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3 signings for under £100 million – A realistic glance at the January window for Liverpool

Benjamin Pavard

After facing injury issues in the past, Liverpool have faced criticism over their lack of investment in the side, and the possible reliance on use of player profit for a transfer budget.

The need for the Reds to keep up with sides like Manchester City, who have an estimated spend of £1 billion, calls for squad depth. The depth of the squad will allow rotational players to be stronger, preventing Klopp from having to play a ‘b’ side, in effect.

It also prevents injuries to first-team players from being so critical.

So, if Liverpool were to invest, and throw a decent budget of £100 million at Klopp in January, who should they look at?

Raphina: Leeds United 

Estimated worth: £35 million

The Brazilian winger has been in great form for Leeds as of recent. His pace, decision making and element of flair bring an exciting, but fitting style of play to fit in Klopp’s side.

https://twitter.com/LSComps/status/1482818999515811843

With Liverpool able to play both dominating possession football, and squeezing tight and absorbing the pressure, Raphina has qualities that fit both styles of play. 

He is able to use explosive pace on the break down the wing, or patiently taunt the defender until the correct pass comes along. He has no fear driving at defenders when necessary, and would be a great back up to Mo Salah. 

The Leeds winger currently has 8 goals and an assist in 13 appearances in the Premier League this season. Strong numbers for a 16th place side. 

His career is now at a point where he is peaking and therefore may be wanting to progress to a side that is challenging for the title or playing regular European football.

The move would give the chance for Raphina to test himself, and show his worth in the game. 

Denis Zakaria: Borussia Monchengladbach 

Estimated worth: £25 million

The 25-year-old would bring great support in the area that Liverpool have been hit hard in recently: midfield .

Zakaria is a capable, intelligent holding player and would be a good back up to Fabinho. 

Denis Zakaria

The Swiss international is comfortable on the ball under pressure, able to turn out when pressed, and can pick a pass intelligently, perfectly fitting that build-from-the-back, or fast break opportunity when Liverpool have the ball and look to attack.

He’s not afraid of a tackle, and often supports his full backs in winning the ball back in deep, dangerous areas. His strength and pace provides a threat to the opposition’s attacking players and creates a defensive wall for his team. 

In front of the likes of van Djik and Matip, and supporting Robertson and Trent, Zakaria would slot perfectly into that risk-reward system Liverpool look to play often. When the fullbacks push forward, he is able to sit in the middle and distribute the ball, and also cover if Liverpool lose the ball and the opposition team look to break.

Benjamin Pavard: Bayern Munich

Estimated value: £40 million

The world cup winning French fullback would be a great rotational player for current right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Trent-Alexander-Arnold

His ability is not unnoticed by Bayern Munich, however with only 10 out of 18 appearances in the league this season, one of these being off the bench, Pavard is already being used as a rotational player. 

Ability wise, the 25-year-old often occupies the opposition’s box more than his own, and the playstyle he is used to at Bayern Munich is not too far from what is played at Liverpool. Fast-paced, possessive football and counter-attacking football are all in his repertoire. 

Pavard is not afraid of a goal or assist, and is often seen forcing the ball into dangerous areas for the opposition to deal with. He currently has 1 assist in both the league and Champions League this season.

In 2018, he scored one of the best goals the World Cup has ever seen: 

https://twitter.com/MlsRomantico/status/1478341946674495490?s=20

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