Liverpool is entering into a period where it cannot realistically expect too much by way of favors from Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side is starting to establish itself once again, and a run of fixtures against Newcastle, Burnley, Brentford and Everton — following a comfortable win over Sheffield United — is unlikely to prove especially taxing.
Of course, this is a different title race to the ones Liverpool has been involved in recently, and none of those matches are a foregone conclusion. Meanwhile, Klopp will first have to take care of his own business against Newcastle on New Year’s Day. But with Kevin De Bruyne now back, the specter of Manchester City is undoubtedly looming, bringing the task facing the Reds into greater focus.
The next question is whether Liverpool will choose to use January to strengthen in the transfer market. In particular, the defense looks like an area in need of attention — and a new name is on the radar, after a potential ‘smokescreen’ of sorts.
Sticking with the defensive theme, Klopp could look to a versatile option, who can help out Joe Gomez by also offering cover across the back line, with added potential to step into midfield. Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Nino (Fluminense)
Liverpool has been linked with André Trindade for months. But with Klopp having ultimately looked elsewhere during the summer’s midfield rebuild, it appears that a move will not be revisited in January. However, one of André’s fellow Copa Libertadores winners could be emerging from behind the smokescreen. It seems Liverpool scouts have also been impressed by central defender Nino.
According to Fichajes, he has a bargain release clause of just $8m (£6m/€7m). That’s interested Liverpool, as well as Fulham, Roma and Feyenoord. Described as Klopp’s ‘goal’, Nino would be a somewhat left-field signing, with the 26-year-old having never played outside Brazil, but he was capped by his country for the first time earlier this year.
Devyne Rensch (Ajax)
Alternatively, Liverpool could look towards Ajax to fix its defensive problems. The Dutch side has not hit its usual heights this season, but the academy remains renowned, and one of the latest young prospects has a growing reputation. Devyne Rensch has already amassed over 100 games for Ajax at the age of just 20. Those appearances have come all across the back four, as well as in defensive midfield.
That versatility is bound to appeal to Klopp, who could relieve Gomez of sole responsibility for covering effectively every position, while also adding a midfield option. With his primary position being right-back, he could also form part of a long-term plan to move Trent Alexander-Arnold infield. According to CBS, Liverpool is an ‘interested party’ when it comes to Rensch. Arsenal and Manchester United have also taken a look.
