It has been a strong start to the 2018/19 season for Liverpool, who have got off to a flyer in the Premier League and Champions League. But with football still to play, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to utilise his squad as much as possible across the four competitions.
The January’s transfer window is the next opportunity for Klopp to add to his squad and the extent of Liverpool’s involvement that month will be determined by their luck with injuries around that time. But here’s a look at five players who could join the club in the New Year.
Mario Gotze
Mario Gotze was recently dropped from the Dortmund squad when they faced Hoffenheim, as the German has struggled for form. That’s hard to believe given that just a couple of years ago he was considered one of the brightest stars in world football. Gotze might jump at the opportunity to sign for Klopp in January and if the Liverpool boss can reignite his career, he has the potential to be a fantastic signing for the club.
Nabil Fekir
Frenchman Nabil Fekir was very close to signing for Liverpool last summer, however, for one reason or another, the deal did not go through. The Lyon man was part of the France squad that won the World Cup earlier this year, while he impressed against Manchester City in the Champions League in his side’s opening game win at the Etihad Stadium. If a deal were finally reached in January, it would not come as a surprise. He could be the last piece of the jigsaw needed to give Klopp some midfield variety. But Liverpool could face competition from Chelsea in January, as the Blues are also thought to be very keen on signing the Ligue One star.
Marco Asensio
Real Madrid man Marco Asensio is a player who is sure to be in high demand if he pushes for a move away from the Spanish giants. The Spaniard is a regular with the national team and was part of the squad that faced England in the opening game, as previewed by Oddschecker, of the new UEFA Nations League competition. Asensio would fit into any team in the world and at just 22, his best years are ahead of him. Given the brand of football Liverpool play, the youngster may see the Merseyside club as the perfect home for him to develop over the next few years.
Adrien Rabiot
PSG’s Adrien Rabiot has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs in January and it looks likely he will leave the French champions in the next transfer window. The 23-year-old has been with PSG since 2010 and is looking for a new challenge in his career. Unfortunately for the midfielder, he missed out on the France World Cup squad this summer, therefore inevitable feels he has something to prove. If he can make an impact in the Premier League, it could help him get back into the national team squad. Rabiot’s contract runs out at the end of this season, meaning his value is likely to be much less in January if PSG decide to cash in on their player.
Anthony Martial
It’s not often that a player moves directly from Manchester United to Liverpool. But stranger things have happened in football, so a move for Anthony Martial is not out of the question in January. The young Frenchman is clearly not very happy at Old Trafford, where his relationship with Jose Mourinho appears strained. When Martial moved to the Premier League from Monaco, there were already early comparisons with his French compatriot Thierry Henry. Sadly his progress has slowed in the last 12 months. A move to another club may be what he needs right now. If the two rivals are prepared to do business, Martial could be the perfect fit at Liverpool, where he will be allowed to express himself. Klopp is patient with his young players, making it a great environment for him to try and take the next step in his career.
The January transfer window is shaping up to be full of excitement. But, for now, the concentration will be on the busy October schedule, where Liverpool face Manchester City and have Champions League ties with Napoli and Red Star Belgrade.
