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Opinion & Analysis

5 players Liverpool should target in January

So, it’s been quite the summer for Liverpool, hasn’t it? Jurgen Klopp, after being such a huge part of the club for years, decided it was time to step down at the end of last season. To fill the big shoes left behind, Liverpool brought in Arne Slot, who was doing great things at Feyenoord.

Now, I know it wasn’t a massive transfer window for the Reds,  they only brought in Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvilli (though Mamardashvilli is back on loan at Valencia for the season)  but despite that, they’ve had a brilliant start to the new campaign.

As of now, they’ve played 15 Premier League games and are sitting pretty, nine points clear of Manchester City, the reigning champs who have been dominating for the last four seasons. It’s been an amazing start for Slot, who’s made the transition from Feyenoord to Merseyside look smooth and natural.

Now, with the way things are going, you’d think Liverpool would be set, right? But, even the best teams often start eyeing the transfer market in January. It’s the perfect chance to strengthen where needed for the second half of the season. So, who are the five players Liverpool might be looking at in the upcoming window?

5. Carlos Baleba

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Okay, Carlos Baleba might be the least likely target on this list, but it’s fun to imagine, right? Brighton would probably never want to let him go. The guy is an absolute talent, a young, tough defensive midfielder who’s got it all. He’s got a knack for winning tackles, his passing is solid, and the best part? He’s got so much potential.

But here’s the thing. Brighton’s been making waves, and they’re gunning for European football this season. Letting someone like Baleba leave in January would be a tough call. And let’s not forget, they’re brutal when it comes to negotiations they won’t settle for anything less than a pretty penny.

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Still, Liverpool were after a defensive midfielder in the summer. Baleba fits the bill perfectly: young, talented, and exactly what they need to bolster the squad. Ryan Gravenberch has been fantastic, but hey, depth is always a good thing when you’ve got a packed fixture list.

4. Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has really come into his own since making the move from Coventry City to Sporting Lisbon. He’s been banging in goals left and right  67 goals and 19 assists in 69 appearances, to be exact. Pretty impressive, right?

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Under Ruben Amorim, he’s been a star, but now that Amorim’s off to Manchester United, we’re all wondering if Gyokeres will keep up the momentum with his new coach. But here’s the kicker: Liverpool’s got options up front with Nunez and Gakpo, but neither has really stepped up as that go-to, reliable goal-scorer. And that’s where Gyokeres could be a game-changer. A dependable striker? Now that would be a huge statement for Liverpool.

3. Piero Hincapie

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Now, Piero Hincapie might not be a name that rings a bell for everyone, but trust me, this guy’s on the rise. He started his career in Ecuador, spent some time in Argentina, and then made the move to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. Under Xabi Alonso, he’s really come into his own — this kid’s got potential written all over him.

Hincapie’s become one of the top young defenders in the Bundesliga. He’s played a key role in Leverkusen’s incredible season, and let’s not forget, they went unbeaten in both the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal. It’s not just about his performances this season; he’s a top talent for the future. Liverpool’s center-backs, Van Dijk and Konate, are fantastic, but with Virgil’s contract winding down, maybe Liverpool will start thinking about adding a younger option like Hincapie to the mix.

2. Omar Marmoush

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Omar Marmoush’s career has had its ups and downs. He started out in Egypt, struggled a bit in Germany with Wolfsburg, and had a few loan spells before landing at Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023. But wow, since he’s been there, he’s been on fire. The guy’s got 31 goals and 16 assists to his name, and this season, he’s been unstoppable — 11 goals in 11 games. That’s some serious form.

Liverpool’s been looking for a consistent goal-scorer up front, and Marmoush could be exactly what they need. Could a winter move happen? If Liverpool’s interested, it seems like a deal might be within reach. A player like Marmoush could really step up and give the squad some much-needed firepower.

1. Martin Zubimendi

Now, Martin Zubimendi should come as no surprise. Liverpool tried to sign him in the summer, and though he turned them down to stay at Real Sociedad, the rumors haven’t exactly died down. He’s a player that fits perfectly into the system Liverpool’s trying to build under Arne Slot. Zubimendi’s a class holding midfielder, and even with Liverpool’s stacked midfield, he could definitely upgrade that already-solid unit.

Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones have been great, but Zubimendi’s the kind of player that can make a good midfield even better. So, will Liverpool revisit this one in the winter? It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Why These Signings Make Sense

Philosophy Fit
Slot’s style is all about high pressing, possession, and versatility. The players being considered fit right into this mold. They’re not just additions; they’re the kind of assets that enhance the team’s overall identity on the pitch.

Youth and Potential
Building for the future is just as important as performing in the present. These young talents aren’t just for now. They’re investments in Liverpool’s future. They bring a mix of immediate impact and the promise of growth, ensuring the club stays competitive for years.

Competition
Bringing in fresh faces raises the bar for everyone. Healthy competition in the squad keeps players on their toes, ensuring no one becomes complacent. This kind of internal push often translates to better results on the field.

Injury Cover
In football, injuries are inevitable. Adding depth with these signings ensures Liverpool can handle any surprises without losing quality. It’s about having options and maintaining consistency, even when key players are sidelined.

Market Advantage
Timing is everything in the transfer market. Liverpool’s current stature, coupled with Slot’s reputation, makes the club an appealing choice for top talent. Moving quickly on these targets would be a smart play to stay ahead of the curve.

These signings align perfectly with Liverpool’s ambitions. They fit the system, address potential challenges, and add depth to an impressive squad. If the club secures these players, it sets the stage for sustained success in the coming seasons.

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