Liverpool had a quiet summer transfer window, signing only Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig, and with injury issues surfacing and the Africa Cup of Nations in January, they could be tempted to open the cheque book in the winter.
Jurgen Klopp is still waiting on some key players to return to fitness heading into the hectic December schedule, and at one point had only three senior midfielders to pick from.
But that hasn’t stopped the Reds looking in fine form on the pitch as they are right in the Premier League title race and breezed through what was a tough Champions League group on paper.
With room to strengthen in midfield and in attack, Klopp could opt for a number of players to bolster his squad that little bit more as he chases glory on multiple fronts this season.
Luis Diaz
Liverpool signed Takumi Minamino in January 2020 after playing against him for RB Salzburg, and Klopp could repeat that signing by poaching Luis Diaz from Porto.
The Colombian has been in outrageous form for Porto, with 10 goals through the first 13 games of the league season in Portugal to go with two goals in five games in the Champions League.
He has also become a permanent fixture in the Colombia national team throughout World Cup qualification.
With incredible pace and dazzling skill and at the perfect age of 24, Diaz would be a very typical Liverpool signing and one that could be a major coup.
Raphinha
Speaking of fast, skilful South American stars, Raphinha has been linked with Liverpool for some time and could be a player the Reds make a move for.
The Brazilian has already matched his six-goal haul from the entirety of last season through just the first 13 Premier League games, despite Leeds United’s struggles.
His form saw him handed a debut for Brazil in October, and he has hit the ground running for his country with two goals in his first five appearances, only two of which were starts.
At 25 years old he too is the perfect age profile for a Liverpool signing, and taking him away from another Premier League team could be enticing for Klopp and his staff.
Jonathan David
Liverpool identified Jonathan David as a potential target in the summer of 2020 before opting to sign Diogo Jota, and David subsequently went to Lille and became a French champion.
A 13-goal, two-assist return in his first season was impressive enough, but the Canadian already has 11 goals through his first 17 appearances in the league with a further two strikes in the Champions League in season 2021/22.
David is a slightly younger option at 21 years of age, but is showing his brilliance at a high level in France and in Europe, and he could just become the successor to Roberto Firmino.
Karim Adeyemi
At 19 years of age, Karim Adeyemi has emerged very quickly as Erling Haaland’s successor at RB Salzburg and just the next player to come out of the Austrian club’s talent farm.
A quick, technically gifted left-footer with supreme finishing skills, Adeyemi has shone in his first full season as first-choice striker at Salzburg, with 11 goals and an assist in 16 games.
Adeyemi has already muscled his way into the Germany rotation, scoring his first goal for his country within his first three appearances, all of which were off the bench.
His mix of potential and talent in the present would fit perfectly with Liverpool’s experienced frontline, and he could flourish at Anfield if Klopp brought him in.
Jeremy Doku
Another teenager, Jeremy Doku shone for Belgium at Euro 2020 and Liverpool have long believed to be admirers of the talented winger.
Unfortunately, injury has limited him to just two league starts in the 2021/22 season so far, but he has still managed to score a goal and chip in with two goals and two assists in five matches for his country.
Doku’s biggest strength is his blistering pace, which would suit Liverpool down to the ground with their high-octane attacking football.
Another project for the future but with ability to contribute now, Doku could be snapped up before another top European club gets in for him first.
Arnaut Danjuma
Arnaut Danjuma struggled mightily in the Premier League, making just 14 appearances in his only season in the English top flight to date with Bournemouth.
But since then, Danjuma has been able to show his quality again. A tremendous Championship campaign saw him rack up 17 goals and seven assists, earning him a move to Villarreal last summer.
His form has continued in Spain, with five goals and two assists in La Liga as well as four goal contributions in the Champions League group stages.
Villarreal will be unwilling to let him go, especially given he only joined at the beginning of the season, but Liverpool are believed to be interested and could pry the Dutchman back to England.
Amine Gouiri
Amine Gouiri had his breakout season in senior football in 2020/21, with 12 goals and seven assists in 34 league matches for Nice after he was sold by Lyon.
The 21-year-old has kept the momentum going in the early part of this season, with eight goals and four assists in 17 matches setting him well on track to surpass his numbers from last season.
Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, Gouiri would have the versatility as well as the skillset to fit in Klopp’s Liverpool team and could be an astute January signing.
Fabian Ruiz
Perhaps one that would be more likely for next summer, but Fabian Ruiz has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time and the midfield issues could force Liverpool’s hand.
Another player that Liverpool has experienced first hand with their tussles against Napoli, the Spaniard has developed into a top midfielder with room to grow yet.
The 25-year-old is technically sound on the ball but powerful off it as well, and he would likely complement the skillset of Thiago along with the rest of Liverpool’s midfield crop.
Florian Neuhaus
Liverpool and Bayern have both been credited as being engaged in a battle to sign Florian Neuhaus over the last 12 months, and January could be the time for Liverpool to pounce.
Neuhaus has failed to commit to Borussia Monchengladbach and his contract only has two years left to run, meaning the transfer fee required to sign him might not be so large.
The 24-year-old has earned consistent games in the Germany side and has solidified his position as one of the top midfielders in the Bundesliga, making him a prime candidate to strengthen Liverpool’s midfield.
Renato Sanches
After an impressive Euro 2020 campaign despite Portugal’s overall struggles, there has been an air of inevitability about Renato Sanches departing Lille.
With Liverpool and Arsenal linked and the player himself not shy in saying he could be on the way out, a January transfer is beginning to appear more and more likely.
Added to that the fact that his contract expires at the end of June 2023, Sanches will be available for a reasonable price and ready to compete for a top team.