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Liverpool appear to be in the process of finding new ownership, but it would be foolish to bank on a January spending spree by some deep pocketed (as yet) unknowns. In any sale process that involves a multi billion pound acquisition, time and patience is unfortunately something that we all need to acknowledge. The Chelsea sale was fast paced due its delicate nature and very different circumstances, and though FSG would probably look to get the high end monies secured as soon as possible, it just might not turn out that way.

With that in mind, it makes the upcoming January transfer window an interesting moment for Jurgen Klopp & Julian Ward. We can now assume that FSG were not going to be willing spenders after Christmas, and that our all too common transfer woes would have continued. Arthur Melo, Ozan Kabak, Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho & Calvin Ramsey represent the limitations often imposed, and though some of this crop will hopefully become successful at Liverpool, it’s still in stark contrast to our competitors own spending powers.

So with another transfer window now firmly in the balance, I’ll be looking at midfielders that could be attainable this coming January. The premise is that they are into the final six months of their contract, and would be seen as the cut price option for Julian Ward. This very reality has seen FSG plant that for sale sign, as it’s now clear that they were unwilling to bankroll the much needed midfield (and ongoing) regeneration. Hopefully this article becomes redundant, and a well funded new ownership group can support key January signings, however that just may not be the case.

Starting with those that are unlikely, leading to those that could be more likely, please see the selected list is as follows.

Jorginho

There’s very little chance Liverpool move for this Chelsea player, given his own regression and lack of mobility. His wage demands would also be at the top end of Liverpool current pay structure, so a deal is hugely unlikely. A return to his homeland is more likely, with the likes of Juve & Inter always keen to hand out contracts to ageing players.

N’Golo Kante

This is a player that is perhaps encountering similar issues to our own Fabinho. The years of battle can take its toll on this type of player, and Liverpool certainly wouldn’t want another player on the books that is primed for rapid regression. A move to PSG or AS Monaco would be a better fit, within a less demanding League.

Toni Kroos

A true legend of the game, and a brilliant servant for Real Madrid. Kroos may fancy a move to the Premier League, though a move to Manchester United is far more likely than a move to Anfield.

Mauri Arambarri

A pure defensive midfielder that could perhaps offer cover for Fabinho. His lack of pace and mobility would be a concern, and the inevitable integration may make the deal too problematic. He’s likely to move on, and would be a decent signing for less intensity reliant teams.

Houssem Aouar

The bright young talent of yesteryear, he was the Gavi of Europe, before Gavi had even left school. The stock in Aouar has dropped drastically, and will probably end up at a mid table Premier League club. There is surely still a player within, yet it would be a gamble to bring in a player that has stagnated, when ultimately the reds need impactful bodies that can play to a good level right now. A move to Wolves or Leicester would make sense, with both likely to lose assets of their own. Liverpool were once linked, but that day has probably now passed.

Mahmoud Dahoud

Another player that was once linked to Liverpool, and eventually ended up at Jurgen Klopp’s former club, Borussia Dortmund. He’s a player that never reached the heights that were expected, and it appears the elevation of others has seen the German club unwilling to commit to another contract. He’ll likely remain in the Bundesliga, and move onto a club where more guaranteed first team football can be attained. There’s an outside chance that Liverpool make the call, as his ability on and off the ball would fit what is required , it just seems unlikely.

Youri Tielemans

A very interesting option, and one that is destined to leave Leicester. His skill set and on the ball ability is very much within the reds wants, but again his lack of real mobility could be an issue. The reds haven’t been able to compete (off the ball) for much of this season, therefore more a energetic box to box type would surely be desired. Tielemans would also command big money, and have varying offers from both England and abroad. Arsenal & Newcastle seem more likely destinations.

Thomas Lemar

This is a player that was once heavily linked, and would have been a great fit before he opted for Atletico Madrid. His time in Spain has been very inconsistent, and his playing style was probably always going to be a hard sell for Diego Simeone. His versatility offers an intriguing proposition for the reds, given his ability to play across the midfield. You could see him as one of the corridor midfielders in either a diamond or 4-3-3. You could also play him from either flank in a 4-4-2, and he would offer real ability as a number 10. This is a deal that could happen, and at 26 years old, is possibly one to keep an eye on.

Konrad Laimer

This is a player that has been linked for every single window, since he came onto the RB Leipzig scene. His energetic style and ability to press across the pitch make him a good fit at Anfield, and it’s curious that we haven’t pursued him (with real intent) sooner. A season ending injury in the 2020/21 season appears to have not caused issue for the 25 year old Austrian, and his signing would add depth for Fabinho, cover for Trent (at right back), and a true starting option at RCM. Bayern Munich have been touted as long term admirers, therefore any deal would be far from straight forward.

Konrad Laimer & Thomas Lemar stand out in this list, and would probably still be off interest without potential financial restrictions. Each would offer varying degrees of flexibility, and both would make sense, dependent upon how Jurgen Klopp sees our system evolving of course. If we ended up with either these two, I would be happy (both would be very welcome) as both have good levels, and probably still have room for improvement under Klopp.

With time will come more knowledge as to how we navigate the market, but at least we know that something could perhaps be done, even if it isn’t what some are hoping for.

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