The transfer window slamming shut doesn’t mean signings can’t still be made, and the free agent market could offer Liverpool a chance to strengthen for a busy run-in
Liverpool were among the Premier League clubs who didn’t make a signing in the January transfer window.
And with Jurgen Klopp’s Reds top of the table with less than half of the season to go, there was no need to go spending in the tricky winter market, ahead of what could be a summer of transition when the German departs.
But an extensive list of free agents does still offer Klopp the chance to strengthen his squad for their title charge, as well as for the three cup competitions they remain in. Here’s four options that could boost their chances.
Marvin Plattenhardt
The ship has perhaps sailed on this one with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas both getting close to full recovering from their injuries, but any setbacks and Plattenhardt could be a solid addition.
A former Germany left-back, who was a part of their 2018 World Cup squad, he has plenty of experience under his belt aged 32 and would still have a lot to offer despite departing Hertha Berlin last summer.
Kostas Manolas
Klopp has shown in the past he’s not against bringing in makeshift defensive cover part-way through a season, doing so during their 2021 injury crisis when he bought Ben Davies from Preston and loaned Ozan Kabak from Schalke.
Things haven’t been anywhere near as bad this season, but Joel Matip is out for the rest of the season and ex-Roma and Napoli centre-back Manolas, 32, would be a cheap reinforcement.
Jese
Liverpool are also pretty stacked at the other end of the pitch, but a couple of injuries and Klopp could be light in attack. With Real Madrid and PSG on his CV, the Reds could do a lot worse than Jese.
The Spanish winger, 30, was released by Brazilian club Coritiba at the end of their 2023 campaign. Before that he had a short spell with Serie A side Sampdoria which also didn’t work out.
Xeka
It’s hard to believe that a 29-year-old midfielder who helped Lille to the Ligue 1 title in 2021 is without a club after leaving Rennes in August. He’s been linked to a whole host of Prem clubs since.
But the former Portugal youth international remains up for grabs and with Liverpool lighter in midfield than anywhere else, he could valuable competition for the second half of the season.
