Liverpool couldn’t have imagined a better start to 2024, even just a week or so ago. Having missed the chance to be top of the Premier League at Christmas following draws with Manchester United and Arsenal, the Reds now find themselves back at the summit, and with a lead over its rivals.
Victory over Newcastle has taken them three points clear, with a break now until the next league outing against Bournemouth. It’s an outstanding position for Liverpool to find itself in, particularly after last season’s disappointment.
There is, of course, still plenty of work to do though before any dreams of another title can become a reality. Even a repeat of the first half of the campaign would bring no guarantees of silverware.
And with the January transfer window now open, all eyes will be on whether the Reds might strengthen for the second half of the season. Jürgen Klopp has suggested otherwise, but will his mind have been changed now?
Reports in Europe suggest there could be an opportunity for him to sign a new defender, while he’ll be hoping Mohamed Salah takes no notice of Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest comments. Here are the latest Liverpool.com stories that you can’t afford to miss.
Gonçalo Inácio transfer ‘very likely’ in January
With the transfer window now open, all eyes are on Liverpool to see whether Jürgen Klopp will bolster his side. Considering the position his side finds itself in, the Reds boss must surely be eyeing up some business in order to strengthen a title bid.
Defense would appear to be the most important area to add to, given the current glut of injuries at the back. Gonçalo Inácio is one of the names that is regularly linked with a move to Anfield, and according to O Jogo (via Paisley Gates) the $66m (£52m/€60m)-rated man is now ‘very likely’ to be on the move this month.
Mohamed Salah should ignore laughable Cristiano Ronaldo claim
You may have spotted that Cristiano Ronaldo finished 2023 as the world’s top scorer, finishing ahead of the likes of Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. Of course, that doesn’t take into account the level all those players are at.
Ronaldo’s 54 goals speaks more of the standard of the Saudi Pro League, with Kane, Mbappé and Haaland all superior as individuals now, as well as playing in leagues that are actually worth taking notice of. That hasn’t stopped Ronaldo trying to convince other big names to join him in the Middle East.
“The most important is that the league has grown and that players want to come because they know the league is competitive and the whole world is watching now,” he told the Saudi state broadcaster SSC Sport. “If big players want to come, they will be very welcome.”
The Saudi Pro League may have grown, but it is still miles away from even the lesser divisions in Europe. Mohamed Salah, therefore, should be taking no notice of his comments.
