Liverpool transfer briefing: Money is no object and two positions need strengthening, but Reds are still waiting for opportunities to present themselves

As most of the nation was getting spruced up for New Year’s Eve parties, news started to emerge that Real Madrid had made an approach to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January.

Before the window had even begun, Liverpool fans may have feared the worst. So although business has been limited, the main thing is that the Scouse heartbeat of their team will be sticking around… for now, anyway.

Arne Slot said earlier this week that the club is definitely looking to strengthen in the summer window, music to the ears of the social media boo-boys who spend their days grumbling about a lack of transfer activity.

Here, as part of our series recapping your club’s January business, our Liverpool expert Lewis Steele runs the rule over the Merseyside side’s month.

What business have Liverpool done so far in January and will they be happy with it?

This answer could be a single word: no. It has been a very quiet month for Liverpool and even the transfer rumour mill has barely spluttered out their name.

But recruitment meetings have taken place at the AXA Training Centre with a view to attacking the summer transfer window.

Slot believes his squad is very strong and, from his very first day at the club, insisted that he will not sign players for the sake of it. So in answer to the ‘will they be happy with it?’ part – the management team certainly are.

A new addition would please fans but this is the best squad in the Premier League and, barring a capitulation, they should romp to the league title.

In terms of outgoings, academy midfielder Tom Hill completed a permanent move to League Two side Harrogate Town, while goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga returned to Brazil and former club Fluminense.

What more do they need and do they have money to spend?

Money is no object.

There are two positions that Liverpool could do with strengthening – though picking them out is probably scraping the barrel for debate points.

They failed with a bid to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer and the Spanish midfielder now looks certain to join Arsenal in the summer. Clearly, an extra body in the midfield department is desired, though Ryan Gravenberch’s form saw the urgency of this fall.

Left back is another area of concern, if we are being picky. Andy Robertson has failed to hit the heights of yesteryear, while Kostas Tsimikas is an able deputy but some would say he is not up to scratch to be a regular starter. The pair are 30 and 28 respectively. 

Who are they targeting?

In terms of January, as stated in this question-and-answer article before the window, Liverpool were not flustered by outside noise in the summer when they made just one signing, and were not likely to change tack here.

The Reds would only act if an opportunity presents itself this month – and that has not been the case.

Ajax defender Jorrel Hato was at Anfield on Saturday which raised eyebrows. It is understood he was there as a guest of Gravenberch as the Dutch side had a free weekend. Their striker Brian Bobbey also took a trip to London, for example, but nothing was related to a transfer.

In addition, Hato was not in the posh seats. If Liverpool were courting him, ask yourself this: why would they stick him in with the regular punters? The defender is a classy talent and is likely to be a target for many clubs this summer but his visit to Merseyside was not related to this.

Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth is one that Liverpool admire. Richard Hughes, the sporting director, signed him for the Cherries – his former club who Liverpool play on Saturday – and the Hungary international is represented by Fali Ramidani, Federico Chiesa’s agent.

Of course, they could be in the market for a right back if Alexander-Arnold was to leave for Real Madrid. Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong is expected to move this summer with a host of top clubs keen – though it is unsure whether he fits Slot’s style.

Who could still leave?

Several players could leave in the next few days – including Jayden Danns, Kaide Gordon, Tyler Morton and James McConnell, though the latter raises an interesting discussion point.

McConnell starred in Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat at PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night and was singled out for praise by Slot – which is an unusual move for a manager who often prefers to discuss the collective rather than individual.

Mail Sport understands Swansea, Derby and Blackburn have enquired over a potential loan, while League One high-flyers Wycombe were also keen. Since his Champions League display, though, the midfielder may well have played himself out of a loan.

There are also suggestions that he played so well that higher-ranked clubs have taken note and his choice of move has grown. Slot is a huge fan and has liked him since pre-season, though an ankle issue stalled his progress for several months.

It will be interesting to see if Liverpool sanction a move or not and whether McConnell, whose representatives and family watched him in Eindhoven, wants to play more regular minutes or decide to stay put and learn from Slot.

Danns has suitors at Stoke, Preston and Blackburn. Like McConnell, he might have gone out on loan in the summer but for an injury – his was a back problem – but could do so now. He started on Wednesday and has featured off the bench in the league three further times.

With fellow striker Diogo Jota injured and a chance of minutes in January, it was always likely he would stick around until the final days.

Morton was denied the chance to leave in the summer despite having plenty of suitors. Bayer Leverkusen were one who put a very credible offer on the table but Liverpool wanted him to stay. It would be a surprise if both him and McConnell went out this month — but one might. 

Gordon was recalled from Norwich after struggling to break into the Canaries team on a regular basis. He has been training with the Under 21s.

Then there is Luke Chambers, on loan at Wigan. The talented left back suffered an injury in October that halted his progress – which was going well – at the Latics. Championship club Hull City are very keen on taking him but he is likely to stay at the League One outfit for now.

Chambers is doing his rehabilitation work at Liverpool but it is understood he is hoping to be fit in around a month.

Stefan Bajcetic has cancelled his loan at Red Bull Salzburg and will join Spanish side Las Palmas for the rest of the season.

Which Liverpool players have stepped up in January and could be ‘like a new signing’ for the rest of the season?

Federico Chiesa has been a bit of a let-down of a signing – mainly due to injuries – since his arrival from Juventus in the summer. He has been plagued by fitness issues after being frozen out in Turin and played just 123 minutes before Christmas.

But the last few weeks have been positive steps only. A nice cameo at Brentford as he played a part in the late winner, a goal in the FA Cup – admittedly against Accrington Stanley – and a decent 90 minutes against PSV on Wednesday.

At £10million, his transfer was relatively low-risk. But he is now finally looking ready to make an impact for Slot’s men.