Liverpool has so far not done any business in January in terms of incomings but that could change in the final weeks of the transfer window. There is still time if the right deal presents itself.
With his side into the latter stages of three cup competitions and sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League, it would appear there is no need for Jürgen Klopp to strengthen his squad before the end of the month. But the Liverpool boss has proven in the past that January additions can make all the difference in the quest for silverware and this season may prove to be no different.
Liverpool is more likely to be getting its targets in place for next summer with reinforcements in the backline expected after the 2023 midfield overhaul. As a result, a host of young defenders continue to be linked with moves to Anfield.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. We start with another defender being linked before there is another Kylian Mbappé update from France.
Leny Yoro (Lille)
Lille teenager Leny Yoro has caught the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs and Liverpool is among those keeping tabs on the situation. Yoro has been watched by PSG, Manchester City, United and Real Madrid and his hefty price tag has now emerged.
According to Fussball.news journalist, Christopher Michel, writing on Twitter/X, Lille would be demanding around $87m (£69m/€80m) in order to part ways with the 18-year-old during the January transfer window. However, that asking price will be slashed in the summer to close to $54m (£43m/€50m) if clubs are prepared to wait for a discount.
That is because Yoro only has one year left on his Lille contract and they accept they would have to cash in on him at the end of the season, if he refuses to sign an extension. A defensive addition may be on the cards for Jürgen Klopp with Joël Matip out of contract but the emergence of Jarrell Quansah has made it less of a priority.
Kylian Mbappé (PSG)
It is the transfer saga that looks set to continue and now Kylian Mbappé has opened up on his relationship with LeBron James, who of course has ties to Liverpool. The NBA legend is an investor in Fenway Sports Group, the American sports company that owns the Reds.
Mbappé and James first met in 2018 at a Nike event and Liverpool’s contract with the sportswear giants has helped fuel speculation further. Opening up on his relationship with LA Lakers icon James, Mbappé told GQ: “He has a much more advanced career than I do, and projects outside sport that have cemented his place as a legend. Being able to ask such inspiring personalities for advice is a chance to adjust my projects and create my own thing that is as effective as possible for today’s young people.”
