Liverpool “are almost certain” to be steering away from making additions to the first team in January, reports Liverpool Echo journalist, Paul Gorst.
The Reds are, predictably, set to remain quiet in the winter transfer market despite having one of the most understandable reasons to make new signings this month.
Whether FSG have turned down requests for signings, Klopp refused the opportunity to add to his squad or the right players weren’t available, Liverpool are currently on track to keep their squad as is.
Liverpool not expected to make any signings in January
According to Paul Gorst, Liverpool are “almost certain to be steering clear of adding to their ranks before the 11pm on deadline on the 31st.”
Liverpool "are almost certain" to be steering clear from making any signings before the transfer window shuts on the 31st January. [@ptgorst]
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) January 24, 2022
It’s disappointing even if it is predictable.
If Liverpool win silverware, FSG owe Jurgen Klopp a debt of gratitude
January has been all about avoiding catastrophe. Too many draws and a defeat to Leicester City allowed Manchester City to open up an alarming lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Thanks to Ralph Hasenhutl and his Southampton side, Pep Guardiola’s side dropped two points which are like gold dust to Liverpool as they desperately cling onto the hope of winning the league again this year.
The Reds somehow avoided disaster without Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Thiago this month and all are expected back by the time Liverpool host Leicester City at Anfield on the 10th of February.
In fact, they booked their place in the Carabao Cup final where they will face Chelsea on the 27th of February and reduced the title race deficit to 9 points with a game in hand and a tasty trip to the Etihad on the 9th of April beckoning.
But as positive as that all may sound, Jurgen Klopp would be forgiven by fans for feeling let down by the owners, Fenway Sports Group.
The January transfer window exists for a reason. It’s there so clubs can make emergency signings during the season to boost their chances of success or to rescue them from crisis.
Last winter, Ben Davies was signed from Preston North End and Ozan Kabak joined on loan from Schalke to help solve Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis but it could have been avoided if Dejan Lovren was simply replaced when he left.
The same scenario presented itself in the summer when Georginio Wijnaldum was told his contract would not be renewed. The Dutchman moved to Paris on a Bosman transfer but he was not replaced.
This January, Liverpool found themselves without Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott as Klopp’s midfield numbers dwindled due to injury and AFCON.
https://twitter.com/AnfieldWatch/status/1485522552357363717?s=20
Yet, despite a multitude of reports, Liverpool are no closer to making a midfield signing now than they were when Wijnaldum was sold as Fabrizio Romano reports Denis Zakaria is unlikely to join the Reds this month even though he is available for €7million.
If Klopp wins any silverware this season, FSG owe him an apology and a debt of gratitude as he is being forced to compete with the endless resources available to Manchester City and Chelsea and despite spending very little on transfers, the German is keeping Liverpool competitive.
The main reason is that Klopp has got the best out of fringe players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain while Fabinho, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and Diogo Jota have also stepped up massively.
Honourable mentions go to Caiomhin Kelleher for his Carabao Cup excellence and Takumi Minamino for his tireless and complaint-free service from the start and from the bench.