mexico City and was part of a defensive line that finished second in Liga MX last season.
He already has nine caps for his country, playing every minute of Uruguay’s World Cup qualification so far.
It won’t be the first time he plays for a club that bears our name if he makes the move, having broken through at Liverpool FC in Montevideo, Uruguay, before moving to Mexico.
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