Which of these nine would best fit Liverpool in January…?
We’ve started the season pretty poorly, and as a result (despite the huge amount of money spent in the summer) we’ve been linked to a number of players that could potentially make January transfers to Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers’ two best signings, Daniel Sturridge and Coutinho, arrived during January 2013, and we can only hope that if any of these names were to arrive, they’d have a similarly positive effect on our fortunes.
Roberto Firmino – Hoffenheim (Source: The Metro)
A really exciting link, this one. Firmino has recently been called to the Brazil squad, which is long overdue. He scored 16 Bundesliga goals last term, and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the £25m rated 23-year-old as well. Despite his obvious talent, Liverpool have a number of players who want to play in a central attacking midfield role already.
Andre Ayew – Marseille – (Source: The Mirror)
One of the Ligue 1 success stories this season, Ayew likes to play in an advanced role on the left wing. He’s just 24, and prides himself on outstanding work-rate and consistent end product. Marseille are unlikely to sell though when they’re trying to mount a title challenge.
Seydou Doumbia – CSKA Moscow (Source: The Mirror)
Doumbia is quick, can finish with either foot, and is used to playing up top on his own. The Ivorian is too good for the Russian league, and a host of clubs will likely be scrambling for his signature. We’d take him in a heartbeat, if the money was right.
William Carvalho – Sporting Lisbon (Source: The Metro)
A real powerhouse of a central midfielder, but likely to cost far more than he’s really worth right now. Arsenal and Manchester United were both linked with £37m moves during the summer, and that fee is astronomical considering the very little Carvalho has achieved so far. In Emre Can, we already have a more talented and equally physical option.
Neto – Fiorentina (Source: The Daily Mail)
Fans won’t know much about this Brazilian keeper, but he’s one of the most highly rated in Serie A right now. What’s more, unless he signs a new contract shortly, we (and any other club) will be able to approach him on in January with view to a Bosman free transfer.
Emmanuel Badu – Udinese (Source: The Mirror)
Another central midfielder strangely linked with a January transfer is Udinese’s Ghanaian. Badu is combative, and likes breaking up possession in the middle of the park, but lacks the passing ability and ball retention skills to slot into a Brendan Rodgers’ midfield.
Martin Montoya – Barcelona (Source: The Express) With Glen Johnson and Javier Manquillo playing pretty poorly, a new right-back wouldn’t be the worst addition. Montoya can’t get in the Barcelona team, which is by no means a disgrace – but has just signed a contract extension with the Catalans, which could increase his transfer fee. Asmir Begovic – Stoke City (Source: The Mirror) The Bosnian has been touted around bigger clubs for years, and aged 27, it’s probably time he made the step up. Form wise, he’s actually having one of his poorer seasons in recent memory, but still cuts an imposing figure in the Potters goal. Would he be an improvement on Simon Mignolet? Possibly.
Dele Alli – MK Dons (Source: The Express)
‘One for the future’, this one. Ali is earning rave reviews in League One, but aged 18, he’s too raw for the Premier League right now. If Liverpool did win the race to sign Alli (who’s a big Reds fan), it would benefit him to be loaned straight back to Milton Keynes.
