Liverpool quartet able to talk to European clubs in January about free transfers
Liverpool remain firmly in the Premier League title race after their 3-0 win over Brentford on Saturday but now a frantic two months lie ahead for Jurgen Klopp.
That's partly because of a congested fixture list which will see the Reds competing in four different competitions. But he's also expected to dip back into the transfer market in January for squad reinforcments.
However, it's not just incomings the club will be focused on. Last summer the likes of Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita all left on free transfers after their contracts expired.
And with four members of his current squad in the final year of their deals, and therefore eligible to negotiate summer moves with European clubs in January, Klopp and co have some key calls to make....
Thiago
The Rolls-Royce like qualities of Thiago have been plain for all to see since the Spaniard arrived at Anfield in 2020, but sadly his talent has been on display all too infrequently.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
Restricted to just 18 Premier League appearances in 2022/23, the playmaker had his campaign curtailed in April after surgery for a persistent hip issue. And he's yet to appear in this campaign, casting doubt over his club future.
Indeed, at 32, Klopp will be all too wary of the example of Fabinho - whose form dipped well before his move to Saudi Arabia. Thiago will no doubt return and his class and experience will make him an attractive proposition for someone - so expect plenty of interest in January.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who do Liverpool need to sign in January? Comment below.
Thiago has struggled with injuries in recent years (Getty Images)Joel Matip
The centre back has made 199 club appearances since signing for Klopp in 2016 and regardless of how his Anfield career pans out from here, has cemented his legacy.
The 32-year-old has been integral to the club winning major honours, starting the Champions League final win in 2019 and despite an injury plagued campaign, was part of the Premier League title winning squad a year later. But undoubtedly, his peak years are behind him and the club may rue not cashing in last summer.
Klopp is expected to target defensive back-up in January and with Jarell Quansah emerging as a real prospect, a new deal for Matip appears unlikely. Similarly with Thiago, expect talks elsewhere come the New Year.
Joel Matip has spoken about Liverpool's new defensive shape (Getty Images)Conor Bradley
While the sun seemingly begins to set on the careers of Matip and Thiago, surely Conor Bradley's best days lie ahead of him.
At just 20, the right-back spent last season on loan at Bolton and duly picked up their Young Player of the Season award, and is already an integral part of the Northern Ireland senior set-up. The lack of furore around him in this campaign is due to a stress fracture in his back that has left him sidelined since August.
With the potential for Trent Alexander-Arnold to be deployed higher up the field, and Joe Gomez currently unconvincing on the right side of defence, Liverpool will surely look to extend the youngster's current deal. Indeed, seeking a move abroad at this stage would represent an unnecessary step.
Adrian
At 36, Adrian is seemingly showing no desire to move away from Merseyside for first team football and quite frankly, why should he?
Liverpool transfer window winners & losers as £37m spent on Klopp's "great day"
Injuries to Alisson in the 2019/20 campaign ensured he played enough games for a Premier League medal and despite firmly being third choice behind the Brazilian and Caoimhin Kelleher, Adrian signed a one year extension in June after being widely tipped to leave. And barring a European club with a keeper crisis, you wouldn't expect offers to flood in January.
Adrian signed a new one-year deal in the summer (PA)In truth, few can blame the former West Ham man for opting to remain at Liverpool until the summer and chance his arm with another 12-month extension. Every club needs emergency back-up in that department. Just ask Scott Carson.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
