01 Jan 2021 16:34:09
As ever don’t expect too much in January – this is really just a round up of players we know the club has considered or the fans have been asking after. Much will depend on any unplanned departures as well – so if, for example, Wijnaldum leaves he will need to be replaced.
Money remains an issue for the club. I am not aware of any real efforts by Liverpool to add a CB in January to replace Van Dijk or Gomez for however long they are out - and it is always a difficult time to buy. You are aware of players Liverpool had previously shown an interest in and it would make sense to boost the Home Grown quota if they do look to an addition - but that has to be offset against cost and clubs not planning on selling in January. The likes of Dael Fry, Ben White and Ben Godfrey have been of interest in the past - only White would potentially make the grade as the starter Klopp wants (e.g. Diego Carlos or Lisandro Martinez). Whilst clubs are already trying to firm up their plans for next summer, few plan to buy in January - taking a player on loan might be an option.
Sven Botman (CB) Agreed move to Lille as a GM replacement in the summer - Marseille and Inter were also interested. If Liverpool want him, Lille will look to a huge profit on the small amount paid as they will not want to sell a player who has only been at the club a few months. However, it makes more sense than most of the suggestions, but I don't know of any approach to Lille. Clubs speak with agents all of the time. Ajax promoted Timber and Rensch ahead of Botman and let him go just because they thought he was too slow for their game - but he is well respected as a defender. He would not be what Klopp really wants but he is young and has experience at a decent level.
David Carmo (CB) Braga have rejected an offer for Carmo from Leicester as they don't wish to sell but they could be interested if a firm decent cash offer were made. I am not aware of any approach by Liverpool at this time.
Ben White (CB) There is growing interest from elsewhere.
Ozan Kabak (CB) has been of past interest to both Manchester sides, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich but the asking price has always been see as high, although it seemed to be something between €35M and €40M it will have reduced due to the pandemic and Schalke having financial issues. The interest of the Manchester sides went when he left Galatasaray for Stuttgart and he hit an age where he could never qualify as Home Grown in England - and that is something Liverpool should concern themselves with as well. I am not so sure he is the starter Liverpool have been looking for, but he will be cheaper than both Llorente and Diego Carlos and could still push Joe Gomez into the background. He is well thought of by Borussia Dortmund who wanted Tanguy Kouassi as a replacement for Toprak and Belardi but he moved to Bayern Munich resulting in their making an approach and being told he is not for sale - but their declared an interest will now have gone after his disgusting behaviour. Schalke say they have also been approached by Juventus and Leicester. A far better option for Liverpool than Mandi but Schalke, who were reluctant to sell, will let him leave after his five game ban and the huge backlash there has been over him spitting at an opponent from Werder Bremen at the time of the pandemic. A foul human being.
Yves Bissouma (CM/DM) Brighton will resist any approaches. He shares and agent with Pepe who he spent a season with at Lille and the agent failed to persuade Arsenal to move for him - and since then they have signed Partey and a change in the decision process at Arsenal means any move is unlikely. He is another who would be off to the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2022 and not Home Grown makes him less attractive to most English sides although Liverpool and Monaco have spoken with his representative. I am not aware of any approach to Brighton by Liverpool. Spurs have kept a watching brief.
Isak Bergmann Johannesson (CM/AM/W/F) A versatile attacking player. I am aware he has been watched by Odense and Burnley on several occasions. Manchester United, Oostende, Liverpool and Brann have had scouts at games recently. The Burnley link will be because of his father.
Michael Olise (AM/W) Reading want to keep the player until the summer but have already fended of approaches from Crystal Palace and Wolves. The player has said he would like to return to Chelsea at some point, but they have not made any approach. His brother is still at Chelsea. There have been scouts from Fortuna Düsseldorf, Leeds, Liverpool and I suspect others looking at him. Would want game time assurances.
Adama Traore (RW) Klopp wanted him and ended up with Jota for financial reasons - could return and take him as a Salah replacement. Adama Traore is not keen on a new contract at Wolves.
Jadon Sancho (RW/F) The amateurs at Old Trafford knew the situation yet still wasted everyone’s time during the summer. Reputationally, another disaster for them left the club looking at other options and not resolving the matter. His agent (and I use that in the very loosest of terms) has some extreme demands and has been trying, for the past year, to persuade Chelsea and Real Madrid to meet them. With Salah getting older there will be a push to look to Sancho as a replacement – but the cost may prove too much for the club and it appears very unlikely.
Ricky-Jade Jones (S) Liverpool are amongst several clubs interested in the kiddie.
Possible departures before the start of next season:
Adrian (G) out of contract
I think Karius (G) will return and go on loan again in January.
Yasser Larouci (LWB)
Marco Grujic (DM/CM) will be available.
Gini Wijnaldum (CM) was offered to Barcelona by his representative as Liverpool had not offered him a new contract. Barcelona are continuing to deal with other priorities, but the coach was interested in the player who would be well priced in January - although they may opt to look to a pre-contract instead. However, the coach is vulnerable to being eased out after the election so the club may want to avoid committing to spending money beyond their primary targets. I am not aware of any interest from Real Madrid and their plans for next summer are clear – whether there is a change of coach or not. If the player were to be in the position to talk directly to other clubs in January, there is a chance that Inter Milan could look to seeing if he will sign a pre-contract. Whilst all of these options may be tempting for the player, the ball remains very much in Liverpool’s Court. My expectation is that Klopp will ask the club to offer him a new deal and that Wijnaldum will be happy to agree to it.
Mo Salah (RW/F) could cash into fund transfers
Xherdan Shaqiri (RW/AM)
Harry Wilson (RW)
Liam Miller (F)
Divock Origi (S) Cercle Brugge are looking to Origi if they cannot persuade Chelsea to sell Ike Ugbo to them in the summer.
Roberto Firmino (S) Liverpool will look to upgrade at some point whilst he still has value – perhaps in 2022.

