While Liverpool initially focused on bolstering their midfield during the summer transfer window, recent developments suggest a shift in attention within Jurgen Klopp’s squad as they prepare for a crucial Premier League title pursuit this month.
Unexpected challenges, including Joel Matip’s season-ending injury and setbacks to players like Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson, have potentially compelled Liverpool to engage in unplanned transfer activities.
According to reports, Liverpool have initiated discussions regarding a potential deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers. This prospective transfer aims to provide additional coverage for Klopp’s left-hand side, addressing the team’s defensive concerns.
However, the Reds may not conclude their transfer endeavours solely with defensive reinforcements. Recent reports suggests that Liverpool have entered the competition to secure the services of Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa, indicating a possible expansion of their midfield options.
Additionally, as per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have made their first move to sign a new center-back this month, reaching out to agents, as stated in Romano’s Daily Briefing for Caught Offside.
“As mentioned yesterday, Liverpool are exploring the market for potential new signings at centre-back, though it’s not something urgent or guaranteed to happen this January, as we know Liverpool generally prefer to do their business in the summer.
“I don’t have any concrete name yet at this stage, but I was just told that Liverpool have made some calls to some centre-backs’ agents to be informed on situations – it hasn’t become a concrete negotiation as of now. It’s not easy to find top players in the January window, that’s the problem.”
It’s yet to be revealed who the center-backs will be, but reports link the Merseyside club to Ousmane Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, and Jean-Clair Todibo, with strong suggestions they might secure Todibo over Manchester United. An intriguing couple of weeks may unfold at Anfield.
Matip’s Injury Has Forced Liverpool’s Hand
Matip’s recent ACL injury has forced Liverpool to actively seek a new centre-back this month. Formerly part of a pool of five dependable choices for Klopp, including Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Jarell Quansah, and Joe Gomez, Matip’s absence and his impending contract expiration this summer, coupled with Gomez’s shift to full-back duties, has swiftly reduced Liverpool’s options from five to three. This situation has intensified the urgency for the acquisition of another central defender.
In alignment with Romano’s sentiments, Klopp has expressed the challenge of securing top-tier players in the January transfer window. Last month, via 90Min, Klopp addressed the difficulty inherent in bolstering the squad during this mid-season transfer period.
“In eight years here, I just never understand this. You always talk about transfers as if they would be the easiest thing in the world. Just bring in a player, find the money for it, as if we have endless money. I really don’t understand it. Everybody, you, the fans, everyone talks about it.
“They all cost money. It has to be the right player. Tell me a club who wants to sell a top, top centre-half who could play for Liverpool? Why should we start that process? We’ve only known for a few days that Joel will be out for a long time, which is really bad for us. We still have four centre-halves which is absolutely alright.”
However, the impact of recent injuries is substantial, making it imperative for the boss to address if he intends to sustain efforts on all four fronts.
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