With Jurgen Klopp refusing to rule out any further transfer business at Anfield this January, Liverpool look to have carried out most of their moves early on in the window. The German did, however, admit that the club are not actively seeking out new players, but this certainly doesn’t mean that the Reds could make a late swoop for the right player if the opportunity arrived.
Liverpool have already been involved in some major moves so far this transfer window, with the £75m capture of Virgil van Dijk and the selling of Philippe Coutinho for just under double the price at the top of the pile. It’s a crucial stage of the season for the Reds as they continue their fight for the title with Manchester City, and life without their former Brazilian superstar hasn’t caused much havoc thus far, but the next few games may highlight just what Liverpool will miss if they fail to pick up points at Swansea and fail to progress in the FA Cup in their tie with West Brom.
It’s highly unlikely that the Reds could find a perfect replacement for Coutinho, especially in January, but with Adam Lallana on his way to full fitness, Liverpool do have someone who may be tasked with stepping up to the plate on the pitch in the little magician’s absence. The defence has undoubtedly sharpened with the acquisition of van Dijk, yet his absence in the meeting with Manchester City was hugely apparent as the home side narrowly avoided a dramatic draw after conceding two late goals. Therefore, another defender may be brought in before the window closes, but only if the right opportunity presents itself, while a suitable replacement for Coutinho may also be on the cards for Klopp, but the German looks increasingly likely to keep his squad exactly how it is.
With Loris Karius recently confirmed as the number one goalkeeper, it looks even more likely that there will be no more signings coming in the door at Anfield in the coming days, despite fans still uncertain as to whether or not their current squad can challenge a side of Manchester City’s prowess for the Premier League title.
The names of Riyad Mahrez, Julian Draxler and even Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak have been whispered around the gates of Anfield in recent days, and while all would be extremely well received by the Liverpool faithful, the potential transfers look increasingly unlikely as the days go by. The two attackers could certainly fill that Coutinho gap – perhaps not to the same effect, but would add fresh legs to an evidently exhausted side – while the Slovenian shot-stopper would be the perfect solution to the club’s ever-growing issue between the sticks.
With Naby Keita’s impending summer arrival, it is also common knowledge that Klopp will look to offload countless players in the attempt of getting the right balance in his squad, and names such as Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings may worry for their future at the club unless their fortunes change greatly in the coming months.
It’s obvious that the Reds have money to spend after the record-breaking move from Coutinho, and a few more additions this month would undeniably give the club that necessary edge as Champions League football returns, but now is seemingly not the time for the manager to mix things up with some new arrivals.