Despite the new Premier League season being in its relative infancy, there are some notable holes in the Liverpool squad that will need filling in January. A reasonably successful summer window with the captures of talents like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch materialised, but there are still some glaringly obvious weaknesses that will need addressing in the next window.
While some fans are quietly confident on Liverpool’s title chances this season, with Premier League odds of 6/1 appealing to many, there are other supporters who will be fully aware that the Reds are some way behind Manchester City and the world-class squad Pep Guardiola has at his disposal. Liverpool’s rebuild could take a few windows, though, but already, there are a number of encouraging signs emerging that could suggest a more realistic title tilt is on the cards next season.
Still, Jurgen Klopp’s side have always been capable of defying the odds and mounting challenges where many experts and pundits alike felt they were nowhere near it. Should Liverpool stay close to Manchester City in the coming months, then a successful January acquisition or two could see the club right in the mix for the title come the end of the season. Reinforcements are needed, though, and, according to reports, there are already a few January targets that are being lined up. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes is a key target
Newcastle United fans adore Bruno Guimaraes, and rightly so too. The Brazilian midfielder is reportedly open to a move away from the club, though, as links to Liverpool just won’t go away. Although a deal might be hard to agree in January, Spanish outlet Fichajes is reporting that Jurgen Klopp’s admiration for the midfielder is still there, and a deal for the former Lyon star is being discussed by Liverpool’s hierarchy. Should Newcastle’s campaign derail and Guimaraes assess his options elsewhere, the club will surely be looking to pounce.
Exequiel Palacios links won’t go away
Despite signing a new contract recently, Exequiel Palacios could still be tempted away from Leverkusen in January. While a summer move is probably more likely, the Argentinian World Cup winner will surely be tempted by a move to the Premier League in January should Liverpool manage to strike a deal with the German club. A defensive midfielder who would make a huge difference to the Liverpool line-up, we could certainly be seeing Exequiel Palacios playing at Anfield in the near future.
 
Raul Paula is being looked at
Whether or not Raul Paula will be able to adapt to Premier League life straightaway is unknown, but the 19-year-old Stuttgart prodigy could be an integral player for the club in the future. According to the Guardian’s Ed Aarons, the forward-thinking midfield player with an eye for goal is being assessed by Liverpool, with the Reds potentially looking to add him to the cohort of German youth players that are already on the books at the club.
Nico Williams could leave Athletic Club Bilbao soonÂ
A player Aston Villa failed to acquire last season, Nico Williams is expected to leave Athletic Bilbao in the near future. According to numerous reports, the Reds are monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation and could meet his termination clause in January, although a number of other Premier League sides are also circling as the Spaniard’s reputation continues to grow.
Klopp is a huge Jarrod Bowen fan
With Mohamed Salah being one of Saudi Arabian football’s key targets, Liverpool might have to admit defeat in January, sell their prized asset, and look to replace him with a star who is capable of filling the void immediately. West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen is the leading contender, with the England international capable of slotting perfectly into Salah’s position, providing a similar style to the Egyptian king, and offering the Premier League experience that so many managers crave. The Hammers might be reluctant to let their star man go in January, but a move to Liverpool will surely appeal to the former Hull City man. Klopp is said to be a huge admirer of his, too.
Yukinari Sugawara is a potential option
A wing-back who is being looked at by huge clubs all over Europe, Yukinari Sugawara could provide some much-needed competition on the right side of the pitch for Liverpool. Aged 23, the Japanese international has stood out for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar on numerous occasions and wouldn’t command a huge transfer fee. If Jurgen Klopp and the club’s hierarchy are wanting a right-sided defender in January, then Yukinari Sugawara will surely be on the list.
