Liverpool transfer news: Following his makeover in the summer, Jürgen Klopp is allegedly looking to acquire two additional midfield players.
Liverpool has not yet entered the January transfer window, much like the rest of the Premier League, and it is unclear if the Reds will do so in the last week of the month.
With their draw against Fulham on Wednesday night, Klopp’s team is comfortably leading the Premier League and will once again host the Carabao Cup final in February at Wembley. The FA Cup matchup with Norwich comes next in the ongoing pursuit of four titles.
However, Klopp, who has never shied away from spending big money in January to try to bolster his team, may find that an unexpected late arrival makes all the difference. Would he feel inclined to do it once more?
Rather than adding players now, it appears like Klopp will wait until the summer, even though agreements frequently require months of talks. That Liverpool has apparently increased its interest in two reported targets in the last week is therefore not surprising. This is Liverpool.com’s assessment of the transfer rumours that have been circulating about the Reds lately.
Bilal El Khannouss (Genk)
Prior to a possible summer raid, Bilal El Khannouss’ family has reportedly been contacted by Liverpool. Although Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid are also interested, it looks like the Reds have made the initial approach.
Het Belang van Limburg, a Belgian publication, claims that Liverpool has communicated with the 19-year-old’s mother, who also serves as his agent. It is said, although, that as of right now, no formal bids have been made.
El Khannouss has a three-year deal, and Genk is apparently hoping to get him for about $33 million (£26 million/€30 million). This season, the adolescent has played a major role. He is currently travelling with Morocco to the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to Liverpool.com. El Khannouss has shown promise with Genk, but it’s unclear if he’s ready to advance in his young career this summer. The young player is making waves for both club and country despite having only made his full debut last season.
With so many skilled midfielders at Liverpool’s disposal and more coming through the ranks, a move might not be necessary. Nevertheless, Liverpool needs to make sure they are involved if he decides to depart.
Alan Varela (Porto)
Bolavip says that Liverpool has ‘started conversations’ over a possible deal for Alan Varela, a top midfield player at Porto. Varela, 22, joined Porto only last summer, but his impressive performances have already made an impression.
Manchester City is reportedly Liverpool’s rival for Varela, but Liverpool is in the lead after reaching out to the massive Portuguese team. Varela reportedly has a $76 million (£60 million/€70 million) release clause, but it’s not certain if either club will fulfil it.
Varela is mostly a holding midfielder, and Liverpool made significant summer transfer expenditures to sign Wataru Endō, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister. Varela is reportedly a top target for City to replace Kalvin Phillips, who is expected to sign a loan with West Ham before leaving the team permanently in the summer.
According to Liverpool.com, Fabinho’s departure made a holding midfielder look essential, and Endō’s arrival seemed to fill that need. With Thiago Alcântara and Stefan Bajčetić expected to return from injury and Mac Allister continuing to excel in that deeper post, Liverpool does have options.
Nevertheless, Thiago’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, and given that he hasn’t kicked a ball since suffering an injury this season, he might have to fight for a new one. Varela is undoubtedly going to have a great career, and many elite teams will be keeping an eye on him.
