Pedri in, Keita out: What Liverpool need in January transfer window
Stefan Bienkowski
- 20 Dec 2021 15:55 GMT
- 6 min read
Liverpool have enjoyed a tremendous start to the new season and are one of the favourites for both the Premier League and Champions League.
However, unlike their richer rivals, the Anfield side have to be much smarter with how they navigate each transfer window.
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Indeed, Jurgen Klopp can’t simply call on a huge squad of £50 million central defenders or countless attacking midfielders each weekend and every major transfer deal simply hasn’t to work.
As such, the January window could prove pivotal to how will Liverpool end up doing in May. So which positions can we expect to see the club clear out and bring in new faces?
Goalkeepers
In Alisson Liverpool undoubtedly have one of the best goalkeepers in the world and Klopp can also call upon some decent back-up options between the posts too.
There’s little doubt that Caoimhin Kelleher is the club’s No.2 and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon, with Loris Karius likely to return to Germany in the January window and Adrian to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Defenders
Despite last season’s troubles in defence, Liverpool are currently pretty well stocked thanks to the signings they made last January and in the summer window.
In most regards, Klopp has at least two players for every position in his back four, which means the club are unlikely to go on the offensive to sign a new defender in January.
Reports in England have suggested that Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Phillips could move on in the coming window, but it remains unlikely considering Liverpool’s crowded fixture list.
Midfielders
Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent months and if the club are to make new signings it will likely be in this area of the pitch.
Whether it’s Barcelona’s Gavi or Denis Zakaria from Borussia Monchengladbach, Klopp could certainly use more cover in the middle of the pitch, where injuries to Curtis Jones or Thiago Alcantara and the inconsistent form of Naby Keita continues to bother the team.
Add to that the fact that James Milner turns 36 in January and it’s probably fair to say the Anfield side could use another dependable no.8 or no.6 in the coming window.
Forwards
Like the club’s defensive line, Liverpool are not only well stocked in attack but can certainly call on some of the best players in the world.
Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are showing no signs of slowing down, while Diogo Jota continues to be a superb addition to the club’s attacking line.
Rather than make anymore signings, Klopp will probably await the return of Harvey Elliot for additional cover, while back-up options such as Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino may be allowed to leave if the right offer arrives.
