Bakayoko in, Thiago out: What Liverpool need in January transfer window

James Shearman

• Updated: 28 Dec 2023 07:05 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool's first half of the 2023-24 campaign could not be going much better.

The Reds are in the midst of another Premier League title race, while they are also in the Carabao Cup semi-final and the Europa League knockout rounds.

Their summer signings have lived up to expectations and there is no urgency to spend more money in January.

However, Jurgen Klopp's side could increase their chances of silverware with a few additions in the window.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeeper is not an area that Liverpool need to strengthen; Alisson is clearly one of the world's best.

And, even if they were to sell Caoimhin Kelleher, who is probably deserving of first-team football at a top flight club, former West Ham shot stopper Adrian is a capable backup.

Defenders

Liverpool have numbers in the centre-back department, with Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez in the squad. However, they are rarely all available to Jurgen Klopp.

Sporting's Goncalo Inacio would be the dream signing to improve this area, while Brazilian club Fluminense's Nino would be a cheaper alternative.

The Reds could also do with another full-back option. On the left, both Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas have suffered injuries.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been great on the right side, though there is little cover if he were to spend time on the sidelines.

Fulham's Antonee Robinson has been linked with a move and he would be able to make an immediate impact at Anfield.

Midfielders

The midfield had been a weakness of Liverpool's prior to this summer, when they underwent a full rebuild.

Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch were brought in to address the 'number 8' position.

However, the Reds missed out on their top two 'number 6' targets: Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

Wataru Endo was signed from Stuttgart, and has been okay, but they should be looking for an upgrade this month.

They are in the race to sign Andre from Fluminense, alongside Fulham and Arsenal, while Benfica's Joao Neves is another highly-rated midfielder that could improve them.

As for outgoings, Thiago Alcantara has not made a single appearance this season and it is probably time he was let go. A move to Saudi Arabia seems likely.

Forwards

Liverpool are not short of threatening forward players, headlined by Mohamed Salah - who is still at his very best.

With the Egyptian's incredible goal output, the likes of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Luiz Diaz are only required to score here and there.

That being said, Manchester City have shown over the years that there is nothing wrong with having a plethora of attacking options.

PSV winger Yohan Bakayoko is an exciting prospect that would get the Anfield crowd off their feet and would therefore be a smart signing in January.

Wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko has not progressed as many had expected at Borussia Dortmund, largely due to a lack of game time, and perhaps a change of scenery would be beneficial.

Liverpool could sign him as the long-term replacement for Salah, who is expected to leave for the Saudi Pro League sooner or later.