After losing their first match back from the FIFA World Cup break to Manchester City in the EFL Cup, Liverpool responded in style by beating Aston Villa 3-1. On the same day, they agreed to a £44m fee with PSV Eindhoven to sign Dutch youngster Cody Gakpo. Gakpo has been in fine form this season, scoring 18 goals and contributing 15 assists. The Reds are not done yet, though. They are keen to add more players in January, with a particular focus on replenishing the midfield. Injuries have seen their squad reduced to bare bones earlier in the campaign, so they are being linked to players such as Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez. A backup for Trent Alexander-Arnold is also on the agenda, while they could move for another forward player despite Gakpo’s signing.
As the January transfer window approaches, here are the top five players Liverpool could target:
#5 Sacha Boey (Galatasaray)
Liverpool is interested in signing French right-back Sacha Boye from Galatasaray, 22, as a backup to Alexander-Arnold. He has already played more than 1,000 minutes for the Turkish giants since joining last season. Klopp’s side is not the only team after Boye, with Crystal Palace and Lyon also expressing interest. His current employers are eager to offer him a new deal. With the youngster’s contract set to run until 2025, the Premier League side may have to come up with a lucrative offer to please Boye and his club.
#4 Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund)
Moukoko has been impressing many with his performances in the Bundesliga, with 6 goals and 3 assists in 14 league appearances. At only 18 years old, he is already on the radar of multiple clubs. His current deal expires at the end of next summer, so it will be interesting to see where he ends up. Moukoko has been coy about his future so far, but with many top clubs interested in him, it will be interesting to see how this one develops.
#3 Eljif Elmas (Napoli)
As the Reds lack central midfielders, they have been linked to several, one of which is Napoli’s Eljif Elmas. Reports say that Klopp has already spoken to the Macedonian midfielder in order to get him to sign with the Anfield-based club.
Elmas has played 26 matches across club and country this season, amassing nearly 1160 minutes of play, scoring three goals, and providing one assist. He can play on the left flank as well, but he operates best from the center of the park.
Although Napoli remains keen on keeping their player, Aurelio De Laurentiis is a shrewd negotiator. Therefore, convincing him would be difficult since Elmas’ current contract expires in 2025. This gives the Italian club the advantage in this situation.
#2 Enzo Fernandez (Benfica)
After an impressive showing at the World Cup, Enzo Fernandez is Rumoured to be a target for many top European clubs, including Liverpool. The 21-year-old has played 28 games for club and country this season, scoring 3 goals and 5 assists. His passing accuracy is 89.4%, and he would be a great creative outlet for Klopp’s midfield. However, his £105 million release clause may be a stumbling block for potential suitors.
#1 Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the most highly sought-after teenagers in European football, Jude Bellingham has been attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs on the continent for quite some time. His impressive performances at the World Cup have only served to increase his value even further.
Dortmund are fully aware of just how coveted the 19-year-old is and would only consider offers in excess of £100 million for him. Bellingham joined the German club back in 2020 and has already captained the side despite his young age.
Liverpool have been interested in signing the former Birmingham City midfielder for a while now, but they face stiff competition from Real Madrid. It remains to be seen whether the Englishman would be open to another adventure abroad or if he would prefer to return back home to England.
