The January transfer window has always been a tricky time for Premier League clubs to reinforce their squads midway through the season.
Over the years, Liverpool have taken a risk-averse approach in the transfer market and have largely refrained from spending the big bucks on players, especially in January.
However, looking back, they’ve always reacted swiftly when long-term transfer targets have become available and it remains to be seen if they do so again next month.
And here are five January signings who will always have a special place in the hearts of the Anfield faithful.
#5 Luis Diaz
With Liverpool gunning for the quadruple in the 2021-22 campaign, they decided to make a move for Porto’s Luis Diaz to reinforce their attack.
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah were representing their countries at the AFCON and with Roberto Firmino flattering to deceive, Diaz came into the team and immediately took his spot on the left wing, with Mane playing up front.
He started a cup final against Chelsea a few days after joining and won two trophies that season, although Liverpool missed out on the Premier League to Manchester City and lost the UEFA Champions League final to Real Madrid.
#4 Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho joined Liverpool as a fresh-faced youngster in January 2013 as he struggled for game time at Inter Milan.
The little magician immediately endeared himself to the Anfield faithful and played a big role in their title challenge under Brendan Rodgers, while he took his game to another level after Jurgen Klopp’s arrival.
In January 2018, Coutinho became Liverpool’s biggest-ever sale as he moved to Barcelona for a fee believed to be in the region of £142m.
It’s safe to say his career didn’t go as he would’ve envisioned, but the Brazilian played his part at Anfield and fetched the club a humongous transfer fee when he left.
#3 Daniel Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge joined Liverpool in the same summer as Coutinho and didn’t take too long to get going as he scored on his debut in the FA Cup against Mansfield Town.
The England international then nearly spearheaded Liverpool to the title the following season and his strike partnership with Luis Suarez was undoubtedly one of the most entertaining partnerships in Premier League history.
Sturridge struggled with injuries in the years that followed but was part of the Liverpool squad that won the UEFA Champions League in 2019.
#2 Luis Suarez
As the Anfield faithful were reeling from Fernando Torres’ departure to Chelsea, Luis Suarez quickly endeared himself to the fans with his outrageous ability in front of goal.
The Uruguayan is arguably the most talented Liverpool player of the 21st century and nearly spearheaded the Reds to the Premier League title in 2014.
Suarez moved on to Barcelona as the Reds’ title challenge under Rodgers looked like a one-off at the time, but he’s fondly remembered at Anfield for his exploits at the club.
#1 Virgil van Dijk
The greatest January signing and the greatest centre-back in Premier League history. Virgil van Dijk joined Liverpool for a world-record £75m fee in January 2018 and immediately became a key player at the club.
He’s won every major trophy at Anfield so far and came very close to getting his hands on the Ballon d’Or in 2019 before eventually losing out to Lionel Messi.
Liverpool are in talks to renew Van Dijk’s contract and with the defender still up there with the best in the business at the age of 33, they will look to tie him down for the next two years at least.
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