The January transfer window has closed but Liverpool could line up deals for free agents ahead of next season
The January transfer window may have closed but Liverpool will already have plans for the summer.
Manager Jurgen Klopp admitted as much when explaining his decision to step down from his role at the end of this season. The Reds made no signings this month but will aim to recruit from a position of strength in the summer, with Liverpool currently sitting top of the Premier League table.
While the club are likely to be touted with several high-profile deals in the next transfer window, there are also bargains available. A long list of players have entered the final few months of their contracts and could head to Anfield on a free transfer or even agree a pre-contract before the end of the season.
Lloyd Kelly
Starting at the back, the Bournemouth centre-back has previously been touted as a target for Liverpool. Kelly, 25, has captained the Cherries on occasion and has been used at left-back in Andoni Iraola’s system, showing the defender’s versatility.
The emergence of Jarell Quansah has strengthened Liverpool’s centre-back options but the club may still look to replace Joel Matip upon the expiry of his contract. Alternative targets such as Atletico Madrid’s Mario Hermoso and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo will also be available as free agents.
Adrien Rabiot
Rabiot has been a mainstay of Juventus’ midfield since signing from PSG in 2019. The France international registered 17 goal contributions in 48 games last season and snubbed interest from Manchester United in the summer to extend his stay in Turin by 12 months.
Aged 28, he would represent a different age profile to many of Liverpool’s current midfielders but appears to still be improving under Max Allegri.
Federico Redondo
A familiar surname. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder, son of Real Madrid legend Fernando, has impressed for Argentinos Juniors – Alexis Mac Allister’s former club – and has been tentatively linked with a move to Liverpool
His signing would be more in keeping with the Reds’ recent transfer business but would raise question marks over Stefan Bajcetic’s pathway to first-team football, given his recent struggles with fitness.
Kylian Mbappe
No list of possible free transfers would be complete without mentioning Mbappe. The 25-year-old forward’s PSG contract is set to expire in the summer and there will be constant noise surrounding his decision until an official announcement is made.
Real Madrid have often been considered his next decision but Liverpool are claimed to be monitoring his situation, having spoken to the France captain while he was still at Monaco. Even as a free agent, though, there will be considerable finances involved for whichever club signs him. Mbappe has scored 28 goals in 27 games for PSG this season.
