Our resident Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern who are playing pool, admit that their season has been rather hit and miss, with the club struggling to maintain a consistent run of form.
Despite the appointment of the passionate Jurgen Klopp, the Anfield club do not really appear to be playing to their full potential under the German coach, despite initial indicators that he would be the man to improve their performances, such as the 4-1 triumph of Premier League rivals Manchester City.
However, Liverpool fans around the Tavern will believe that any judgement of Klopp’s capabilities would be unfair given the current crop of players that he has at his disposal, as well as the countless injuries that his side has had to endure this campaign.
Our Landlord suggests that Injuries to key players such as Daniel Sturridge, Phillipe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Mamadou Sakho, as well as several players not performing at a high enough level, has ultimately seen Liverpool drop to 8th in the league.
The current transfer window marks Klopp’s first opportunity to buy the players that he wants since his appointment, and he secured his first signing of the window, securing a deal for QPR defender Steven Caulker on loan.
In this article, we will be revealing the FIVE players who have been linked with a move to Anfield that we think could make a difference for Klopp…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 PLAYERS!
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Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Liverpool have really struggled to find the perfect replacement for Pepe Reina after his nine-year stint at Anfield came to an end.
The Reds signed Simon Mignolet from Sunderland in a move back in 2013.
Capable of producing some fine saves on occasion, the Belgian stopper’s inconsistency is the only thing stopping him from being the definitive first choice goalkeeper at Liverpool.
With former Bolton man Adam Bogdan far from impressive, Liverpool would certainly benefit from a young, world class keeper – something which ter Stegen most definitely is.
The 23-year old is one of the most highly regarded goalkeepers in world football, but has only made 4 appearances in La Liga this season having been kept out of the Barcelona side by Chilean counterpart Claudio Bravo.
The Mirror recently claimed that ter Stegen was a genuine target for Liverpool, but suggested that Barcelona’s £20 million asking price was a potential sticking point. However, our Landlord believes that Liverpool should go all out to acquire the German’s services.
Neven Subotić
Liverpool’s defence has been an area of concern for the fans loitering around the bar, and they have voiced their frustrations many a time this season when they have conceded poorly.
Although they are slightly below the league average of 25.8 goals conceded with 24, Liverpool have only earned clean sheets in 35% of their league games this season. Conceding a handful of sloppy goals has cost Klopp many points.
This might make the German look to another national compatriot in the form of Neven Subotic, who worked under Klopp during his spell at Borussia Dortmund.
With Mamadou Sakho in and out of the side with injury problems, Liverpool fans want to see an experienced centre back with good leadership.
Subotic would be the ideal fit and he has recently been linked with a move which would see him reunited with Klopp with the combative German international having the advantage of already being adapted to Klopp’s pressing style of football.
The 27-year old has only 4 starts this season for Dortmund, and Klopp could be the determining factor in deciding his future.
Martin Caceres
Another potential centre back option for Liverpool is Martin Caceres from Juventus. According to reports in Italy, Liverpool are believed to be the favourites to win the race for his signature ahead of the likes of Inter Milan and Fenerbahce.
Caceres is expected to sign a contract that will see him join Liverpool at the end of the current season, with the Merseyside club able to approach the Uruguayan now regarding a pre-contract agreement as his current deal with the Serie A giants due to expire.
However, some reports suggest that Liverpool will look to sign Caceres this month in a cut-price deal as they look to bolster their struggling defence.
Mario Suarez
Klopp has also been linked with a move for Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gündogan.
However, should Liverpool’s owner decide not to enter a bidding war for the German, who will undoubtedly attract the attentions of several other top club, they may well look to other potential midfield targets such as Mario Suarez.
The Spaniard won the La Liga title and four other honours with Atletico Madrid, before joining Serie A outfit Fiorentina last summer.
However, since then has fallen out of favour with his current manager, Paulo Sousa and according various reports, interest from Liverpool could see the 28-year old Suarez arrive at Anfield in January, with Liverpool fans at the bar calling the possible transfer a bargain!
Saido Berahino
Another area of the pitch which Liverpool need to take a serious look at strengthening in January is their striking options.
Their talisman Daniel Sturridge is beginning to irritate the Liverpool faithful with his never-ending series of injuries and rumours floating around the Tavern suggest that, with Christian Benteke also struggling for form and fitness, Klopp will look to recruit a striker this month.
One possible option is West Brom’s Saido Berahino. The 22-year old Englishman is expected to leave the Hawthorns this month, and Liverpool could capitalise on the situation.
Liverpool are one of few of the top English teams who still have a mainstay of English players and Berahino, who has three goals from eight league starts this term, could be the latest addition.
