Three January signings Liverpool need to challenge Arsenal and Man City for the title
Liverpool could look to spend big in the January transfer window to strengthen their Premier League title challenge for the second half of the season.
The Reds have made a promising start under head coach Andoni Iraola but are already six points behind early leaders Manchester City and reigning champions Arsenal. Liverpool have lost just once in their opening eight league matches and will be encouraged by the solid foundations in place for what could be a successful campaign.
There is still room for improvement, however. Liverpool could strengthen at full-back and in defensive midfield, while another attacking option or two would help ease the burden on star striker Alexander Isak.
Recruiting in January is rarely straightforward, with clubs often reluctant to sell midway through the season. Nevertheless, here are three players who could help transform Liverpool into genuine title challengers.
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Three players Liverpool must sign in January
Alejandro Balde
Liverpool are among several clubs reportedly interested in Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde ahead of next year’s transfer window. The 23-year-old has fallen out of favour at the Camp Nou and would reportedly be open to a move to English football if the opportunity arose.
With transfer budgets often stretched during the winter window, Liverpool could be encouraged by reports that Barcelona would consider an initial loan deal for the left-back.
Balde has made just three appearances across all competitions this season and came off the bench for an hour in Barcelona’s recent El Clásico defeat to Real Madrid.
However, he could have an opportunity to reclaim his place in the side, with Xavi Espart reportedly set to miss seven weeks with an ankle injury. If Balde struggles to secure regular minutes once Espart returns to full fitness, a January departure could become a possibility.
Lamine Camara
Liverpool have reportedly prioritised signing a defensive midfielder next year and could move for a target in January if the right deal becomes available. It is understood that Iraola’s side have already contacted Lamine Camara’s representatives to explore the possibility of a transfer.
Camara came close to joining Chelsea in the summer. Although the London club retain an interest in the Senegalese midfielder, they reportedly view Alex Scott as a higher-priority target. That could give Liverpool an opportunity to move ahead of their rivals in the race for his signature.
The 22-year-old has started the season in impressive form, scoring twice and providing one assist in 10 starts for Monaco. Liverpool staff are also reportedly confident that he could adapt quickly to the Premier League, having been impressed by his physical performance data in Ligue 1.
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David Otorbi
Liverpool are also keen to add another attacker to their squad next year and could target Valencia youngster David Otorbi if the price is right. Reports suggest the Merseyside club have already contacted Valencia about a potential deal for the 19-year-old following his breakthrough into the first team.
The Spanish teenager has emerged as a promising performer for Valencia this season, recording three La Liga starts and scoring once.
Otorbi remains a raw prospect and should not be expected to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. However, he could represent a worthwhile long-term investment for Iraola to develop.
The teenager reportedly has a £30 million release clause in his Valencia contract, a figure Liverpool would be willing to pay. However, a January move could become more complicated if Valencia exercises an option to increase the clause to £50 million, potentially putting him beyond Liverpool’s reach.
Topics: Premier League, Transfer News, Liverpool
Rich Fay