Five players who could join Liverpool in January
Suraj Radia
- 7 Dec 2023 14:43 CST
- 4 min read
Liverpool have enjoyed an impressive start to the Premier League season, with Jurgen Klopp’s side sitting in second place just two points behind leaders Arsenal.
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 next month.
Jeremie Frimpong
Liverpool have been buoyed by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performances this season but Klopp only has Joe Gomez to turn to as a senior 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 and the Dutchman is believed to have a €40 million release clause in his contract at Bayer Leverkusen, making him an attractive target.
Frimpong has 22 goal involvements in the Bundesliga since the start of last season and the 22-year-old would be a natural alternative to Alexander-Arnold as an attack-minded wing back who can step up into midfield.
Goncalo Inacio
Klopp’s January transfer plans may have been reworked over the past week 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.
Khepheren 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.
Donyell Malen
Although perhaps a lower priority than the defensive side of the pitch for Liverpool, injuries to the likes of Harvey Elliott and Diogo Jota have left Liverpool treading a thin line if more forwards were ruled out.
There may also, quietly, be one eye on a potential successor for Mohamed Salah if the Egyptian is once again pursued by Saudi sides in 2024, meaning a wide player could be targeted over a striker.
Donyell Malen is another 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.
Archie Gray
While the priority will undoubtedly be on securing depth for the remainder of the season, Liverpool will always consider good opportunities for youngsters if they arise.
Leeds wonderkid Archie Gray has been a breakout star this season in the Championship, starting 16 times in midfield as well as at right-back in shades of former Liverpool hero James Milner.
The 17-year-old might cost a pretty penny but he has proven his ability to perform under pressure and could provide crucial minutes right away, while also securing Liverpool one of the best youngsters in the country.
