The January transfer window is just around the corner and teams have already begun preparations before entering the window. After playing half of the 2020/21 season, clubs have identified the problems and potential improvements that could be made in January. The list of players in Liverpool‘s Winter Transfer Targets might be huge as the main centre-back Virgil Van Dijk has been suffering from a long-term injury and Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist might already have some new faces to bolster the squad. Let’s have a look at the possible options for Liverpool’s Winter Transfer Targets for 2020/21 season.
Liverpool’s Winter Targets for 2020/21 season: Centre-Back
Liverpool has been known for the sheer amount of injuries they have suffered this season. With both Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk out of the picture and Joel Matip’s recurring injuries hurting the backline, Liverpool’s young centre-back Rhys Williams has stepped up to the occasion and had a good game against Tottenham in the Premier League. Nevertheless, Liverpool needs to have a premium option at the back for the rest of the season given the situation. Fabinho has played well out of position as a CB, but he needs to be moved to his best position against big teams in Europe. Here are the potential candidates for Liverpool in the January Transfer window.
Kalidou Koulibaly
The Napoli defender was heavily linked with a move to the PL, notably Man City, for quite a while now. However, it is known that Man City have dropped out of the race after securing the services of the Portuguese CB, Ruben Dias. Liverpool may be wanting to move for Koulibaly, but Napoli has slapped a price tag of around £70 million on the player, who still has 3 years left on his contract. Despite being a quality signing, Koulibaly is 29 years old, Liverpool is known to take time in signings and so they will likely look for better value elsewhere.
Possible Role: With a very strong build, Koulibaly would fit in as a strong stopper. Both he and Van Dijk would make a brutal partnership. However, Koulibaly’s age puts him down the pecking order. Klopp might want to use his experience as a way of training the likes of Rhys Williams instead.
Dayot Upamecano
This is another defender that has been linked heavily with a move to the PL, with Arsenal and Manchester United both being in the run for the Frenchman’s signature. Upamecano has emerged as one of the brightest defensive talents in the PL but has a release clause of around £54 million. Now that might not seem like much, but with the financial situation of many clubs being very poor due to the pandemic, that is a high valuation. However, the Leipzig centre-half is only 21 years old and is definitely one for the future. He is likely to be near the top of Klopp’s preferred list of centre-backs.
Possible Role: Like Koulibaly, Upamecano has a pretty strong build and so would act as a strong stopper to incoming attackers. He is also known for playing out from the back with possession. Being a young player, He will likely be partnered with Virgil Van Dijk which would prove to be a dangerous backline.
Ozan Kabak
Kabak is quite a popular centre-half for the Schalke side, aged only 20. The Turkish defender has a release clause in his contract for around £41 million, but Schalke may want to let him go for cheaper. Liverpool is already in the run, after having made a reported enquiry, valued at only £21 million. He would definitely be a cheaper alternative to the two expensive defenders mentioned above. Kabak has already exclaimed his admiration for Liverpool, as he said recently “My personal aim is to become a top defender in two or three years, like Virgil van Dijk.”
Possible Role: Like Upamecano, Kabak is quite young and can be played alongside Van Dijk to pass on the experience. He is a much more of a tactical defender, not as strong, but he can position himself well and dive in when necessary. This could be what Liverpool desperately needs.
Liverpool’s Winter Targets for 2020/21 season: Wingers
It has already become known that Klopp likes to play with his wingers. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have become regular starters and arguably become classified as one of the world’s best. However, They can’t play every game, and with Liverpool’s schedule being packed for months to come, They need some reinforcements. Diogo Jota was brought in for this purpose, but He has also been out injured and Shaqiri has not lived up to expectations and has dropped down the pecking order. Takumi Minamino, although putting in the odd quality performance, is quite inconsistent. Liverpool clearly would love a new winger. Here are some of the options in the January Transfer Window.
Ismaila Sarr
One of Klopp’s signature moves is bringing in a player that has previously tormented his side in the past. He has already done this with Minamino and Mane, both putting a sly grin on Klopp’s face after their incredible performances against Liverpool. Ismaila Sarr is another player that has previously caused Liverpool trouble, notable in the 3-0 win in the PL last season between Watford and Liverpool, where he bagged 2 goals and an assist. With Watford suffering relegation last season, numerous star players could be put up for sale, one of them being Ismaila Sarr. Being only 22 years of age, the Senegalese man should surely be on Klopp’s list.
Possible Role: Being a natural winger, Sarr could provide cover for Mohamed Salah on the right. However, being right-footed would allow him to shift to the LW as an inverted winger, to provide cover for his countryman, Sadio Mane.
Samuel Chuckwueze
The Nigerian winger has found himself slowly rising up the ranks at Villareal. He is pacy, skilful and has a strong eye for goal, very similar to Mohamed Salah. Despite lacking the consistency to fit at a European giant like Liverpool, He could still build himself towards that goal with the help of the role models of Salah and Mane. The 21-year-old still has 3 years left on his contract and so he won’t come cheap, but could still be a viable investment for the future.
Possible Role: Being left-footed, would allow Chuckwueze to ease into the RW as a cover for Mohamed Salah. Klopp could also find a way to shape him on the left flank to provide support for Mane when he is tired.
Ousmane Dembele
The Barcelona youngster has not lived up to the huge price tag he was given, due to injuries and lack of fitness. Nevertheless, He is still a quality player. The 22-year-old is sought after by many clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. Of course, the Spanish giants would be unwilling to let go of the Frenchman, but if the abundance of poor form and fitness continues, Koeman may be forced to pull the plug on him. Barcelona would be wanting around £85 million+ for the player.
Possible Role: Being two-footed allows him to be played on both flanks with ease, which would easily make him a perfect back-up option to Mo Salah and Sadio Mane. He has a long career ahead of him and Klopp may be one of the few managers able to get the most out of the Frenchman.
What should be Liverpool’s Winter Targets for 2020/21 season? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more football news and updates, visit our Facebook page. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram to stay connected.
