It’s been a successful start to 2024 for Liverpool thus far, with five wins recorded across their opening six games of the New Year in all competitions. The unbeaten start has seen Jürgen Klopp’s side progress into the final of the Carabao Cup, the fifth round of the FA Cup and remain top of the Premier League table.
While the team has been busy on all fronts attempting to secure another piece of silverware before Klopp bids farewell to Anfield, there has been a lack of activity in the transfer market for the club. The impending departure of sporting director Jörg Schmadtke may have played a small part in that.
The needs going into the winter window were clear for Liverpool, with defensive reinforcements the next priority. However, with star duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson now returning from their respective setbacks— as well as the likes of Jarrell Quansah and Connor Bradley stepping up in the first team — the need for recruitment in this area has been eased.
According to TEAMtalk, Japanese international Takefusa Kubo has been identified as a possible heir to Mohamed Salah’s throne on the right wing for Liverpool.
The report goes on to state that Jürgen Klopp has ‘earmarked’ Kubo as a potential replacement before he leaves at the end of the season, as Liverpool has now made the Real Sociedad star its number one target heading into the summer. It is believed that Kubo is viewed as the ‘most similar’ replacement to Salah, who will likely be the subject of heavy interest from the Saudi Pro League once again.
Liverpool’s home shirt for the 2023/2024 campaign pays homage to Bill Shankly and the legendary Reds manager’s final season in charge at Anfield. The Nike shirt features a bright red design with a bold white contrast on the colour and cuffs.
Premier League duo Liverpool and Newcastle United are still pursuing the signing of Sporting Club de Portugal defender Gonçalo Inácio, according to reports.
Portuguese outlet Record claims that although Sporting is eager to keep hold of its stars in the January transfer window — with the club currently in first place within the Primeira Liga — the situation could change during the summer. The defender currently has a $65m (£51m/€60m) release clause, but it is possible that Sporting would negotiate this fee due to their needs for funds.
Liverpool.com says: Inácio would address some of the constraints within the Liverpool defence and provide some well-needed cover for Virgil van Dijk on the left side of defence. If possible, Liverpool should negotiate the fee and save as much money as possible, given the current profitability and sustainability regulations all Premier League clubs are bound by.
