Liverpool remains firmly in the Premier League title chase with their 3-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, but Jurgen Klopp now faces a busy two months.
This is due in part to a packed schedule that will see the Reds compete in four different events. However, he is anticipated to return to the transfer market in January to bolster his squad.
However, the club’s attention will not be limited to incomings. Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, and Naby Keita all moved on free transfers after their contracts ended last summer.
And, with four members of his present squad entering the final year of their contracts and hence eligible to discuss summer moves with European clubs in January, Klopp and co must make some critical decisions….
Thiago
Thiago’s Rolls-Royce skills have been clear to all since the Spaniard came at Anfield in 2020, but his talent has been on display far too infrequently.
The playmaker’s season was cut short in April after surgery for a prolonged hip injury, limiting him to just 18 Premier League matches in 2022/23. And he has yet to play this season, throwing doubt on his future at the club.
Indeed, at 32, Klopp will be wary of Fabinho’s example, whose form fell well before his move to Saudi Arabia. Thiago will undoubtedly return, and his class and experience will make him an appealing option to someone, so expect a lot of interest in January.
Joel Matip
Since signing for Klopp in 2016, the centre back has made 199 club appearances and, regardless of how his Anfield career unfolds from here, has sealed his legacy.
The 32-year-old has played a key role in the club’s success, starting the Champions League final win in 2019 and, despite an injury-plagued season, being part of the Premier League title-winning side a year later. But, without a doubt, his prime years are behind him, and the club may be kicking themselves for not cashing in last summer.
With Jarell Quansah emerging as a serious prospect and Klopp expected to acquire defensive back-up in January, a new agreement for Matip appears doubtful. Similarly, expect to hear from Thiago elsewhere in the new year.
Conor Bradley
While the sun appears to be setting on Matip and Thiago’s careers, Conor Bradley’s greatest days are undoubtedly ahead of him.
At just 20, the right-back spent last season on loan at Bolton, where he was named Young Player of the Season, and is already a key member of Northern Ireland’s senior squad. The dearth of buzz about him this season is due to a stress fracture in his back, which has kept him out since August.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially being used higher up the field and Joe Gomez currently unconvincing on the right side of defense, Liverpool will almost certainly try to extend the youngster’s current contract. Indeed, looking for a job abroad at this point would be a waste of time.
Adrian
Adrian, at 36, appears to have no desire to leave Merseyside for first-team football, and really, why should he?
Injuries to Alisson throughout the 2019/20 season guaranteed that he played enough games to earn a Premier League medal, and despite being firmly third choice behind the Brazilian and Caoimhin Kelleher, Adrian signed a one-year deal in June after being heavily expected to leave. And, unless a European team is facing a keeper shortage, don’t expect a rush of offers in January.
Few can blame the former West Ham player for choosing to stay at Liverpool until the summer rather than risk his arm with another 12-month agreement. Every club requires emergency backup in that area. Simply ask Scott Carson.