10 players who could join Liverpool in January

Nicholas Hughes

• 3 Jan 2022 16:20 GMT
• 9 min read

Liverpool had a fairly quiet summer transfer window, with Ibrahima Konate, signed from RB Leipzig, their only arrival, so Jurgen Klopp may be tempted to dip into the January market to bolster his squad for the final stretch of the season.

With injury issues surfacing, COVID cases rising, and the Africa Cup of Nations now here, Liverpool will certainly be be tempted to open their cheque book over the winter.

Klopp is still waiting on some key players to return to full fitness, but there's room to strengthen in both midfield and in attack, so the German head coach could opt to chase number of players to add to this squad to help chase glory on multiple fronts this season.

While Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane won't be missing for too long, Klopp may still be tempted to sign a new attacker, and given Mane's recent goal-drought, that was ended against Chelsea, another option could be a good idea.

But, who could the Reds target this January?

Luis Diaz

Liverpool signed Takumi Minamino in January 2020 after he impressed against them for RB Salzburg in the Champions League, and Klopp could repeat the feat by poaching Luis Diaz from Porto.

The Colombian has been in outrageous form for Porto, with 12 goals in the first 15 games of the league season in Portugal to pair along with two goals in six games in the Champions League.

He has also become a permanent fixture in the Colombia national team throughout World Cup qualification.

With incredible pace and dazzling skill, and at the perfect age of 24, Diaz would be a typical Liverpool signing and one that could be a major coup to add to their attacking riches.

Raphinha

On the topic of fast, skilful South American stars, Raphinha is another name who could be of interest, and is someone who's been linked with Liverpool for some time.

The Brazilian has already bettered his six-goal haul from the entirety of last season in the first 17 Premier League games of this season, scoring eight despite Leeds United’s struggles.

His form saw him handed a debut for Brazil in October, and he has hit the ground running for his country with two goals in his first five appearances, only two of which were starts.

At 25 years old, he is also the perfect age profile for a Liverpool signing, and taking him away from another Premier League team could be enticing for Klopp and his staff as they know he can perform immediately, without the need for much of a bedding-in period.

Jonathan David

Liverpool identified Jonathan David as a potential target in the summer of 2020 before opting to sign Diogo Jota. David subsequently went to Lille and became a French champion in his first season, while Jota has been a revelation at Anfield, so things have worked out for both players.

However, Liverpool could look to add him to their forward line in January.

A 13-goal, two-assist return in his first season was impressive enough, but the Canadian already has 12 goals in the first half of the Ligue 1 season, the most in the entire league, with a further three strikes in the Champions League this term.

David is a slightly younger option at 21 years of age, but is showing his brilliance in France and in Europe; he could just become the successor to Roberto Firmino.

Karim Adeyemi

At 19 years of age, Karim Adeyemi has quickly emerged as Erling Haaland’s successor at RB Salzburg, and is the latest player to come out of the Austrian club’s talent farm.

A quick, technically gifted left-footer with supreme finishing skills, Adeyemi has shone in his first full season as the first-choice striker at Salzburg, with 17 goals and an assist in 23 league and Champions League games.

Adeyemi has already muscled his way into Germany's senior squad, scoring his first goal for his country within his first three appearances, all of which were off the bench.

His mix of potential and talent in the present would fit perfectly with Liverpool’s experienced frontline, and he could flourish at Anfield if Klopp brought him in.

Jeremy Doku

Another teenager, Jeremy Doku shone for Belgium at Euro 2020 and Liverpool have been long-term admirers of the talented winger.

Unfortunately, injury has limited him to just two league starts in the 2021/22 season so far, but he has still managed to score a goal and chip in with two goals and two assists in five matches for his country.

Doku’s biggest strength is his blistering pace, which would suit Liverpool down to a tee with their high-octane attacking football.

Another project for the future, but with ability to contribute now, Doku could be snapped up before another top European club gets him first.

Arnaut Danjuma

Arnaut Danjuma struggled in the Premier League back in 2019/20, making just 14 appearances in his only season in the English top flight to date with Bournemouth.

But since then, Danjuma has been immense. A tremendous Championship campaign saw him rack up 17 goals and seven assists, which earned him a move to Villarreal last summer.

His form has continued in Spain, with five goals and two assists in La Liga, as well as five goal contributions in the Champions League group stages.

Villarreal will be unwilling to let him go, especially given he only joined last summer, but Liverpool are believed to be interested and could pry the Dutchman back to England.

Amine Gouiri

2020/21 was Amine Gouiri's breakout season in senior football, with the Frenchman netting 12 goals and grabbing seven assists in 34 league matches for Nice after he was deemed surplus to requirements and sold by Lyon.

The 21-year-old has kept that momentum going this season, with eight goals and four assists in 16 league starts, and he looks well on track to surpass his numbers from last season.

Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, Gouiri has the versatility as well, as the skillset, to fit into Klopp’s Liverpool team and could be an astute January signing.

Fabian Ruiz

This is one that perhaps would be more likely for next summer, but Fabian Ruiz has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time and their midfield issues could force Liverpool’s hand.

Another player that Liverpool has experienced first hand with their tussles against Napoli, the Spaniard has developed into a top midfielder with room to grow.

The 25-year-old is technically sound on the ball, but powerful off it as well, and he would likely complement the skillset of Thiago along with the rest of Liverpool’s midfield crop.

Florian Neuhaus

Liverpool and Bayern have been engaged in a battle to sign Florian Neuhaus over the last 12 months, and January could be the time for Liverpool to pounce.

Neuhaus has failed to commit to Borussia Monchengladbach, and his contract only has two years left to run, meaning the transfer fee required to sign him might not be so large.

The 24-year-old has earned consistent minutes in the Germany side and has solidified his position as one of the top midfielders in the Bundesliga, making him a prime candidate to strengthen Liverpool’s midfield.

Renato Sanches

After an impressive Euro 2020 campaign despite Portugal’s overall struggles, there has been an air of inevitability about Renato Sanches departing Lille.

With Liverpool and Arsenal linked and the player himself not shy in saying he could be on the way out, a January transfer is beginning to appear more and more likely.

Added to that the fact that his contract expires at the end of June 2023, Sanches will be available for a reasonable price and is ready to compete for a top team.