7 summer free agents who could agree January deals with Liverpool
Liverpool have recruited some notable free agents in past transfer windows.
Two of those – James Milner and Joel Matip – have helped propel the Reds to greatness since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival at Anfield, both becoming firm fan favourites during their time on Merseyside.
Milner and Matip have shown just how profitable free transfers can be, especially given the ludicrous finances now involved in the majority of deals in the Premier League.
There are plenty of high-profile and exciting names who are set to become free agents next summer, with Liverpool able to agree deals with players from foreign clubs in the January transfer window – the Reds would have to wait until the summer for players from English clubs.
While there is one obvious name that supporters would love to see agree a deal with Liverpool this winter, the Reds will want to keep an eye on a number of potential free agents across Europe.
KYLIAN MBAPPE
Let’s get that obvious name out of the way, shall we?
Mbappe is set to become a free agent this summer when his current deal expires with Paris Saint-Germain, although he could yet sign a new contract with the Ligue 1 outfit.
There is also a strong possibility that Mbappe will opt to make a long-awaited move to Real Madrid, but recent reports linking the World Cup winner with Liverpool have not gone unnoticed.
However, while a deal would be astonishing, it seems highly unlikely.
GUIDO RODRIGUEZ
In what could be another Wataru Endo-esque signing, Rodriguez is a name that Liverpool would be foolish to ignore. Real Betis are desperate to tie the Argentine down to a new deal, but it looks increasingly likely he will leave for free in the summer.
The 29-cap international is a defensive midfielder who has already been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona, the former Club America man having caught the eye since moving to Spain in 2020.
The 29-year-old has clocked up 163 appearances for Betis in all competitions and the combative midfielder is known for his ability to regain possession in the centre of the pitch.
If Liverpool wanted a cost-effective option to bolster the No. 6 position, Rodriguez could be it.
PIOTR ZIELINSKI
A man who has been linked with Liverpool in the past, Zielinski is out of contract with Napoli in the summer.
The Pole was an integral part of Napoli’s scudetto-winning side last season, providing 12 goal contributions in 37 Serie A matches.
Zielinski also racked up four goals and two assists in the Champions League and has grown in significance in Naples.
Also 29, the central midfielder could be an adequate replacement for Thiago, although he doesn’t quite boast the same exceptional passing range as the Spaniard.
ALEX MERET
Sticking with Napoli, Liverpool could do with another goalkeeper next season, and Meret might be an option.
Adrian will be out of contract in the summer, while Caoimhin Kelleher may be inclined to look for an Anfield exit in search of regular football.
Meret was significant for Napoli last campaign in between the sticks, but has not always been the most reliable stopper in Italy.
After a disappointing start to his career at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Meret’s form picked up last year. However, he hasn’t always been convincing in Serie A or on the European stage.
Perhaps a useful if limited option for the Reds.
ADRIEN RABIOT
There is another Serie A star who could be on Liverpool’s radar and that’s Juventus’ Rabiot.
The French midfielder has often been criticised for a lack of application and consistency in Turin, but enjoyed his best campaign with the Old Lady last season.
He has largely picked up from where he left off this year, providing six goal contributions from central midfield that have helped Juve to second in the table.
The 28-year-old has plenty of natural talent, but he doesn’t seem the kind of player that Liverpool would necessarily chase.
LEANDRO BARREIRO
One of the younger free agents available in the summer, Klopp could do worse than looking to his old club Mainz for another midfield option.
24-year-old Barreiro has been a regular for the German side, the Luxembourg international having primarily played as a central midfielder, but also in deep-lying and advanced roles.
Usually a box-to-box player, Barreiro has impressed in the Bundesliga, providing eight goal contributions last season.
TIAGO DJALO
The Lille centre-back is already in hot demand this winter, Inter and Juventus currently battling it out for his signature.
Therefore, it looks unlikely that Liverpool will make a move for the Portuguese, but he has been one of the key components of Lille’s stellar defence this season – alongside Reds target Leny Yoro.
At 23, Djalo has plenty of room for improvement, but has good athleticism and pace.
If Matip is to leave Liverpool for free in the summer, Djalo may not be a bad alternative.
REPORT: MAJOR DEAL BREWING IN LIVERPOOL’S MIDFIELD
LIVERPOOL READY TO OFFER CONTRACT EXTENSION TO CURTIS JONES
CURTIS JONES: LIVERPOOL’S EMERGING MIDFIELD TALENT
Liverpool’s willingness to secure the future of Curtis Jones speaks volumes about his growing importance at Anfield. Anfield Watch’s recent revelation that Jones, whose current contract runs until 2027, is poised for an extension until 2029, underscores Liverpool’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. This decision comes amidst a season where Jones has been nothing short of impressive, particularly in Liverpool’s dominant Carabao Cup and Premier League performances.
JONES’ REMARKABLE JOURNEY AND PERFORMANCE
Since his first-team debut in the 2018/19 season, Jones has clocked over 100 appearances for Liverpool. This remarkable journey, from joining the Reds’ academy at just nine to captaining the team, reflects not only his skill but also his dedication. His recent form, highlighted by key goals in major games, cements his status as one of Jurgen Klopp’s crucial midfield assets. Jones’ impact was not limited to club football, as his contributions to England’s Under-21 European Championships campaign last summer were also noteworthy.
FINANCIAL ASPECTS AND MARKET INTEREST
Despite his rising profile, Jones remains one of the lowest-paid senior players at Liverpool. This fact, coupled with the rumored interest from clubs like Arsenal, could have been a concern. However, Anfield Watch clarifies that Liverpool are unaware of any serious pursuit from other clubs. The proposed improved contract terms are a strategic move by Liverpool to acknowledge Jones’ value and to ward off any potential suitors.
KLOPP AND LIJNDERS ON JONES’ EVOLUTION
Jurgen Klopp’s and assistant manager Pep Lijnders’ praise for Jones is telling. Klopp’s commendation of Jones’ pressing and counter-pressing game, and his improved decision-making and technical skill, aligns with Lijnders’ admiration for his ‘Scouse mentality’. These testimonials from the coaching staff not only highlight Jones’ footballing prowess but also his mental strength and adaptability.
In offering Curtis Jones an extended contract, Liverpool are not just securing a talented player; they are investing in a symbol of their youth system’s success. Jones represents the blend of technical skill and mental fortitude that is essential for the modern midfielder. As Liverpool look to maintain their competitive edge, nurturing and retaining players like Jones will be key to continued success.
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