The winter transfer window has been fairly quiet so far. Across the Premier League, few deals have been done, though there is still around three weeks to go. Liverpool could probably do with another center-back but the chances of the right one becoming available are probably slim.
In 2024, though, most likely in the summer, there are going to be more deals done as Jürgen Klopp continues to reshape his side. The German’s 2.0 version of the Reds is coming together nicely but there is still some more refinement that needs to be done.
The goalkeeping department is settled with Alisson Becker and Caoimhín Kelleher, as long as the latter is happy with his playing time. The Irishman has been used in the Europa League this season but that (almost certainly) won’t be an option next year. Alisson was given the FA Cup game against Arsenal, though that could change next year (or even in the remainder of this season’s competition).
In defense is where the greatest need lies at the moment, though Jarell Quansah is clearly going to be a big part of the plan. Joël Matip is out of contract at the end of the season and a younger, left-footed option would be an ideal player to bring into the team in order to offer something different.
Gonçalo Inácio has been linked and Jorge das Transfercias even claimed recently that Liverpool had tabled a bid worth in the region of $32m (£26m/€30m) for the 22-year-old. That was premature, but he is someone worth watching out for.
By the time Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas are back from their injuries, Joe Gomez will be unlocked as an option in the middle again. Conor Bradley still has some developing to do but could become Trent Alexander-Arnold’s back-up.
Into the midfield, Liverpool could probably do with a bit more reinforcing. Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are all long-term options that were signed in 2023 but Wataru Endō is already 30. If an elite number six became available, that should be considered, even though there is Stefan Bajčetić to return as well. Thiago Alcântara, if he can return from injury, is out of contract, but it would be nice if he could find a way of staying fit as a sporadic option to add some stardust.
Young talent Bobby Clark will hope to continue to pick up minutes and Harvey Elliott could take another step forward. If Fábio Carvalho’s next move pays off, with a loan switch to Hull City looking likely, that could bring him back into the equation as well.
In the attack, Mohamed Salah absolutely has to be kept. Ideally, a new contract can be sorted out for the Egyptian, who remains at the very elite level of the game. No amount of money that could be offered should be tempting enough for Liverpool to lose him and the Saudi Pro League is looking less and less appealing by the week anyway.
There is an argument for adding another forward player to the mix all the same. There is usually at least one who is injured or suspended and Liverpool will have the Champions League back next season. With an expanded format, more options will be required. Additionally, this year’s luxury of wholesale midweek changes will no longer be there.
Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise, who has been linked with a $76m (£60m/€70m) move to Anfield by Football Transfers in the last few days, could play in midfield or attack for Liverpool. He could also be a long-term, but not immediate, successor to Salah. And that leaves a potential squad looking something like the following:
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Caoimhín Kelleher, Adrián.
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez, Gonçalo Inácio, Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley.
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō, Thiago Alcântara, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajčetić, Ryan Gravenberch.
Forwards:Luis Díaz, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, Michael Olise.
