Three Liverpool players who have six months to save their Anfield careers
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Liverpool completed their January transfer business with the addition of only one permanent signing, and elected not to sign a midfielder before the window slammed shut.
Jurgen Klopp's side started the month in ideal fashion, bringing in Cody Gakpo from PSV for £37 million.
But more signings did not arrive, despite Liverpool's continued struggles in the Premier League. They sit in ninth place, 10 points off the top four places, and are now out of the FA Cup.
The Reds take on Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 round later this month, and may need to lift the trophy for a seventh time to qualify for Europe's top continental competition next season.
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They will need their squad to contribute for that to happen, whilst the injury returns of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Virgil van Dijk in the upcoming weeks and months will be very much welcomed by Klopp.
Here are three players that may need to perform strongly between now and the end of the season to secure their Anfield futures.
Naby Keita
Naby Keita has just six months left on his Liverpool contract, and could leave the club this summer.
The Guinea international played just one competitive game this season prior to the World Cup - the 3-1 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield - before suffering an injury.
But he is now back in action, featuring in each of Liverpool's last nine games.
With midfield seen as a major issue for the Reds this season, Keita will be looking to establish himself as a starting XI regular once again, which could go a long way to determining his future.
Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino is another player with just six months left on his current deal, amid reported interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and Real Madrid.
The Brazilian has nine goals in 20 games this campaign in all competitions, although has been out since December with an injury.
Klopp has spoken of his desire to keep Firmino at Anfield, and the player's agent has revealed to Sky Sports Germany that talks are ongoing between the two clubs. Still, the 31-year-old's performances upon his return may well influence whether the two parties agree to a new contract - and how long any potential new deal would span for.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was a key player for Liverpool in the early days of Klopp's reign, with the German making the midfielder one of his first signings.
But a horrific knee injury suffered during a Champions League semi-final clash against Roma in April 2018 - described as 'about as bad it as gets' by Liverpool's doctor - derailed his progress, and the ex-Arsenal man didn't play a game for another 16 months.
The 29-year-old has suffered with other injury problems since then, including this season, but returned to action in December. With his contract expiring in the summer, it remains to be seen whether the Reds will choose to renew it. A strong end to the season, however, may very much work in the player's favour.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Premier League, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
