Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby does not believe the Reds will miss out on the title if they fail to bring in any players this January.
Forward Sadio Mane is expected to miss at least four weeks when he departs to play for Senegal in the African Cup of Nations leading many, including Jurgen Klopp, to believe the Reds will need to strengthen in order to stay at the top of the table. Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, Molby is having none of that:
“We’re in a position where we’re not missing key players more than other sides would.Look at Alexis Sanchez. He could be out for a while at Arsenal and sure, they’ll bring someone talented in to fill the gap, but he simply won’t be Sanchez.”
“It was interesting to hear Klopp talking of potential transfers in January. If the right man is available, they’ll be interested, and they are certainly being linked with interesting young players around Europe.”
“It wouldn’t be imperative to bring someone in when Mane goes, though. If we don’t win the title in May, not signing somebody wouldn’t be the reason.”
The strength in depth is there if we consider that neither Daniel Sturridge nor Divock Origi have had much game time in the league this season, but Klopp may be right to suggest the Reds lack strength on the wings if Roberto Firmino is required to move out wide to replace Mane.
Georginio Wijnaldum could be another candidate for the front three position as he has the pace, and may prove a better fit than having to move someone like Adam Lallana out wide once again.
The England international has played his best games in a Reds shirt through the middle, and Klopp may be hesitant to move around personnel when they have excelled in their current positions. That may colour his thinking if he does indeed make a move in January for another winger to replace Mane.
