Five players who could join Liverpool in January

Suraj Radia

• 23 Jan 2024 13:15 GMT
• 4 min read

Liverpool have enjoyed an impressive start to the Premier League season, with Jurgen Klopp’s side top of the Premier League table after 21 matches.

It represents an encouraging return to form after a disappointing season which saw Liverpool finish outside the top four for the first time in seven years.

However, with Liverpool picking up injuries to key players across the campaign and finding themselves embroiled in a title race once again, Klopp may be hoping to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

FootballTransfers takes a look at five players who could be on the move to Anfield this month.

Devyne Rensch

Liverpool have been buoyed by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performances this season but Klopp only has Conor Bradley to turn to as a backup to the right-back and opting for some depth could prove beneficial in the long run.

The Reds have been long-term fans of Jeremie Frimpong, but the Dutchman's €40m release clause will only be active in the summer and Bayer Leverkusen have no intention to sell. This could see Liverpool turn to one of his compatriots.

Ajax youngster Devyne Rensch is reportedly being eyed by the Reds, Arsenal and Man Utd. The 20-year-old boasts ample top-level experience and could be sold in January as his contract expires in 2025.

Goncalo Inacio

Klopp’s January transfer plans may have been reworked after the news that Joel Matip will miss the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

It has left Liverpool light at centre-back and could fast-track plans to sign a long-term successor to Matip, with the club believed to have a defender high on their priority list for next summer.

A whole host of players have been scouted but Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio remains a favourite of Liverpool’s due to his ability as a left-sided centre-back who has an appealing release clause of €60m, making a transfer fairly simple if it was affordable.

Khephren Thuram

Liverpool’s midfield was unexpectedly revamped in the summer as the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson left the club and, while summer arrival Alexis MacAllister and Wataru Endo have proven effective, Klopp’s side are still lacking that extra bit of quality at the number six spot.

Although Andre was long considered a target, Liverpool’s interest on the Fluminense midfielder is believed to have cooled, however, Nice’s Khephren Thuram is still thought to be admired.

The Frenchman was wanted by Liverpool during the summer but his price tag of €50m was considered excessive, however with his contract due to expire in 2025, Nice may consider a cut-price deal while Thuram’s value is still thriving.

It's unlikely he will leave Nice until the summer, however.

Donyell Malen

Although perhaps a lower priority than the defensive side of the pitch for Liverpool, the right-wing spot remains an area of concern. Though FootballTransfers was able to reveal that Mohamed Salah is leaning towards extending his deal in the long term, he is currently injured.

Donyell Malen is a player who Liverpool have watched for a long time and the 24-year-old has netted four times this season, while Dortmund are believed to be willing to cash in on him for around €30m, making his transfer an intriguing option for the Reds.

The Dutchman is keen to leave, especially after the arrival of Jadon Sancho, and a move to the Premier League may be on the cards.

Johan Bakayoko

Johan Bakayoko is set to stay at PSV Eindhoven until this summer, but Liverpool could push to sign him before the end of January following news of Salah's injury.

The PSV winger has emerged as one of Europe's most promising youngsters in recent months and Liverpool are one of several clubs interested in signing him.

Bakayoko could become Salah's long-term heir and may move to Anfield if Liverpool lodge an acceptable offer before the window shuts.