Liverpool transfer news: January 2024 window targets, signings, sales as Valverde and Calhanoglu linked

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Jurgen Klopp waving to Liverpool fans
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Liverpool have launched something of a revival this season, with a team Jurgen Klopp has dubbed "Liverpool 2.0" following a few summer signings, particularly in midfield.

Yet if the Anfield club are to compete for the Premier League title, most likely against Manchester City and Arsenal — and possibly others in an ultra-competitive league season — they might need to bolster again.

The January transfer window opens on the first day of 2024 and stays open for the whole month, so Klopp may consider some additions; that's certainly the case if media reports are to be believed.

The Sporting News delves into the latest Liverpool transfer news, a few potential targets and the changes that could be made early in 2024.

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Liverpool latest transfer news

Here are a few of the club's potential January targets, as per reports from the media. We assess each one and their chances of joining the Reds.

Reds ready to tempt Real Madrid star Valverde

Despite the midfield additions of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch in the summer, various reports suggesting that Liverpool want to further strengthen that area refuse to go away. It's been claimed by Spanish media outlet Nacional that Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde 'regrets' not moving to Liverpool in the summer and hence links have been reignited. The Athletic, however, says a new contract is on the table for Valverde at Madrid.

Inter Milan star Calhanoglu an option

Inter midfielder Calhanoglu is a regular name on the transfer lists of Premier League clubs, with Chelsea and Arsenal also previously touted for a deal. The 29-year-old would fit the bill in terms of that extra midfield strengthening that could be on the cards for Klopp. Italian media outlet Tuttosport has led the rumours, with some reports suggesting Liverpool have met with the player's representatives.

Liverpool could enter battle with Man United for Goncalo Inacio

A different position but another big name who is often linked with the Premier League, centre-back Inacio has been impressing in Lisbon with Sporting CP for the past couple of years and could be ideal as Virgil van Dijk's future defensive partner. Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano, a transfer specialist, has claimed for Caught Offside that Liverpool and Manchester United are both admirers of Inacio — but he's unlikely to come cheap, especially in January.

Other rumours

As with so many big clubs these days, Liverpool are linked with several players in the media every week. As well as the ones mentioned above, the club have been touted for a deal for young Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu, while Johan Bakayoko — who was on Brentford and Tottenham's radar in the summer — has also been linked. The Mirror reported that Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix is a firm target of Liverpool's ahead of January, and Premier League midfielders Joao Palhinha and Kalvin Phillips have also been mentioned in occasional reports.

Which positions do Liverpool need to sign in January?

Jurgen Klopp said in the summer it was "no secret" that Liverpool wanted to sign a No. 6 — a true defensive midfielder — and yet none of the subsequent signings really fitted the bill.

Endo has done the job of late, Mac Allister can do it, but it's possible the club will try to find the ideal long-term successor to Fabinho, who left along with a raft of midfielders before the season started. Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also left, with four coming in.

With Joel Matip ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, central defence may well be a priority for Liverpool this coming January. Youngster Jarell Quansah is highly rated in that position by the club but could be deemed not completely ready, while Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are the only other viable options to slot in alongside Van Dijk.

Many respected journalists with Liverpool connections, including The Athletic's James Pearce, have suggested the club could go through the entire January window without any signings at all.

On bringing in a defender, Klopp said early in December: "You always talk about transfers like it is the easiest thing in the world. They all cost money; it must be the right player. We still have four centre-backs. Tell me a club which wants to sell a top, top centre-half. Tell me one."

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Who could leave Liverpool in January?

Matip will continue his injury rehabilitation at the club for the remainder of the season so surely won't leave in January despite the fact his contract is coming to an end in June.

Four players, including former Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara and backup goalkeeper Adrian are in the final year of their contracts at the club, so they could potentially be offloaded to generate transfer fees. It just hasn't properly worked out for Thiago at Anfield, despite the enormous hype around his signing in 2020. He'll turn 33 by the time his contract expires.

Youngster Conor Bradley might be one who seeks a loan move to get regular football; injuries have curtailed his involvement this season.

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Dominic is a freelance content editor and writer for The Sporting News.
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