How Klopp can solve Liverpool's midfield woes: Three attainable transfer targets

Sam McGuire

• Updated: 16 Jan 2023 19:45 GMT
• 5 min read

“You cannot solve all problems in a transfer window. In a dreamland, you buy players and bring them in, but I don't see that coming.”

Jurgen Klopp is, of course, right. Not every problem can be solved in a transfer window. However, the problems plaguing Liverpool right now could be eased if the Merseysiders dipped into the market once again this month.

The Reds suffered a 3-0 loss to Brighton on Saturday and have conceded eight goals across their last three outings. Back-to-back losses in the Premier League have them in ninth, 10 points off of a top-four spot.

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Klopp tried something different against the Seagulls, opting to deploy a man-marking system that had Thiago much higher up as he looked to nullify Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo. It might’ve been a sound plan in theory but in reality, it left Liverpool struggling to get their foot on the ball without the Spanish playmaker in the first phase of play.

Jordan Henderson was deeper and the skipper struggled with the intensity of the Brighton press. He was subbed off having completed just 79% of his passes - comfortably the most wasteful of the midfield three.

The Reds have tried a variety of things to shore up their middle third this season and nothing has worked. They are being bypassed on a regular basis and opponents are getting at Alisson Becker with ease. Klopp has tried to solve it tactically. He might have to admit defeat and bring in reinforcements before it is too late to salvage the campaign.

It doesn’t have to be Jude Bellingham. Obviously, he is the club’s top target and in an ideal world, they would bring him in this month. But that deal just doesn’t seem to be viable. There are other options though and though the list is made up exclusively of young players, all would make an immediate impact on this midfield.

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Liverpool's January transfer options

Manu Kone (Borussia Moenchengladbach)

Linked with Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and PSG over recent weeks, Kone was named as a player on Liverpool’s radar by Melissa Reddy back in August. The 6ft1 midfielder is currently on the books of Gladbach but the Bundesliga side may be forced into cashing in on him to help fund a rebuild given a number of players are set to leave on a free.

The 21-year-old ticks an awful lot of boxes for the Reds and would add some much-needed dynamism to the midfield at Anfield. Press-resistant and progressive in possession, Kone also impresses defensively due to his ability to be in the right place at the right time.

He would help Liverpool smother the opposition once again.

Khephren Thuram (Nice)

Another all-action midfielder who is impressing in Ligue 1.

The 21-year-old recently put in a masterclass performance for Nice in the 6-1 win over Montpellier. The 6ft4 powerhouse won 100% of his tackles, made two interceptions, attempted six dribbles, played three key passes, registered an assist and scored a goal.

Our very own Jacque Talbot recently published an exclusive in which he revealed the former Monaco youngster could be sold for €30million - a relative bargain in today’s market.

His physical traits trump his on-ball ability right now but that side of his game can be developed if needed. Right now though, the Reds just need a bully in the middle third and Thuram has the potential to be one of the biggest bullies in the Premier League.

Manuel Ugarte (Sporting)

Liverpool have raided the Portuguese league in each of the last two transfer windows, signing Luis Diaz from Porto and Darwin Nunez from Benfica. They could return to the Primeira Liga to add a Sporting midfielder to their ranks.

They may have passed on Matheus Nunes in the summer but the Lisbon-based club have another middle third man who may be of interest to the Reds in Ugarte. The 21-year-old is a bit of a throwback to midfielders of yesteryear. He is adept at progressing the play and very tidy in possession but without the ball, he is a destroyer.

Per FBref, he’s in the 99th percentile for tackles, the 97th percentile for interceptions and the 92nd for blocks. Liverpool are in need of players who can do both given they are a ball-dominant side who are regularly having to defend transitional situations. The Uruguay international, who also stands at 6ft, could play alongside Fabinho as well as in place of him.

All three are attainable without the need to break the bank. All three can solve a number of issues for the lacklustre Reds.