After their unexpected draw against Luton Town on Sunday, Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher has emphasised the team’s need for reinforcements in January.
Their upcoming transfer business may have an impact on one of their most valued squad members.After Fabinho left for Saudi Arabia in the summer transfer window, Jurgen Klopp spent almost £170 million signing four midfielders to try and solve the problem. However, the German manager has not yet found a holding midfielder to take Fabinho’s place.
Carragher identified two areas where the Reds are struggling after their dismal 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road on Sunday, where Luis Diaz managed to salvage a point in stoppage time. Additionally, the 44-year-old highlighted the necessity to bolster with at least one new signing in January by stating that Alexis Mac Allister is suffering from playing out of position.
“Liverpool in midfield are improved from what we saw last season, but they still haven’t got a top holding midfielder,” Carragher stated on Sky Sports.
Holding midfielder [Alexis] Mac Allister isn’t the best. Although he has outstanding receiving skills, he struggles defensively and doesn’t have the necessary quickness for the position. Liverpool could do with a superb defender who can almost play in a couple of positions in the back four, rather than a player for a single position.
“Believing that [Joe] Gomez would be more formidable defensively, they chose him to start at left back. In my opinion, Liverpool may benefit from having a right-back on the opposite side, freeing up Trent Alexander-Arnold to play in midfield.
As far as Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool fans are concerned, Liverpool is not yet prepared to win the league. Their goal is to return to the top four. They really need a world-class defence and a holding midfielder if they want to contend once more.”
Brazilian sensation Andre, who impressed on Saturday night in the Copa Libertadores final when Fluminense defeated Boca Juniors, has been linked to the Reds. Thiago Alcantara’s time at Anfield may come to an end if the 22-year-old proves to be a long-term addition to the team. His club has estimated his value at roughly £25 million.
The 32-year-old Spaniard has struggled with injuries lately, and although he once started for Liverpool as a starter, Thiago hasn’t played since an April 2-1 victory against West Ham. He was hindered by a hip issue towards the end of the 2022–2023 season, and he only made 28 appearances in all competitions.
The former playmaker for Barcelona and Bayern Munich is expected to return in the new year, and Klopp made sure to emphasise how highly he regards the midfield player as he talked about his excitement for the player’s 2024 comeback.
Things are a little different with Thiago. It’s a continuous issue, Klopp stated. We also can’t put any pressure on him there, but we anticipate his return sometime in the new year. Since November has already arrived, which translates to an additional four weeks, I think it would be reasonable to attempt that.
