Liverpool is yet to make any moves in the January transfer market but that could still change in the final weeks of the window. The Reds remain top of the Premier League after a convincing 4-0 win at Bournemouth on Sunday.
Jürgen Klopp’s side has two crunch domestic cup matches in the next week too. There’s a trip to Fulham in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final in midweek followed by the visit of Norwich in the FA Cup.
Victories in those two matches will mean Liverpool remains in the hunt for four trophies this season. New additions could ultimately make all the difference for Klopp, although a raft of injury returns could have a similarly rejuvenating effect.
The Liverpool boss has not been afraid to dip into the January market in the past. The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo all arrived at the mid-season point in the past.
Klopp continues to be linked with a number of potential targets although additions at the end of the season may seem more likely. After last summer’s midfield overhaul, new faces in defense and attack appear to be the order of the day amid some fresh rumors and speculation. Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves)
Wolves are reportedly ‘braced’ for offers for South Korean forward Hwang Hee-chan, who remains on Liverpool’s radar. Hwang, who has scored 11 goals this season, signed a new deal with Wolves last month to keep him at the club until 2028.
But the Premier League side know the South Korean international is a man in demand and expect interest in the summer. Football Insider reports Liverpool and Tottenham are interested but are yet to firm that up with a formal approach.
Wolves is under no pressure to sell their star man, who was previously with RB Leipzig. They know they will be able to demand a decent fee due to his new contract.
Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting Lisbon)
With Joël Matip expected to depart on a free transfer this summer, Liverpool continues to be linked with a number of possible defensive reinforcements. Sporting Lisbon’s Gonçalo Inácio is among them and reports suggest he is now a ‘priority’ for Jürgen Klopp.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye with some impressive performances this season and Correio da Manha (print edition, via Paisley Gates) reports Liverpool is putting together a proposal for a potential summer swoop.
But any negotiations are likely to be given short shrift by Sporting, who will not let Inácio depart unless his release clause is activated. That is said to be around $66m (£52m/€61m) and would be a significant outlay for the Reds. Liverpool has also been linked with Inácio’s teammate Ousmane Diomande. His reputation could soar this month during the Africa Cup of Nations.
