Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham could decide whether or not Jurgen Klopp buys a new centre-back in January, according to journalist Duncan Castles.
The Reds are depleted at the back currently, with both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez expected to miss the rest of the season with serious knee injuries.
Joel Matip and Fabinho have been performing superbly in their absence, but Klopp is still short on options if one of them picks up a knock.
It could be that Liverpool bring in a new centre-back in the January transfer window, with the likes of Dayot Upamecano and Ozan Kabak both linked with moves to Anfield.
Speaking on The Transfer Window podcast [via HITC], Castles outlined Klopp’s potential thinking, with the Spurs game at Anfield next Wednesday potentially key:
My information is that they’re waiting to see what happens for this last month before the January window opens before committing to that strategy that Jurgen Klopp would like of bringing in a quality centre-back to compensate for the loss of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, or whether to brazen it out to the end of the season.
What might be important here, obviously results are important, but what might be very important is the game against Tottenham next midweek.
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It is interesting that Klopp could be viewing the Spurs game as pivotal in the title race, and key to his planning in the transfer market.
Jose Mourinho’s side are flying at he moment and will fancy their chances of ending Liverpool’s long unbeaten home run in the Premier League.
I don’t think one game will define Klopp’s thought process, however, and he will only sign someone if he is a genuine target who can have a long-term impact.
The Liverpool manager has never been one to panic buy, so he is sure to remain measured about the situation, regardless of the Spurs result.
