Liverpool transfer news: Jürgen Klopp has ‘directed’ his side to a $59m transfer for the January window, but both the Reds and Barcelona have lost out on a number six.
Liverpool is in an exciting situation in terms of transfers heading into 2024. During the recent transfer window, the Reds spent roughly $180 million (£145 million/€168 million) with a net outlay of around $115 million (£93 million/€108 million).
All four incoming players were midfielders, with the Reds signing Brighton’s Alexis MacAllister, RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai, Stuttgart’s Wataru End, and, finally, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch on transfer deadline day.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho both transferred to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad, respectively, to counter the club’s spending spree.
However, it looks as if a sizeable pot of money is still available to manager Jürgen Klopp, should he wish to access it. The Reds were involved in one of the most dramatic transfer sagas of the summer after bidding what was a British-record $136m (£110m/€128m) for Moisés Caicedo, only for the Ecuadorian to choose to join Chelsea for an even larger fee instead. What’s interesting is that Liverpool only spent $21m (£16m/€19m) on Endō, before splashing out a further $43m (£34m/€40m) on Gravenberch. Putting two and two together, it seems that the club spent considerably less than it theoretically could have, and we’ll see if that money rolls over into next year. Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around
Piero Hincapié (Bayer Leverkusen)
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp ‘has given the green light’ for the Reds to make a January move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
The Reds are in ‘advanced talks’ over a deal for the center-back, and it’s anticipated that the deal could be ‘closed’ for a figure in the region of $59m (£47m/€55m).
Klopp wants to strengthen the center of his backline in the winter window after the Reds failed to reinforce that department during the summer.
Liverpool’s home shirt for the 2023/2024 campaign pays homage to Bill Shankly and the legendary Reds manager’s final season in charge at Anfield. The Nike shirt features a bright red design with a bold white contrast on the colour and cuffs.
According to Liverpool.com, The Athletic previously established three transfer criteria in Liverpool’s hunt for a long-term center-back acquisition, and Hincapié appears to fulfill all three. First and foremost, he is under the age of 23 (21), which means he might potentially be Ibrahima Konaté’s replacement when the aged Virgil van Dijk retires.
Crucially, though, he wouldn’t expect to be starting games ahead of Konaté and Van Dijk straight away given his youth and the pedigree of that duo, instead applying pressure and playing the majority of his football in the cup competitions, with the odd opportunity in the league. Indeed, Liverpool progressing to the knockout stages of the Europa League in the New Year could be useful in this regard.
Finally, the Leverkusen star is left-footed, which is an invaluable trait for a center-back, opening up a greater array of passing angles in the build-up phase and making him an ideal counterbalance to the right-footed Konaté.
Fabricio Daz (Al-Gharafa) According to 90Min, Liverpool discussed a transfer for defensive midfielder Fabricio Daz before he chose to join Qatar Stars League club Al-Gharafa instead.
The Reds, along with Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brentford, are claimed to have discussed a prospective agreement with their namesake club, Liverpool Montevideo.
DAZ, a Uruguayan prospect, was also pursued by European superpower Barcelona, as well as Atalanta in Italy, Marseille and Lille in France, Sevilla in Spain, and Union Berlin in Germany, but ultimately chose to relocate to the Middle East.
However, a future move should not be ruled out, as the 20-year-old is reportedly ‘likely’ to move again before the 2026 World Cup and is still keen on playing in Europe.
According to Liverpool.com, Daz would have been a fascinating addition to the club. He shone at club level, making the Uruguayan top flight team of the year in 2022, and captained his country to victory at the under-20 World Cup last summer. He was also called up to the senior squad in June, but has yet to make his debut for Marcelo Bielsa’s team.
He could be on the move again soon, but the Reds may have misgivings. He’s opted to go to Qatar at a critical juncture in his development, and
