It’s not long now until the January transfer window opens. Liverpool fans will be keeping a close eye on developments as we head into 2024.
With just over 24 hours until the market is open for business, Jürgen Klopp could well be drawing up a list of names to target. Considering the position his side finds itself in, it would be the ideal opportunity to give the Reds’ title challenge a major boost.
Liverpool currently finds itself two points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League ahead of Monday’s visit of Newcastle. The Gunners may have overtaken the Reds once again by then, with Mikel Arteta’s side facing Fulham on Sunday.
It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see Arsenal or Manchester City bolstering their squads in the New Year, and Liverpool won’t want to be left behind in that regard. It would be taking a massive gamble by doing so.
With injuries piling up and Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endō heading off on international duty, the window could be a deciding factor in the Reds’ hopes of silverware. Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Liverpool is in a battle with Tottenham for Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Manu Koné, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, writing on X (formerly Twitter). The France U21 international was linked with a move to Anfield during the summer before injury effectively ruled out any potential move.
The Reds are said to still be following the 22-year-old’s progress, although they aren’t the only ones. Spurs are also claimed to be interested, while PSG is said to have added him to its list of midfield targets.
João Neves (Benfica)
Manchester United is leading Liverpool in the race to sign Benfica midfielder João Neves, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo. Manchester City, Newcastle and Barcelona are also said to be in the running.
A move in January though would appear to be unlikely, with the report claiming Neves is in talks over a new deal at Benfica. A summer transfer isn’t out of the question, although the Portuguese club could look to increase the 19-year-old’s release clause from $133m (£104m/€120m) to $166m (£130m/€150m).