With almost £150 million boosting Liverpool’s coffers since the announcement that Philippe Coutinho had left the club and joined Barcelona, rumours have been rife as to who will replace the mercurial Brazilian in midfield.
Jurgen Klopp has already spent £75 million on Virgil van Dijk, improving his defence in the process, but a move for an attacking midfielder now seems imminent.
We’ve picked out five players that Liverpool could make a move for this January as a replacement for Coutinho.
Thomas Lemar
Lemar was the subject of a bid from Arsenal on Deadline Day, but Monaco dug their heels in and the midfielder eventually decided to stay put. However, he’s seen by Liverpool fans as the preferred option when it comes to replacing Coutinho in the transfer market. He’s failed to follow up on his form from last season, with just two goals in 18 appearances this campaign, but he’s still highly rated. Monaco have stressed that there will be no January departures, but they could be forced into one if the price is right.
Naby Keita
Keita has already signed for Liverpool, but will be arriving in the summer. However, Jurgen Klopp is exploring the possibility of signing the Guinean international six months early. This could be very tricky, especially considering that Liverpool triggered a release clause in the player’s contract that comes into force in July 2018 and paid a premium price on top. Keita’s form has also dipped this term and he’s been accused of having a lack of discipline, having been sent off twice already this season.
Leon Goretzka
The German midfielder has attracted a number of top European clubs with his contract at Schalke due to expire at the end of the season. There are rumours that he’s already negotiated a deal with Bayern Munich, but until these have been confirmed, then he’s still a viable target for the Reds. Goretzka burst onto the scene last summer at the Confederations Cup and he’s backed it up with four goals in the Bundesliga this season.
Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez was linked with a move to Liverpool before he joined Arsenal, but opted to choose London over Merseyside. The Chilean is Manchester City’s primary target and his contract is also due to expire at the end of the season. Sanchez is keen to join City and reunite with Pep Guardiola which makes him the least likely player on this list to replace Coutinho at Liverpool.
Riyad Mahrez
As soon as Coutinho left Anfield, Mahrez was linked as his replacement and the Algerian has been in fine transfer window form this season. He has eight goals and eight assists in 24 Premier League appearances this season and seems the most likely to join the Reds from this list. Liverpool sources have stated there is no interest from the club in the Leicester player, but we all know what that means…