Five Players Liverpool Must Target to Solve Their Problem Areas

The January transfer window has come and gone but Liverpool fans are still disappointed at the lack of incoming activity. The starting XI has shown how effective they can be in the Premier League but when put to the test, the squad failed to deliver and it was clear throughout the winter period that Jurgen Klopp needs to invest in new players.

There are several areas that need addressing, with centre-back being the priority and there are some exciting talents available. Liverpool have already been linked with a few but if they hope to challenge for the title next season, Klopp needs to get to work on their pursuit now and make sure he doesn’t miss out in the summer.

Here are five players in each problem area that Liverpool should make a priority…

Jonathan Tah – Centre-back

Virgil Van Dijk is perhaps the most obvious target and he would certainly be a great addition. However, his interest in the Premier League is high so the price is likely to raise and Klopp may opt out. Tah on the other hand is still relatively young and has great physical attributes. He’s similar to Joel Matip in playing style and background and still has time to develop. He’s a little prone to mistakes but for the most part he’s a solid choice.

Joe Hart – Goalkeeper

He may not be a popular choice but Hart is an experienced keeper and he knows how to win titles. The England number one was treated rather harshly by Pep Guardiola and he’s clearly been shunted from City so he’ll definitely be open to a move. Liverpool will give him a guaranteed first team spot as well as (hopefully) the opportunity to challenge in Europe and for domestic silverware.

Sead Kolasinac – Left-back

James Milner has been a fairly good short-term solution to Liverpool’s left-back problems but he will need replacing if the Reds want to win the league. Klopp needs to target an outright defender and one who has good crossing ability too. Kolasinic has been heavily linked with a number of clubs because he is out of contract in the summer but Liverpool must make sure they are among the clubs interested. Kolasinac is strong and powerful so he can maraud up the flank to help out in attack as well as providing solid support in defence. He’s capable of playing centrally too so isn’t afraid to attack the ball in set-pieces and won’t be pushed aside easily.

Leandro Paredes – Defensive midfielder

There are a few who could fit the bill and if Klopp wants somebody a bit more all-round, Mahmoud Dahoud could be just the guy. However, Paredes would make a great holding player who could either replace or rotate with Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum throughout the season and he’s a young option with a few more years to develop. Liverpool’s dynamic midfield works extremely effectively against teams who come out to play but against a more structured side, the Reds are often found out with gaps in the centre. Paredes would help to fill the void and provide adequate cover for the back four. He’s a great passer too and is brilliant over set-pieces – something which Liverpool have lacked!

Julian Brandt – Winger/Left-forward

Sadio Mane has proven how effective pace can be within Liverpool’s attacking front three. Klopp has plenty of options going forward but aside from Mane, and Lazar Markovic currently out on loan, there are very few players in the squad who can be classed as a “pacy winger.” A left-sided attacker would really bring balance to the team and help Liverpool’s wing play. Brandt has been excellent in the Bundesliga and he’s already picked up six assists and two goals this season. At the age of 20, he’s still very young and is the kind of talent Klopp likes. His links with the German league will also be helpful so he’s a realistic target. He will want to push himself though so Champions League qualification may be a necessity.