1.) 01 Jan 2021
01 Jan 2021 16:48:33
Amazing, thanks. Have a great 2021.

2.) 01 Jan 2021
01 Jan 2021 17:43:33
Thank you Ed002.

3.) 01 Jan 2021
01 Jan 2021 17:44:10
Nice one Ed.

4.) 01 Jan 2021
01 Jan 2021 17:45:48
Cheers Ed.

5.) 01 Jan 2021
01 Jan 2021 18:10:08
Ed002 - thank you very much as always. This is fantastic information. You are a true gent and I hope you managed to have a lovely New Year’s Eve.

Red Sandman.

{Ed002's Note - Thanks.}

6.) 01 Jan 2021
01 Jan 2021 19:32:54
Thanks eds2. Can I ask how else is interested in Ben White and roughly how much would BHA want for him. Thanks again.

{Ed002's Note - Ben White (CB) an alternative to Pau Torres for Manchester United, but seen as expensive because of the "English premium". Spurs have sustained interest but the funding will go on other priorities. Brighton will look to hang on to him and would demand at least £50M.}

7.) 01 Jan 2021
01 Jan 2021 19:41:48
Thanks ED002. Great detailed update as always. Hope you are good.

8.) 02 Jan 2021
02 Jan 2021 00:45:50
You are amazing ed thank you!

9.) 02 Jan 2021
02 Jan 2021 13:35:32
Thanks ed002,

Brilliantly informative as usual 👍.

10.) 02 Jan 2021
02 Jan 2021 18:51:40
great post

is there a kindle edition available 😁.

11.) 02 Jan 2021
02 Jan 2021 19:59:04
Thanks for the update Ed.

12.) 02 Jan 2021
02 Jan 2021 22:18:07
Ed002, you are the absolute best. No question. I absalutely LOVE reading your posts. You are more appreciated than you will ever know. Thank you and Happy New Year.

{Ed002's Note - Have you got a sister who is just as grateful?}

13.) 02 Jan 2021
02 Jan 2021 23:11:11
Thanks Ed.

Interested to know if there are any names for the no 9 shirt being mentioned? With Salah possibly goi g, will we look to a more traditional 9?

{Ed002's Note - I don’t think there is a clear S target right now but Salah will not be replaced by a S when he goes. I suspect a first pick sticker may not be until 2022 and perhaps a younger prospect, perhaps to replace Origi, might be first.}

14.) 03 Jan 2021
03 Jan 2021 04:27:44
I know it's highly unlikely but I'd wonder if Danny ings could be a possible striker of interest in the near future. Klopp and the players seemed to have great respect for him and he was so unfortunate during his spell with us I'd love to see him get another crack now that he's since turned into a top striker who should be playing for a top team soon. He's suited to pressing and working hard from the front and his finishing in the box would give us that added clinical touch we sometimes lack.

15.) 03 Jan 2021
03 Jan 2021 15:51:37
This is great, Ed002. Thank you!

Quick question. Considering Allison is good for a knock once or twice a year, what do you see the club doing to back him up? I used to think that Kelleher was best suited for a loan so he could experience being a starter, but now could you see him being the backup going forward. Have you heard anything regarding what the club may be looking to do, and/ or do you have any opinions on who may be a good fit for the club?

Thanks again as always and happy new year.

{Ed002's Note - Adrian (G) out of contract in the summer, and I think Karius (G) will return and go on loan again in January and be sold in the summer. Liverpool have Kamil Grabara to return, Caoimhin Kelleher has done when called upon. Fabian Mrozek and Marcelo were added to Jarus. They should not really need to do anything.}

16.) 03 Jan 2021
03 Jan 2021 19:28:27
I think Kelleher has proved a very able deputy. Seems harsh on the lad to be number two to Allison but it’s clear that he’ll get opportunities and if he comes in he’s competent and gives his defenders confidence.

17.) 04 Jan 2021
04 Jan 2021 14:40:12
Thanks, Ed! I agree with how you view the situation, just was curious if I was missing anything. I'm very happy with Kelleher.