Liverpool’s indifferent start to the 2022/23 season has sparked talk that their squad needs significant reinforcements during the January transfer window.
The Reds were amongst the bookmakers’ favourites to win plenty of silverware this term, but they have looked far from their best during the early part of the campaign.
While this Boylesports review leads to one of the sportsbooks still tipping Liverpool to be successful, it would be a brave move to back them to win any of the major competitions
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Jurgen Klopp’s side are already nine points off top spot in the Premier League and have not looked like a team capable of mounting a title challenge.
Their performance in a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United was particularly disappointing and highlighted how far their standards have slipped.
It has been a similar story in the Champions League, with a thumping 4-1 defeat at Napoli one of their worst ever displays in Europe.
They stepped things up to beat Ajax in their second outing, although it took until the 89th minute before they broke the Dutch side’s resistance.
Liverpool’s journey in the Champions League may well be fraught with danger if they are unable to improve on their performances to date.
Given how poorly they have started the season, the club may need to invest significant resources during the January transfer window to improve the squad.
Midfield is a major area of concern, with the club failing to strengthen that department during the previous window.
Liverpool signed Arthur from Juventus on loan on deadline day, but have already decided the midfielder will not become a permanent addition.
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is their primary target, but the Bundesliga outfit are unlikely to sanction his sale in January.
With injuries impacting the effectiveness of several Liverpool midfielders, they can ill-afford not to bring in reinforcements in the New Year.
Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans could be a viable option, with the player now in the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes may consider selling him in January to avoid losing him for free at the end of the season and he could be a sensible acquisition by the Reds.
Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte is another possibility, although the Portuguese club would demand a hefty fee if Liverpool came calling.
Ugarte was hugely impressive for Sporting in their Champions League victory over Tottenham Hotspur and is the type of player who could thrive under Klopp.
However, the club generally prefer not to pay over the odds for players and may decide to look for cheaper alternatives. Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar may fall into that category, especially as he has under one year left on his current contract.
The 24-year-old was tipped for great things during the early part of his career, before injuries significantly hindered his progress.
If Aouar does not sign a new contract with the Ligue 1 club, he could be another cost-effective option for Liverpool to consider in January.
