Liverpool transfer news: 5 January targets for Klopp

Liverpool needs to strengthen its squad this January to ensure a top four finish. Here are five players that would improve the Reds’ chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Liverpool faces a difficult fight to finish in the top four this season. Manchester City is strolling to the title and Manchester United and Chelsea look the obvious runners-up. That leaves just one Champions League place for Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and (apparently) Burnley to compete for. The Reds need reinforcements this January to have a shot at Europe’s elite club competition.

Thanks to Mohamed Salah and Co., goals are not in short supply. It is obvious, however, that improvement is needed in defense. Jurgen Klopp has taken his fair share of abuse for Liverpool’s defensive failings, but it is often overlooked how good they are at Anfield. Any manager that has only conceded three goals at home while regularly relying on Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan, and Simon Mignolet deserves credit. He also deserves a totally new back line.

Away from home, though, it is a different story. Klopp’s charges have let in 17 goals on their travels before this weekend. Only Stoke, West Ham and Huddersfield have conceded more away goals. That is not exactly prestigious company.

Liverpool’s defensive frailties, for example, were exposed ruthlessly by Tottenham Hotspur back in October’s 4-1 thrashing. Lovren was substituted after just 31 minutes, and it was assumed his Liverpool career was over. But such is the state of Liverpool’s squad, he has started seven of the club’s last eight Premier League matches going into Christmas.

With that in mind, here are five potential signings that have not featured in the Champions League this season, fit within the Premier League’s squad restrictions and improve Liverpool’s defense.