Three Potential Ins And Outs For Liverpool In The Ongoing January Window
Liverpool pulled off quite a big coup as they announced the signing of their prime transfer target Virgil Van Dijk. After chasing the former Southampton defender for months, Jurgen Klopp finally managed to land his man but the winter window is just getting started and the Reds’ troubles are far from over. With Barcelona edging closer to sealing a January move for Philippe Coutinho, the club may have to let go of their star playmaker.
To be very honest, Liverpool were in dire need of a central defender and they have succeeded on that front by acquiring Van Dijk’s services. They have a splendid attack and a decent midfield but losing Coutinho seems like the biggest problem for them now.
What makes it all the more worrisome is the fact that he was supposed to leave last summer itself but he eventually stayed back. This may not happen again and if he leaves in the upcoming summer, Klopp is likely to benefit by bringing in a replacement as soon as possible. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three potential transfers for the Merseyside club this January.
Outs
Philippe Coutinho
Losing him in January will prove to be a terrible loss for Klopp but as per a report published by Goal, Barcelona are not backing down and are determined to sign him now. Moreover, Coutinho himself has been keen on joining the Catalans for the longest time. Selling him would definitely provide a financial cushion of sorts for the club but it is a major risk. Hence, considering the situation at present, this does seem like a likely transfer and might be confirmed by the end of January.
Danny Ings
Breaking into the first-team seems impossible for Ings at this stage. He has been linked with an exit as well and could either leave on a loan deal or in a permanent move. Several Premier League clubs have registered an interest in him and if it were to happen, it will work out in favour of all parties involved. Ings boasts of tremendous potential and is in serious need of reviving his career. For that to happen, he needs regular game time and could work wonders for those clubs interested in him.
Ins
Thomas Lemar
If Coutinho leaves in January, it would be detrimental for Klopp to continue without bringing in a replacement. The Monaco ace has been linked with Liverpool since last summer and a January move could be on the cards. He was anyway expected to join the club as a Coutinho replacement and he certainly does not lack talent. Last season, he played an instrumental role in helping the French club pull off a miraculous Ligue 1 title win and has been consistent enough this season as well. He will definitely be a good signing for Liverpool and Klopp should make a move for him in January.