While several of their Premier League rivals splashed the cash, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had a relatively quiet transfer window. He is expected to reshape his squad in the summer.
Liverpool are not having their best season under Jurgen Klopp, it is fair to say.
The Reds are ninth in the Premier League, 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have a game in hand, and are in serious danger of missing out on Champions League football next season. They have also been eliminated from the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
As a result, Klopp would have been wise to bolster his squad in January, but Liverpool had a relatively quiet month. Cody Gakpo, who signed for £45 million from PSV Eindhoven shortly before the transfer window opened, was their only signing.
Gakpo, 23, was thought to be a coup for Liverpool. The Netherlands international had a fantastic start to the season with PSV, scoring nine goals and assisting on 12 others in 14 Eredivisie games. He also scored three goals during the recent World Cup in Qatar.
However, Gakpo has yet to replicate that form in England. He didn’t score or assist for Liverpool in his first five appearances under Klopp, leaving some fans wondering if he’s the real deal. Gakpo will have to prove his detractors wrong.
In terms of departures, only Jake Cain left Anfield permanently in January. The 21-year-old midfielder signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Swindon after making just one senior appearance for Liverpool three years ago and spending last season on loan at Newport.
Jarrell Quansah and Luke Chambers were loaned out to Bristol Rovers and Kilmarnock, respectively, but the Reds were expected to keep their powder dry until the summer.
Cody Gakpo has joined PSV Eindhoven.
Jake Cain (Swindon Town) is leaving the club.
Bristol Rovers loanee Jarrell Quansah
Kilmarnock loanee Luke Chambers
Liverpool have struggled in the midfield this season and are expected to rebuild their ailing engine room. Jude Bellingham, Moises Caicedo, and Matheus Nunes have already been linked with big-money moves to Anfield.
New recruits will enter Gakpo through the front door. And, while he has yet to make a significant impact on the pitch, he has bowled over his new manager.
Earlier this month, Klopp stated: “Cody has been in for two full days of training and is a joy to watch. In our situation, having a player who is pretty natural at a lot of things and knows where the goal is extremely beneficial. He is obviously filled with joy, savoring every moment.
“He’s a good footballer who plays well in tight spaces, likes to shoot from distance, and is a good finisher and dribbler. Everyone who wants to learn more about him can do so because there are numerous videos available. It’s nice to see it in person, right in front of you.
“He appears to be in good shape. Because they are unique, the sessions are intense for him. I have high hopes for him. Coming from a new league is always challenging, but we anticipate a positive impact.”
