Liverpool have big decisions to make in 2024.As we count down to the final days of 2023, here’s what to expect from the Premier League as the new year arrives. The January transfer window offers plenty of action as clubs prepare for the second half of the season.Liverpool have had a busy summer, bringing in four new signings in midfield. Jurgen Klopp and his team-mates have had to reorganize their engine room following the departure of five senior players, including the former captain, vice-captain and starting defensive midfielder.
Liverpool have managed to sign quality new players but will have more transfer decisions to make after 2024. Watch out for the central defendersLiverpool have been eyeing a new defender this summer, but the midfield crisis is clearly the biggest focus. Klopp has since lost Joel Matip to a cruciate ligament injury, limiting his options at centre-back. Only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarrell Kwanza are eligible. That means another injury or illness could land the red team in troubled waters.They are considering a new defensive deal in January and now that they are without Matip, it makes sense to move on. Not only will they benefit from additional players this season, but Klopp will also have to consider his options for the future.
Matip’s current tenure expires next summer and with the club considering a short-term extension, it’s only a matter of time before he finally moves on, leaving a huge void. Other protection optionsLiverpool may need to consider a new full-back, although the centre-back position appears to be the weakest due to Matip’s injury. Kostas Tsimikas stepped in in Andy Robertson’s absence, but the Scot was a big mistake for the Reds. Trent Alexander-Arnold is under intense pressure to stay fit as Klopp’s only proven natural right-back.The vice-captain is also active in England, primarily playing a midfield role. It remains to be seen whether Klopp decides to integrate Alexander-Arnold into the center of the park, but if he does, Liverpool will need to invest in a quality right-back to fill the gap. Unfortunately, Connor Bradley can’t take that kind of responsibility either, so a new deal would benefit everyone involved.
Mohamed Salah replacement
One of the biggest news stories this summer has been Saudi Arabia’s interest in Mohamed Salah. Rumors continued until deadline day and huge sums of money were offered as Al Ittihad did everything possible to pry the Egyptian away from Anfield. The SPL side, no doubt disappointed not to let their player go, expect to re-sign Salah in 2024. Liverpool cannot afford to let their star leave midway through a title-challenging season, but would may need to cash in during the campaign. summer. Salah’s current contract expires in 2025 and the Reds will be forced to sell him on a free transfer in 2025 unless they can convince him to keep a new contract.With Salah gone, Klopp will need a very strong replacement if he is to celebrate a great era at Anfield. Al Ittihad are likely to come back next year with another big bid, so Liverpool could spend the full amount on a similar player who can break into the team and score goals straight away.
Sign a goalkeeper
Alisson has long been Liverpool’s best goalkeeper, but his absence has drawn attention. Caoimhin Kelleher has grown over the years in the Brazilian’s absence and won the support of the fans. But the Irish international wants regular football. If Alisson is fit, it means Liverpool cannot guarantee Kelleher and may have to look elsewhere for other opportunities. Likewise, the under-the-radar Adrian has played in just two games over the past two seasons and hasn’t played a single minute this year. The 36-year-old is out of contract next season and if he leaves alongside Kelleher, Liverpool will need to urgently sign a new replacement for Alisson. The latter remains, but to expand the ranks it would be wise to introduce a new bullet stopper with the third pick.
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