Latest news on Liverpool January transfer window as Newsnow Liverpool suggests eight things that could happen at Anfield in 2024.
What’s the Latest News Involving Liverpool January Transfer Window?
As the January transfer window approaches, Liverpool are poised for a period of heightened activity. We find ourselves on the cusp of the first international break, having completed four games in the current 2023/24 Premier League season – a noteworthy milestone.
In reality, the recent break has had a dual impact on Liverpool’s fortunes. On one hand, it has impeded the Reds’ upward trajectory, considering their current third-place standing, juxtaposed with a remarkable 15-game undefeated streak dating back to last April.
Conversely, the break has provided respite for players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, and Thiago Alcantara, all recovering from injuries without missing crucial club fixtures. Additionally, Stefan Bajcetic has embarked on his own journey back to action after a prolonged absence, representing Spain Under-21s.
Simultaneously, this hiatus has given Ryan Gravenberch, a recent £40 million acquisition from Bayern Munich who opted out of joining the Netherlands Under-21 team, ample time to acclimate to his new surroundings on Merseyside.
Liverpool’s robust summer transfer endeavors have yielded a significantly revamped midfield, valued at £150 million, with Gravenberch playing a pivotal role. Moreover, with the Saudi transfer market closing its doors on September 7, Liverpool successfully resisted advances from the Middle East to lure Mohamed Salah away.
Who is Leaving Liverpool in January?
Liverpool’s summer was bustling, but the winter transfer window may bring its own set of challenges. With 113 days remaining into the transfer season, we delve into what the Reds should expect at Liverpool.
Saudi Transfer Speculations
It seems almost inevitable that Saudi interest in Liverpool players will resurface in January. The past summer saw unexpected moves for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, along with contemplations regarding Thiago, Luis Diaz, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and of course, Salah.
Hence, as we approach 2024, brace yourselves for a fresh wave of transfer speculations on the horizon. Salah’s midseason departure appears unlikely, not only due to Liverpool’s firm stance against selling him this summer but also because of Al-Ittihad’s keenness to secure his services, partly driven by their participation in the December FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah.
The prospect of the most renowned Muslim player competing on home soil held significant importance for Saudi Arabian football. Though this ship has sailed for the current season, the aspirations for the world championship title persist.
Nevertheless, rumours will persist, as Salah is expected to remain a target for Saudi Arabia in the upcoming summer. Furthermore, the unlikelihood of his January departure does not preclude interest in other Liverpool players, as witnessed with Fabinho and Henderson.
Trio Can Discuss with International Clubs
Three Liverpool players’ contracts expire in the summer of 2024, affording them the opportunity to initiate discussions with foreign clubs for pre-contract deals as early as January. Among these players are Joel Matip and Thiago, both of whom were reportedly poised to leave this summer but ultimately remained.
Upon the conclusion of their current contracts, an amicable parting is anticipated. In addition to potential Bosman deals, Liverpool may choose to capitalize on their last window for profitable sales.
Furthermore, backup goalkeeper Adrian’s expiring contract grants him the liberty to engage with overseas teams come January. Historical patterns suggest that his fate will likely be determined by season’s end.
Duo’s International Commitments
Salah is expected to lead Egypt in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, which dampens the prospects of a January transfer. The tournament, spanning from January 13 to February 11, could potentially render Salah unavailable for up to ten matches.
Should Egypt reach the final, the 31-year-old might miss a minimum of five games, four of which are in the Premier League. Factoring in potential advancement in the FA Cup and League Cup, the tally escalates to eight games, with the possibility of Salah missing ten matches, including FA Cup replays.
With Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz among the viable right-wing options, Jurgen Klopp has a well-stocked attacking arsenal. Klopp might opt to field Harvey Elliott or Ben Doak as well, considering the circumstances.
In addition to Salah, Japan’s Wataru Endo, Liverpool’s midfield captain, is slated for international duty in January during the AFC Asia Cup in Qatar. This absence could potentially affect Liverpool’s midfield dynamics for the same duration, from January 12 to February 10.
