Despite back-to-back draws at Anfield against Manchester United and Arsenal, Liverpool finds themselves right in the thick of the Premier League title fight as the January transfer window comes near. On Boxing Day, the Reds will aim to cap up 2023 with a victory away to a revitalised Burnley.
The transfer window then opens on New Year’s Day, ahead of Liverpool’s next game. The Merseyside club can add players to their roster until 11 p.m. on Thursday, February 1.
After paying Porto £37 million, which may go up to £50 million for Luis Diaz in 2022, and buying Cody Gakpo from PSV for £37 million with add-ons at the beginning of 2023, Jurgen Klopp has bolstered his assault in the last two winter transfer windows.
Will the German, then, make use of the mid-season market once more to aid Liverpool in their pursuit of the championship and trophies in the FA Cup, Europa League, and Carabao Cup?
Jarrod Bowen’s release clause
Last week, West Ham attacker Jarrod Bowen was named by Jurgen Klopp as his “favourite player” outside of the Liverpool team, which generated quite a commotion. Michail Antonio, Bowen’s teammate, retorted, saying, “I think he’s trying to lay those seeds man, he wants Jarrod.”
“He is free to sow as many seeds as he pleases, mate. The man recently inked a seven-year contract, so if Klopp wants that, he can provide the funds. Given that Bowen plays on the right, who is he going to replace? Are you making any allusions here? Salah, are you letting him go?”
The Athletic first revealed in October that Bowen, who turned 27 this past week, had only recently inked a new seven-year contract with the Hammers, and that agreement did not include a release option. That followed reports that Bowen’s team had inserted a £40 million buy-out to the deal.
However, new rumours regarding the attacker have been ignited by West Ham’s sporting director, Mark Noble. In response to a question on TNT Sports about whether he has a release clause, Bowen said, “I am not telling you.” With 11 goals in 17 Premier League games this season, the England international is highly regarded by Klopp, but a move for the right-sided player appears doubtful, particularly in January.
Duo are expected back at Anfield
Nat Phillips and Fabio Carvalho are possible additions to Liverpool’s first team for the second half of the campaign. Out of Leipzig’s 16 Bundesliga games while on loan in Germany, Carvalho has only started one. Leipzig and the Reds have now initiated discussions over ending the agreement.
However, Rouven Schroder, Leipzig’s sporting director, expressed disapproval of the notion, stating: “These are standard power struggles. Fabio is under contract with us through the summer of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier. He’ll get the opportunity to play.” The 21-year-old will need additional minutes from Liverpool in order to stay at Leipzig, but it’s uncertain if a deal will be reached.
center-back In contrast, during his six months at Celtic, the 26-year-old has started just three of 19 Scottish Premiership games. His loan was only set to expire in January, and the Hoops do not plan to attempt to prolong his stay past that point—a move that has proven fruitless for both the team and the player.
Joel Matip’s injury may keep him as Liverpool’s fifth-choice centre defender for the remainder of the campaign. It might possibly be Rhys Williams, 22. The tall defender was sent on loan to Aberdeen, but he hasn’t appeared in a league match since. If he returns to Merseyside, it’s likely that he will be sent on loan to another team.
Deal with Andre Trindade “collapses”
Andre Trindade of Fluminense was a target for Liverpool over the summer, but he turned down a move to support the team’s effort to win the Copa Libertadores, which they eventually accomplished. Manchester City soundly defeated Fluminense in the Club World Cup final, which they also attended.
The Brazilian midfielder recently acknowledged, saying, “I follow Premier League, and I’d love to play there someday. I have one clear dream: to play in the Premier League.” However, according to Football Insider, the Reds’ attempt to sign £30 million-rated Andre, who was thought to be Thiago Alcantara’s likely replacement, has “collapsed.”
Thus, he will not be able to fulfil his “dream” of playing for Liverpool. However, he might come to realise it with Fulham, their Premier League rivals. The 22-year-old is reportedly in the running to sign for the Cottagers, which could mean he plays Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, January 10 and Wednesday, January 24.
Joao Palhinha move unlikely
Joao Palhinha, Fulham’s current defensive midfielder, who almost signed with Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day in the summer, could be on the move with Andre expected to move to Craven Cottage. However, sources state that Klopp and company will not be pursuing the Portuguese ball-winner’s signing.
After adding Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister to their roster a few months ago, The Athletic reports that Liverpool feels confident in the state of their midfield. It is also mentioned that, given his age of 28 and potential £70 million price tag, Palhinha does not fit the typical player profile that they would want. Bayern might pique their curiosity instead.
Carragher anticipates summer additions.
If Luis Diaz doesn’t find his playing form soon, Jamie Carragher has hinted that Liverpool may try to acquire a new winger in the summer. After recovering from a significant knee injury, the Colombian has not played well; in his last 31 appearances, he has only scored six goals and provided one assist.
Cody Gakpo has also failed to produce a sustained run of goal-scoring success. Additionally, Carragher stated on the Gary Neville podcast on Sky Sports: “Gakpo has been here for almost a year and a half, and he has shown sparks, but not quite enough. Following his knee injuries from the previous season, Diaz appears to be a shadow of his former self.
“I really believe that Diaz must have a strong second half of the season in order for Liverpool to enter the left-hand side of the market in the summer. Simply put, it seems like they haven’t replaced Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in terms of calibre.”
Juventus is looking into other possibilities for its midfield, and they may sign Teun Koopmeiners.
