Jurgen Klopp may have more work than he anticipated in January as Liverpool struggles with several injuries and attempts to make a title challenge in the second half of the season.
Liverpool might still be nursing a grudge from not being seated atop the tree on Christmas Day.
If the Reds have learned anything from their draw with Arsenal on Saturday, it is that they can now confidently pursue a second Premier League title as they approach 2024. A questionable penalty ruling and the clang of the Arsenal crossbar kept Jurgen Klopp’s team from winning the title for the Christmas holidays, even though the spoils were shared with the league leaders.
Liverpool can’t afford to sit back and relax since they have a match against Burnley on Boxing Day. However, with the January transfer window opening in just one week, Klopp might have other urgent things on his mind.
Here are the most recent gossip and transfer rumours circulating around Anfield.
Klopp hints at possible transfer
While acknowledging that he hadn’t had time to consider Liverpool’s left-back situation, Jurgen Klopp hinted that he would be tempted to bring in a new player during the January transfer window.
While Andy Robertson is still recovering from his shoulder injury, Kostas Tsimikas sustained a broken collarbone against Arsenal and will be out for a lengthy period of time. As a result, Joe Gomez will be the backup left defender.
“I don’t know when, but can Joe play all the games right now? We’ll have to wait and see,” Klopp remarked. “Kostas will undoubtedly be gone for a considerable amount of time, but Robbo will return (next month). It is quite difficult for us right now, but I didn’t have time to consider it.
“Injuries happen and you have to deal with them all, but a fractured collarbone is particularly problematic because it takes a long time to heal. Although Robbo’s injury was different, the healing process is also rather drawn out. We simply need to make sure Joey is prepared for the game and is dressed in cotton wool, as we are all aware that we need luck in these situations.
It’s possible that Klopp will remain with Gomez until Robertson returns because the Scot will soon return. As a long-term substitute for Joel Matip, Liverpool may instead think about adding a new centre defender in January. Gomez would then step in on the left, and more central cover would be provided.
Reds ‘make enquiry’
In relation to centre backs, Liverpool is said to have enquired about Fluminense’s captain Nino.
The 26-year-old is an important member of the Brazilian team and was involved in their recent Club World Cup final loss to Manchester City. With Matip’s contract ending in the summer and Gomez expected to fill in for the injured Robertson and Tsimikas at left back, Klopp may decide to bring in defensive reinforcements as soon as possible.
As per Sportitalia’s reports (via Liverpool Transfer Room), Fluminense has been contacted by multiple teams, including Liverpool, to ascertain Nino’s availability. The fact that his current deal expires at the end of 2024 may help Liverpool acquire him for less money.
PSG land Liverpool target
Liverpool’s failure to sign Lucas Beraldo may have stoked the team’s interest in Nino.
The 20-year-old defender’s stellar performances for Sao Paulo has made him a target for Liverpool. However, it now appears that the centre defender has agreed to a £17 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, per writer Fabrizio Romano (via Goal).
As he tries to replace Matip, Klopp is rumoured to have identified Beraldo as a ‘potential for the future’. PSG defeated a number of elite teams, including Wolves, Bayern Munich, and Zenit St. Petersburg, and it appears like he will formally move into the Parc des Princes in January.
