The upcoming 2024 winter transfer window at Anfield is anticipated to be a quite one, but Liverpool have consistently outperformed many of their Premier League rivals with astute January acquisitions down the years.
Jurgen Klopp is poised to witness minimal change to Liverpool’s roster this month.
Although the Reds are strongly positioned for a Premier League title contention, they have experienced numerous injuries. However, major transfers are not anticipated at this juncture, as discussions about recruitment are gradually turning towards the summer prospects.
Historically, a calm January transfer window has not been characteristic of Anfield. This period has witnessed some of Liverpool’s most notable signings as well as acquisitions that have not lived up to expectations. Here, Newsnow Liverpool highlight five best winter signings and another five that failed to impress.
The Worst January Transfer Window Deals
Ozan Kabak
Ozan Kabak, a Turkey international, joined on loan in 2021 with an option to buy for £18m. However, his performance during a fan-less season led to his return to Schalke. From there, he was loaned to Norwich City and is currently a role player at Hoffenheim.
Andy Carroll
Andy Carroll was signed on deadline day for £35m as a replacement for Fernando Torres, who was sold for £50m. Carroll faced an injury early on, sidelining him for a month. He managed to score twice in seven league games. In the subsequent season, Carroll played in most league matches but only scored four times. He was then transferred to West Ham after an initial loan and a subsequent £15m sale.
Jan Kromkamp
In 2006, Jan Kromkamp was part of a swap deal involving defender Josemi. The Netherlands full-back made 13 Premier League appearances but was soon criticized for his lack of pace. Within eight months, he moved to PSV Eindhoven.
Marko Grujic
Marko Grujic came from Red Star Belgrade and was loaned back initially. Over three years, he made only eight appearances. He was loaned to Cardiff City and Hertha Berlin before becoming a bit-part player at Porto for the last four seasons.
Tiago Ilori
Tiago Ilori, a Portuguese defender from Hampstead, was signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2013. However, he never played a senior match and was loaned to Granada, Bordeaux, and Aston Villa. In 2017, he left for Reading and recently signed a short-term deal with Belenenses after minimal playtime in the preceding years.
The Best January Transfer Window Deals
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez made his debut at Anfield in January 2011. Despite facing a ban due to a biting incident, the Uruguayan quickly became a fan favorite, earning accolades such as the PFA Player of the Year award, Golden Boot, and European Golden Shoe.
Over his tenure, Suarez scored 82 goals in 133 matches. When Liverpool eventually sold him to Barcelona after a little over three seasons, the club realized a profit of £40m.
Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho arrived from Inter Milan in 2013 for a fee of £8.5m. Over five and a half years, he showcased his prowess, contributing 54 goals in 201 games. He played a pivotal role under manager Brendan Rodgers, leading the team in various competitions. Barcelona later acquired him for an impressive sum of £105m.
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk emerged as a crucial addition to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool squad. His arrival was instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph, ending a prolonged title drought.
Van Dijk’s dominant performances were evident during the 2019-20 season, and his contributions were also vital in their Champions League journey. Despite a hefty price tag of £75m, his influence on the team has been profound.
Daniel Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge, signed alongside Coutinho, joined Liverpool from Chelsea for £12m. He netted 67 goals during his time at Anfield spanning over six seasons. A significant portion of his goals came in the 2013-14 season, where he was second only to Suarez in Premier League goal-scoring.
Sturridge was also part of Liverpool’s Champions League-winning squad in 2019 and has since transitioned into an esteemed TV punditry role.
Milan Baros
Milan Baros, secured for £3.2m in 2002, wasn’t always a regular starter. However, he notably began the Champions League final in Istanbul. One enduring memory of Baros involves him accidentally dropping the trophy during the celebratory moments, causing a visible dent in it.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Considering Audacious Swoop for 24-G/A Sensation as Klopp Seeks Key Position Reinforcement