The January transfer window is just around the corner, with us now approaching December.
Liverpool have enjoyed a considerably successful start to the 2017/18 campaign. They are poised to secure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League and are currently sat in 6th place on the Premier League table.
It’s likely that the Reds will aim to strengthen in January, but just who could they target to bolster the ranks to mount a successful second half of the season?
I’ve identified five potential targets.
Naby Keita
Yesm I know Liverpool have already agreed a deal with Leipzig for Keita for the beginning of next season. But, if Leipzig fail to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, signing Keita in January could be a real possibility.
It may cost a little bit extra but with their midfield looking quite flat most weeks and with Henderson and Milner both under scrutiny for failing to play progressive football, Keita would be a fantastic asset for the second half of the season as Liverpool head for a top four push.
Javier Mascherano
He may not still be in his prime but the Argentine is still a hugely talented player with a fantastic tactical mind. He would happily slot right into the centre of the defence alongside Joel Matip, or even play as an alternative to Jordan Henderson in the defensive midfield role.
With leadership currently lacking in our squad, it would be great for Liverpool to have a natural leader like Mascherano in the changing room. He may be a bit hot headed at times but the raw passion that he put into the game allowed the fans to love the player before and I’m sure that fans would be overjoyed to see Mascherano back in the team.
Julian Draxler
With Draxler currently being linked to Liverpool and Arsenal for a January loan move, I would be mad not to add him to this list. The German’s skill is very clear for all to see and with Neymar currently filling up a lot of PSG’s wage book, it is very realistic to see this transfer happening.
With Philippe Coutinho’s probable departure in the summer, a replacement has to be found and Draxler would fill that gap. Also, being able to play on the wing is huge, as currently we only have two real quality wingers in the club and with recent injury woes, a backup is needed for the second half of the season.
Jamaal Lascelles
I didn’t go with the obvious option here as quite frankly I’m tired of hearing or seeing the name Virgil van Dijk when it comes to Liverpool. They have raided Southampton time and time again and they really do need to stop.
Lascelles is a fantastic leader and a brilliant defender. The perfect partner for Joel Matip, the young English defender has shone even brighter under Rafa Benitez. His influence in the Newcastle defence has never been more obvious than in their 3-0 defeat to Watford at the weekend and his absence was duly noted. A complete lack of organization at the back and a clear lack of leadership cost their defence greatly and Watford eased through.
Lascelles would be a fantastic replacement for Lovren or Klavan, who are both not good enough to be starting for Liverpool.
Moussa Dembele
Perhaps my most left field pitch, Dembele has had a tremendous beginning to his footballing career. He was a key player for Fulham until 2016, when he joined Scottish champions Celtic.
Scoring 32 goals in his first season for the Hoops isn’t a bad stat but when you consider the calibre and skill of the goals, then the sheer amount becomes even more impressive. Dembele scored three times in six games in the Champions league last season also, including two against Manchester City.
The young Frenchman is incredibly talented and is a real goal scoring machine. Yes, Firmino is a fabulous false nine and does his job tirelessly but sometimes Liverpool miss an out and out striker on the pitch. With Sturridge not being at the level he used to be, I feel Dembele is the perfect player for what Klopp needs.