During this period, Klopp’s midfield options will be limited, with Bajcetic representing the only recognized holding midfielder. Potential stand-ins include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, or even Thiago.
Liverpool’s Premier League schedule in January includes fixtures against Chelsea at home and Arsenal away on January 31 and February 3, respectively. Consequently, Liverpool will closely monitor the international commitments of Salah and Endo, hoping for their timely return for these crucial matches.
Exploring Replacements for Mohamed Salah
Liverpool have been linked to acquiring a temporary replacement for Mohamed Salah during his AFCON duty, although Klopp has consistently dismissed this notion. With the addition of Darwin Nunez, Liverpool boasts five senior offensive options, in addition to Jota, Gakpo, and Diaz.
However, persistent rumours of Salah’s potential departure for Saudi Arabia increase the likelihood of speculation surrounding replacement candidates. Considering the possible departures of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in the subsequent summers of 2022 and 2023, Liverpool’s acquisition of Diaz and Gakpo in the previous January could indicate a similar transfer strategy involving Salah.
While Salah’s departure in 2024 remains uncertain, the club’s recruitment department will certainly keep a watchful eye on prospective successors listed in their long-term plans.
Addressing the Need for a New Center-back
In May, Klopp expressed his desire to acquire a new center-back during the summer, but Liverpool prioritized its midfield overhaul. Consequently, Liverpool’s defense remained unfortified.
However, with Matip’s expected depart next summer, Liverpool must address the need for a new center-back in the next 12 months. Is a January reinforcement plausible?
Considering Virgil van Dijk‘s suspension and Konate’s early-season injury, coupled with Matip and Gomez’s injury histories, the idea of bolstering the center-back position in January warrants consideration.
The Availability of André Trindade
Liverpool’s substantial £150 million summer midfield overhaul may not be finalized due to Thiago’s impending contract expiration. Consequently, Liverpool may be on the hunt for the final piece of the midfield puzzle.
Fluminense’s Andre Trindade was a summer target for Liverpool, but the Brazilian club declined to sell at that time. However, it has been acknowledged that he will be available in January. If Liverpool maintains interest in the Brazilian international, a winter transfer may be in the cards.
Loan Exits for Youngsters
With Liverpool’s participation in the Europa League, several young players are poised to receive playing time this season. Notably, Doak and Jarell Quansah have prior Premier League experience, while Bobby Clark, whose loan move to Derby County was declined on the summer transfer window’s final day, and Conor Bradley, currently sidelined with a back injury, are eager to feature in the coming months.
Liverpool’s young talents can anticipate at least eight games in which they may be called upon due to Klopp’s rotation policy. These opportunities include matches against LASK Linz, Royale Union SG, and Toulouse in the Europa League, as well as fixtures against Leicester City in the League Cup third round and Arsenal in the FA Cup third round in early January.
Progress in cup competitions may result in additional opportunities for the youngsters. If these budding stars perform admirably, they may even earn more Premier League appearances. Nevertheless, should playing time remain limited despite increased opportunities in the first half of the season, their situations may undergo reconsideration in January.
While younger players are expected to deputize for Salah and Endo during their international absences and participate in the FA Cup’s preliminary stages, Liverpool will evaluate potential loan options towards the end of January, taking into account each player’s development and contributions during the first half of the season.
No Post-window Saudi Transfer Scramble
Klopp made his displeasure known when the Saudi summer transfer window closed on September 7, a week later than most European markets. He implored FIFA to intervene, fearing that late transfer pursuits could disrupt his squad.
Fortunately, there should be no such interruption in January. FIFA has set the closure of the Saudi midseason transfer window for January 30, two days prior to the English football market’s closure. This means that, even if a Saudi Arabian team were to make a bid for a Liverpool player on their own deadline day, Liverpool would have until February 1 to secure a replacement.
Despite Al-Ittihad’s verbal offer of £150 million for Salah in the waning days of the English summer market, they failed to make a superior bid before their own deadline. The early conclusion of the Saudi market ensures that such uncertainties will be absent until the January 2024 deadline.