Jurgen Klopp has changed the fortunes of Liverpool since his arrival in October, last year. With the advent of the Klopp era, naturally, the Reds were linked with a host of Bundesliga stars – and rightly so, given the broad talent range in Germany. Klopp has already raided the Bundesliga for new acquisitions in the form of Loris Karius from Mainz and Joel Matip from Schalke in the summer. Other players like Sadio Mane and Georgino Wijnaldum were brought in as well. The new additions have strengthened Klopp’s squad but there is still need for reinforcements in a couple of areas, something that should bear in his mind in January.
Klopp, being very familiar with the talent that is abundant in the German top division, he might have already drawn up a shortlist of further targets. Here are three players who should be in Klopp’s list ahead of the January transfer window:
1. Julian Draxler
If there is one player who is absolutely certain to leave in January, it’s Julian Draxler. The Wolfsburg player was alienated from the first-team after the club turned down his transfer request in the summer. ESPN reported that the director of the club, Klaus Allofs had even mentioned that Draxler was available for transfer in January for the right price.
Although, till now there have been no rumours of a possible move to Liverpool, Draxler was pursued by Klopp during his time as the Borrusia Dortmund manager. He is only 23 years old and has loads of experience under his belt. The talented midfielder can play anywhere across the front three and would fit perfectly in Klopp’s system at Liverpool. Draxler is technically very strong, is fast and has the uncanny habit of notching up important goals. A perfect addition for Liverpool, especially since Sadio Mane will leave for national duties.
2. Jonas Hector
Jonas Hector was linked with a move to Liverpool back in the summer but decided to stay back in Germany. Liverpool’s problems at left-back have been put out on the open time and again, as Alberto Moreno has failed to secure a first-team position and James Milner has been preferred as the makeshift left-back. It is one position that Klopp needs to strengthen if Liverpool wants to be title contenders.
A stark contrast to the ever attacking Moreno, Hector would provide some much-needed solidarity to the Reds defence. He has earned his place in the German national team and has been performing consistently for the last couple of seasons for his side Koln. The 26-year-old has averaged 2.5 interceptions and 2.2 tackles per game and will be the perfect addition to Klopp’s side.
3. Sead Kolasinac
Another option for the left-back position is Sead Kolasinac. James Milner has shown his capabilities in the makeshift left-back position, however, he will be 31 in January and should Klopp look at a younger player to take his place in the coming years, then Kolasinac could be the perfect replacement. More importantly, the Bosnia & Herzegovina international is in the final year of his contract and could sign a pre-contact agreement in January, in effect making him a free transfer next summer.
Kolasinac was sidelined for a while with a ligament injury in 2014 and 2015 but has shown no signs of depreciation since his return to the pitch. A naturally aggressive, front-footed full-back, the 23-year-old would fit in perfectly in Klopp’s system. He would provide the necessary energy on the left flank. He has already notched up 2 goals and 4 assists this season and has also averaged 2.9 interceptions and 2.5 tackles per match, thus proving his efficiency both in attack and defence.