The biggest signings of Liverpool’s January transfer window? Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, two full-backs already on their books.
Robertson and Alexander-Arnold joined the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané in signing long-term contracts, committing themselves to Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield project for the foreseeable future.
There were, ultimately, no January incomings of any sort but there were never likely to be. From the start, Klopp said that Liverpool would only add to their squad in exceptional circumstances.
Despite a mild defensive injury crisis, those circumstances never arose and Liverpool enter the season’s home straight top of the Premier League table, five points clear of defending champions Manchester City.
Their excellent campaign to date and the policy of extending contracts of those players already at the club suggests that the summer may well be a quiet one too. There are, in truth, few areas of the squad that require attention.
Timo Werner, the RB Leipzig striker, continues to be linked with Anfield and Klopp may find himself short of options up front come July. Daniel Sturridge’s contract expires, Dominic Solanke has joined Bournemouth and Divock Origi is likely to have left too.
Werner, meanwhile, is out of contract in the summer of 2020, with Leipzig eager for the 22-year-old to sign new terms. If he does not, they will likely sell this summer, though competition is expected to be fierce.
Elsewhere, a central defender may be required if Joel Matip if Liverpool decide to cash in before his contract expires in 2020, though Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren would likely be above the new addition in the pecking order.
Simon Mignolet was eager to leave in August but Loris Karius’ two-year loan to Besiktas kept him at Anfield. If the Belgian does call time on what-will-be a six-year stay, then a back-up goalkeeper will be needed.
New cover at left-back is also likely to be necessary when Alberto Moreno departs upon the expiration of his contract. Moreno was linked with a potential January move to Barcelona but, having failed to secure his departure, will almost certainly leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Other fringe players – such as Nathaniel Clyne or a 30-year-old Adam Lallana – are likely to be the subjects of speculation and may seek regular playing time away from Anfield. It will be up to Klopp to decide whether to fill the gaps they leave behind.
In any case, several successful windows have left Liverpool in the privileged position of only needing to replace back-up players and otherwise relying on proven talent which has been tied down to Anfield long-term.
