5 players Liverpool could sign in January as Klopp sets his sights on midfielder

21 November 2023 , 10:21

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5 players Liverpool could sign in January as Klopp sets his sights on midfielder

Liverpool are already looking ahead to the January transfer window to consider their options to strengthen Jurgen Klopp ’s squad.

The Reds completely remodelled their midfield in the summer, bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch after several departures in the position. Those deals have made an impact, with all four playing their part in Liverpool’s decent start to the season, which sees them second in the Premier League ahead of a top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City on Saturday.

Nevertheless, January always brings temptation, providing an opportunity to sign players to fix short-term problems due to injury, or snag a bargain in mid-season. Liverpool’s recruitment team have done some good work in the past two January windows, landing Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, so could another be coming up this season? Mirror Football takes a look at some of the options.

Lucas Beraldo

Liverpool appear to be on the lookout for central defenders and the 19-year-old Sao Paulo star is one of those they have looked at. Despite his youth, Beraldo has already made 48 appearances for the Brazilian side and has been extensively scouted by the Reds.

According to a recent report, Liverpool’s representatives met with Beraldo after a 1-0 win over Cruzeiro in early November and have suggested a £20million transfer to his club. Klopp is reportedly keen to get the deal done so as to avoid potential competition from rivals. If he did arrive in January, Beraldo would also be eligible to play in the Europa League for Liverpool, which is a big bonus.

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Andre Trindade

Andre helped Fluminense win the Copa Libertadores (Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)

Liverpool are not the only side interested in Fluminense midfielder Andre. The 22-year-old has caught the eye with the Brazil giants and a transfer to Europe is anticipated for January.

“We are waiting. Today, there is no concrete proposal for Andre,” Fluminense club president Mario Bittencourt told Globo. “But we are sure that after the Club World Cup – he will play in the World Cup – a stratospheric proposal will arrive. It could be the biggest sale in the club's history.”

Andre has been capped three times by Brazil and is a player on the rise, having made a remarkable 163 appearances for Fluminense at such a young age. He starred as Fluminense won the Copa Libertadores, so he is hardly under the radar. He rejected the chance to join Liverpool for £25m in the summer, but is open to a transfer in January.

Kalvin Phillips

Kalvin Phillips is keen to leave Manchester City for more game time (Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who do you think Liverpool should sign in January? Comment below.

Jamie Carragher thinks Liverpool need to sign a holding midfielder to compete for the Premier League title this season because Mac Allister is not suited to the role. Phillips is one of the players available in the upcoming window – but whether Manchester City would sell to a direct rival mid-season is questionable.

Phillips still isn’t getting opportunities for Pep Guardiola ’s side and needs to leave to reignite his career. Liverpool have previously been linked with the England midfielder and they could face competition from Tottenham if they make a move in January. He is seen as a replacement for Fabinho, who left to make his millions in Saudi Arabia in the summer.

Piotr Zielinski

Another potential target in central midfield is Napoli star Zielinski. His contract with the reigning Serie A champions expires at the end of the season and plenty of clubs are therefore interested in January.

Liverpool are reportedly in the queue along with Juventus and Zielinski will be able to speak to other clubs in the New Year. Klopp already knows the Poland international, having spoken to him back in 2016/17, only for a transfer to break down. Zielinski would offer lots of experience, having chipped in with 50 goals and 46 assists in 345 games with Napoli. But aged 29, he would be a departure from the club’s strategy of signing younger players.

Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe could be waving goodbye to Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 (Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

OK, I know what you’re thinking. Signing Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain in January would be a colossal move for Liverpool. It is, of course, unlikely, but it could feasibly happen. Mbappe’s PSG contract expires in June. He has told the club he won’t sign a new one and his presumed destination, Real Madrid, have reportedly cooled on the idea of signing him.

The 24-year-old will be free to speak to other clubs in January and Liverpool aren’t too far fetched as an option. Yes, they are not in the Champions League this season. But, with doubts over the future of Mohamed Salah with the allure of Saudi Arabia calling, Mbappe could be given the prominence he craves on Merseyside. And Mbappe’s mum, who acts as his agent, loves Liverpool.

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Mbappe remains tight-lipped over his future, refusing to answer a question on international duty last week, and he has shown the propensity for the spectacular in the past with his prolonged flirtation with Real. Stranger things have happened.

Felix Keith