Liverpool transfer plans as centre-back targets evaluated

The most recent reports and news about Liverpool’s January transfer window as the Reds get ready to watch the market with Jordan Henderson poised to depart Saudi Arabia and Fabio Carvalho on the move

The January transfer market is still open, and Liverpool is keeping an eye on several candidates.

With a victory over Arsenal, the Reds guaranteed their spot in the FA Cup’s fourth round. They also took the lead in the Premier League standings and progressed to both the League Cup semi-finals and the Europa League’s round of sixteen.

But as Liverpool looks to build on the early promise of this season, Jurgen Klopp is being connected to possible reinforcements due to a number of injury concerns. The Reds have a great track record of making trades during the winter.

They acquired Cody Gakpo in 2023, and the Dutchman became an important player in the second half of the season with seven goals in 26 appearances. In past years, they also paid a club record £75 million to recruit Virgil van Dijk.

When Van Dijk scored the game-winning goal against Everton in the Merseyside derby, he immediately made an impression. Later on, he emerged as one of Liverpool’s most significant additions, winning every trophy possible during his time with the Reds.

January hits before Van Dijk included Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, and Philippe Coutinho.

Our staff of writers will be providing you with daily updates on the most recent rumours and news on transfers involving Liverpool.

The loan decision was made, but Liverpool still has unanswered questions

January 1: A day before 2024 had even come, Liverpool arranged for Fabio Carvalho to return from his loan at RB Leipzig to start the January window.

It will be intriguing to observe the Reds’ next move with the former Fulham player, who can play on either wing or in attacking midfield. Although Carvalho will have the chance to shine in training and with Mohamed Salah leaving for the AFCON following the game against Newcastle, he might try to take advantage of the situation. Liverpool is presently planning another loan transfer in an effort to give Carvalho more playing time.

Following the injuries to Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, Liverpool has no intention of adding a left-back; the Scottish player is anticipated to resume training in January. The notion of the Reds adding a defensive midfielder during the winter transfer window was also discarded by Jurgen Klopp, who said that Wataru Endo was the team’s selection for the position. Despite having cut ties with Andre Trinade of Fluminense, the club has set the stage for a longer-term solution.

Although Joel Matip’s absence has given Klopp confidence in his team’s ability to function, Jarell Quansah’s arrival has made it appear likely that center-back would be the preferred position. Liverpool has a history of making unexpected signings in January.

However, the Cameroonian’s contract expires in the summer, and clubs may seek him and Thiago Alcantara for a pre-contract deal this window.

Joe Rimmer

There is a hint that Liverpool is the “most credible candidate” to recruit Mbappe as a left-back.

January 2: The January transfer window was just a few hours old when the most recent rumours linking Kylian Mbappe to Liverpool surfaced. The French sensation is approaching the last six months of his current Paris Saint-Germain deal. As per Le Parisien, the Reds have become the “most credible and dangerous candidate” to sign the forward, and they ‘dream’ of signing him.

Oh, how great that would be! Unfortunately, the same paper also acknowledges that it would probably be difficult to meet the World Cup winner’s financial expectations. You get the idea. Like every manager on the planet, Jurgen Klopp would probably bite your hand off to sign Mbappe. However, the Liverpool manager has previously acknowledged candidly that a move for the PSG player would not be practical for them.

You would think that the only way they would stand a chance would be if Mohamed Salah successfully completed the most pricey transfer to Saudi Arabia in the summer. Real Madrid is still the front-runner to get Mbappe, though, and it would be shocking if the 25-year-old left in January. His move to Anfield is still only a pipe dream for the time being.

Following Kostas Tsimikas’s collarbone break against Arsenal last month, Liverpool has brought up Owen Beck from his outstanding loan at Dundee. The Wales youth international’s return to Anfield would support the club’s position that they do not want to buy a new left-back in January, even though he is not yet ready to play again after dislocating his shoulder back in October.