Klopp makes big revelation about Liverpool’s January transfer plans as Reds working on deals for centre-backs
Liverpool are working to sign new centre-backs as revealed by club boss Jurgen Klopp. The Premier League champions have been hit with several injury wounds in course of the season whiles the campaign continues to be demanding each day by.
Liverpool are competing for two major titles of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League but are currently limited to title in-depth in central defense.
The Liverpool’s defense line of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are sidelined due to injury though the club’s full list of injury players adds Naby Keita, Fabinho and Diogo Jota.
The Reds have been forced to deploy Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in central defense before the Brazilian midfielder sustained recent injury while Matip returned in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Tottenham last Thursday.
But with the January transfer window already opened, Liverpool cannot overlook their problems in central backline.
Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Liverpool will undoubtedly look for remedy before this January transfer window closes. The Reds take on West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday evening and when asked about Liverpool plans to sign reinforcement, Klopp revealed his side are on verge of bringing in centre-backs.
“I don’t know but we will try. It would be funny when you all think, ‘Ahh, Liverpool is just fine with the situation, they don’t care and they don’t try”, Klopp told Liverpool TV in per-conference ahead of West Ham.
“We try, but how you know, there’s nothing to say until something happens so we will see. The situation yesterday didn’t make it easier or whatever but it’s still just that we try to do the right things. If that’s possible we will do it, if not then not.”
A number of defenders are talked to be joining Liverpool including Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly and RB Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano.
Koulibaly’s contract expires at the end of this season which means Napoli would consider selling this January in order to avoid a situation where the Senegalese International will leave free in summer.
On Thursday morning, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano made big revelation about Upamecano’s future at Leipzig which was a major transfer boost for potential suitors including Liverpool.
The Italian journalist revealed that Upamecano will leave Leipzig when the current season ends with the Premier League likely to be the defender’s destination. However, the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool face stiffer competition for the French’s signature from Bayern Munich- who knee on landing the defender less than his €48million release clause.
With Romano’s claims highlighting that Upamecano will only leave the Red Bull Arena at the end of the season, Liverpool would be forced to consider alternatives as the Anfield side need a centre-back to compete for remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, Klopp sees his Sunday’s opponents to challenge for Champions League football. West Ham United currently behind Liverpool with 2 points separating Klopp’s side (37 points) from David Moyes men and a victory against the defending champions would boost West Ham’s chances for European top flight football next season.
“Great to see something like this is possible. Just obviously a clear idea [that] David Moyes always had. [They have] brought in the right players, I think everybody’s really impressed about the goal threat of Soucek, that’s incredible”
“Antonio is back. It’s just settled now. It obviously took a little bit [of time], that’s normal as well, and last year they really had to fight hard for staying in the league but now they are longer together and it works out.
“I am really pleased for David, to be honest, because [he had] such a long and successful spell at Everton and then from that moment on maybe the timing was a little bit tricky with Manchester United and then with all the other clubs it was just like, ‘Is it the right moment?’
“You have to go there and you have to fix it immediately. And now he got the time and he shows again his capability of building successful teams.
“So we will face them, that’s clear. The position in the table is obviously one thing but being third or fourth or whatever in late January is now not exactly what is the most important thing, there are other moments when it is much more important where you stand but of course we didn’t start fighting last night.
“We fought a lot in the other games as well but last night was a really important game for us with important aspects and that’s the plan – to bring this again on the pitch on Sunday.
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