Liverpool were busy bees during the last transfer window, dedicating their summer to a midfield rebuild.
As a result of some smart deals, the Reds now find themselves in an incredibly strong position in the Premier League and Europa League, perhaps making an unexpectedly quick recovery after an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign.
However, there are still areas in which Jurgen Klopp could improve his team, especially as injuries begin to pile up. Liverpool brought four new signings in during the summer, but a January without any new faces could see them lose pace with Europe’s elite.
Here is where the Reds could look to strengthen this winter.
While the Reds did spend approximately £150m on new midfielders in the most recent window, it still feels as if Klopp could do with one more in the holding role. Alexis Mac Allister has usually been used in the defensive midfield position this season, an experiment that has produced mixed results.
Wataru Endo has enjoyed a largely positive start to his Liverpool career but is 30 and was clearly signed to be a rotation option for Klopp.
Having seen bids for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia ultimately fall flat last summer, Klopp might be keen on adding a young and dynamic holding midfielder to his ranks. While the Reds do have the currently injured Stefan Bajcetic, he may not be ready to feature regularly for the Merseyside club just yet.
Key targets
A significant target for Liverpool remains Fluminense midfielder Andre, the 22-year-old having been regularly linked with the Reds. However, Arsenal and Fulham are also keen on the Copa Libertadores winner, making a switch to Anfield far from straightforward.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with 17-year-old Leeds United prodigy Archie Gray, although 90min understands the Whites are not looking to sell.
Joao Neves is another name hot on Liverpool’s wishlist, the Reds sending scouts to watch the 19-year-old Benfica midfielder in early November.
It’s somewhat expected that Liverpool will bring in a centre-back sooner or later, especially given Joel Matip’s contract is set to expire in 2024. However, with the former Schalke defender sustaining a season-ending injury against Fulham in early December, the Reds may bring their plans forward.
The emergence of Jarell Quansah has eased concerns at Anfield, but Joe Gomez has largely been used to cover Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back this season, meaning he’s often been unavailable to feature in central defence.
Kostas Tsimikas has also suffered a broken collarbone which will further stretch Liverpool’s backline with Andy Robertson still sidelined.
Key targets
The Reds had been touted with a move for Sao Paulo centre-back Lucas Beraldo in January, the 20-year-old having impressed in Brazil. However, it seems that Paris Saint-Germain have beaten them to his signature.
Liverpool have long been admirers of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, the 22-year-old having shone in Portugal. The Reds have sent scouts to see the five-cap Portugal international in action, but face competition from Real Madrid for his services.
In light of Matip’s injury, Liverpool may look at another Bundesliga player this January having signed three last summer, with Jonathan Tah a potential target.
While Liverpool do boast an attacking unit full to the brim with talent, there have been some underwhelming performances from their forwards this season. With Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo struggling for consistency and Diogo Jota injured, Mohamed Salah has been burdened with immense goalscoring pressure.
The Egyptian winger is 31 years old, meaning a succession plan has to come into view soon. With youngster Ben Doak, who has been on the fringes of the first team, now set to undergo surgery, Klopp may be keen to make sure he has enough options up top to keep his stars fresh.
Key targets
Liverpool may face a battle with Brentford for PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, the 20-year-old Belgian having attracted interest from the Reds after some impressive Eredivisie and European showings.
Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko, who has long been eyed by Liverpool, is set to push for a loan move in January in a bid to make the Germany squad for Euro 2024. Klopp, who is yet to sign a player from his old club, could perhaps call in some favours, even if strengthening the attack isn’t the priority this winter.
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