Sami Khedira and 5 Out-of-Contract Players Liverpool Must Target in January
With reports suggesting Brendan Rodgers is looking to end Divock Origi’s loan spell at Lille and bring him back to Anfield for the second half of the season, per the Daily Express, it seems as though Liverpool are already preparing for their next round of transfer signings.
Origi, signed this summer for £10 million and loaned back to Ligue 1 club Lille for the season, was originally intended to be a signing for next season. However, his impressive form for club and country—coupled with Liverpool’s disappointing attack so far this term—has reportedly prompted Rodgers to take action.
Ahead of the coming winter transfer window, Rodgers would be wise to scour the market for bargain signings.
Players out of contract next summer definitely fall into that category, with their asking price likely to be lowered significantly in January if they don’t put pen to paper on an extension.
Here are five such players that Liverpool must be looking at in January if they haven’t signed new deals with their clubs by then.
Winston Reid, West Ham United
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West Ham United’s Winston Reid has become one of the best center-backs in the Premier League, and the 26-year-old was recently linked with a move to Anfield by Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express.
The rumor itself reflects Liverpool’s ongoing defensive problems, but Reid’s pedigree and ability mean that he would be a good signing for the Reds and improve their back line.
Fabian Schar, Basel
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Having starred for Switzerland in the World Cup this summer—and in the Basel team that beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League group stages earlier this season—Fabian Schar is one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe.
His remarkable story, having graduated into European football after starting his career as a bank intern, has done the rounds, and Liverpool fans would certainly welcome a move for the accomplished defender.
Schar has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, according to Paul Brown of the Daily Star.
Nigel de Jong, AC Milan
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Moving ahead to the midfield, where the Reds are in need of some steel, tenacity and pace, Nigel de Jong of AC Milan—one of the most accomplished midfielders in Europe—represents a potential bargain transfer for Liverpool.
Manchester United have been the side most hotly linked with a move for the former Manchester City man, per Nick Lustig of the Daily Star, but Rodgers would do well to join in the chase for a player who would shore up his midfield.
Sami Khedira, Real Madrid
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Khedira has been linked with top clubs all around Europe, while Real Madrid might already be looking at replacing him with Brazilian starlet Lucas Silva, according to Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror.
With Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all reportedly interested in the German international, Liverpool face a fight for the all-action midfielder. Securing his signature, whether on a cut-price deal in January or on a Bosman free transfer next summer, would be a real coup.
James Milner, Manchester City
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James Milner's work rate and tactical maturity would be an excellent fit in Brendan Rodgers’ setup at Anfield, and the Manchester City man was linked with a move to Liverpool as recently as this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
Milner has made it clear he wants to play more before he is willing to commit to a long-term future at the Etihad Stadium, per David Anderson of the Mirror, but he seems to have Manuel Pellegrini’s trust and frequently starts in big games for City.
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