Liverpool have consistently opted against major transfer moves in January following Jurgen Klopp’s arrival in 2015.
In seven winter windows, Klopp has only broken the £10m mark twice, to sign Virgil van Dijk and Luis Diaz, in 2018 and 2021, respectively.
Many expect any potential arrivals at Anfield to come in midfield, with Klopp well-stocked elsewhere in his squad, looking ahead to a packed schedule in 2023.
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, right-back Calvin Ramsay, midfielder Harvey Elliott and Scottish winger Ben Doak will all play an increased role in the months ahead, but Klopp is determined to source a new midfield general.
Klopp is reported to have a budget close to £100m to work with, if he opts to make a mid-season move.
Reports indicate that England international Jude Bellingham is Liverpool’s No.1 target, in either the winter or summer market, with links to the Borussia Dortmund midfielder stretching back over 12 months.
England pair Trent Alexander-Arnold and Henderson have posted a string of social media hints during their time together at the 2022 World Cup and Liverpool fans are confident of a deal.
The practicality of securing a £100m+ deal in the January window will be difficult, with Dortmund previously hinting at their preference for a summer exit, and Real Madrid also challenging for the 19-year-old. Spanish outlet Marca indicated on Dec. 22 that it’s Los Blancos with the edge for his signature.
Enzo Fernandez is also on Klopp’s radar following an impressive start to life at Benfica this season to go with his performances in Qatar 2022 for world champions Argentina.
However, the Portuguese club is expected to demand that any interested party pay the player’s full £105m release clause after the 21-year-old scooped up the FIFA World Cup Young Player Award. Portugal outlet Record reported on Dec. 22 that Liverpool’s initial £88m bid was rejected.
As a skillful and combative two-way midfielder, he offers a different playing style to Bellingham’s, and one that fits nicely with Klopp’s high-pressing tactics.
Amrabat was crucial to Morocco’s incredible march to the World Cup semifinals, playing every minute of tournament action for the Atlas Lions in Qatar, and the Fiorentina player is in the January shop window for major European sides.
His role as a midfield anchor is highly sought after in 2023, with a much lower asking price than Bellingham and Fernandez, at a reported £25 million for a player turning 27 in the summer.
Klopp will be conscious of making a decision based on his World Cup performances, but the Reds boss has an ability to bring players on a level or two, and Amrabat’s ability to squeeze space and win possession has similarities to former Liverpool star Gini Wijnaldum.
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France World Cup star Marcus Thuram has been advised by Newcastle forward Allan Saint-Maximin to reject a move to Liverpool in favour of joining him in the north-east. The Reds have been linked with making a move for an attacker after the injuries to Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.
Also stay tuned for any breaking developments in the potential sale of the club. In a statement sent to the ECHO, owners FSG maintain they are ‘fully committed’ to the ongoing success of Liverpool under Klopp but admit they are open to the possibility of further investment from elsewhere.
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Martin Odegaard has admitted he and the Arsenal players were “confused” by a tactic from Mikel Arteta in preparation for a match against Liverpool.
The Reds beat Arsenal home and away in their two Premier League fixtures last season, including a 4-0 victory at Anfield. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Takumi Minamino scored the goals to hand Liverpool the win in November last year.
Arteta made headlines after the Amazon Prime documentary showed his tactics in the build-up to that match against Liverpool. In training, the Arsenal boss used speakers to play ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in an attempt to replicate the atmosphere at Anfield.
Now Odegaard has admitted that he and his Arsenal team-mates were left bemused by the tactics employed by Arteta in the build-up to the clash against Liverpool.
Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi could reportedly be on the move again just months after leaving Anfield.
Origi left the Reds in the summer to sign as a free agent with AC Milan. The Belgium international spent eight years contracted to Liverpool, during which time he scored 41 goals in 175 appearances.
The 27-year-old has found it difficult to settle into life at Milan since making the move to Italy. So far, Origi has scored just one goal in his 14 outings for the Serie A giants, and has also struggled with injuries in his debut campaign.
All of this has led to a report from the Daily Mail claiming that Origi could be sold by Milan in the near future. Italian journalist Alvise Cagnazzo has explained why the former Liverpool striker has been a “major disappointment” since his move.
Manchester United have reportedly entered talks to sign Cody Gakpo amid links with Liverpool.
The Reds have been tentatively linked with the PSV Eindhoven forward over the past few weeks, who impressed for the Netherlands during the World Cup.
However, according to The Mirror, Man United have opened talks with the Eredivisie club over a deal to sign Gakpo in January.
It has been claimed that PSV’s financial situation could mean that they may be prepared to cash in on Gakpo’s services for less than £50m.
Ibrahima Konate has posted an update on social media as the Liverpool defender nears his return to action with his club after the World Cup.
The defender will return to training with the Reds on Tuesday, December 27 – putting him out of action for the Boxing Day clash at Aston Villa.
Konate is currently enjoying his holiday in Dubai, but posted a video on Instagram of him working out in his Liverpool training kit ahead of his impending return.
Liverpool will likely use Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip for their match with Unai Emery’s side on Monday, but Konate will be of great use to Jurgen Klopp once he is up to speed.