As 2023 turns into 2024, Liverpool fans will be much happier than they were 12 months ago.
Nevertheless, there can still be room for improvement. As Jurgen Klopp continues to build his ‘Liverpool 2.0,’ a couple of gaps in the squad still need to be plugged. With that in mind, here are three dream signings for the Reds in the New Year.
Joao Palhinha
If you poll Liverpool fans on where their starting XI most needs upgrading, the answers would be relatively unanimous: in defensive midfield.
In fairness, the noise surrounding the Reds’ options in this position has got a fair bit queiter since the start of the season. Wataru Endo has proven to be a good signing, while Alexis Mac Allister has filled in well, too.
But still, it’s clear that Liverpool could do with someone who is a natural in the position. And if you asked those same supporters who they would love that player to be, many would surely name Joao Palhinha.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Palhinha. But as of now, the latest is that they won’t be signing the Fulham man anytime soon. That’s a shame, as Palhinha could be just what Liverpool need.
Goncalo Inacio
As well as a new holding player, Liverpool fans would dearly love a new centre-half in 2024.
After seeing Joel Matip pick up a season-ending injury recently, the chances are that they’ll get one, too.
And although others have been linked and would be interesting options, Goncalo Inacio is the man Liverpool should be targeting here.
Latest reports suggest that the 22-year-old’s exit from Sporting is now ‘inevitable.’ And if Inacio is to be on the move, then the Reds have to get themselves in the picture. At £52m, the Portugal international won’t come cheap, but he could be worth it.
Kylian Mbappe
Okay, okay, we know. Kylian Mbappe is surely not joining Liverpool upon the expiry of his contract at PSG next summer. But with Luis Diaz toiling on the Reds’ left, why shouldn’t they try their hand here?
Having been signed for £166m six-and-a-half years ago, Mbappe is set to be available on a free transfer in 2024. The Frenchman has his faults, but he’s clearly intrigued by the idea of playing for Liverpool. With top players around him and a system set up to maximise his strengths, you get the feeling Mbappe would be amazing at Anfield.
There are obvious obstacles for that happening. The fees around him leaving PSG would reportedly be massive, even without a transfer fee. But what a signing the 25-year-old would be.
As the year ticks over, it has never felt more likely that Kylian could finally be a Red. Well, we can dream anyway.
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