Transfer Talk: Liverpool look forward to attacking reinforcements

Liverpool will be hoping the second half of the season is much better than the first and a new forward could be just what they need to achieve that. 

The Reds suffered a slow start to the campaign and are sixth in the Premier League — four points behind Manchester United in fifth and seven behind Tottenham in fourth. 

Jurgen Klopp will hope to bring in attacking reinforcements in order to breathe new life into his side, who seem to have regressed after a strong 2021-22. 

Ahead of the Merseysiders' clash with Aston Villa on Boxing Day, we take a look at some of their possible transfer targets.

Current options

Liverpool's preferred front three so far this season has seen Roberto Firmino play through the middle flanked by Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz. 

Darwin Nunez, the big-money summer signing, has missed games through injury and suspension but he will be expected to kick on.

Klopp has lost Diaz to injury, however, and did not hide his disappointment at being without the Colombian.

He said: "It is clear it is a big disappointment for all of us, for [Diaz] as well. It was a non-situation in training, honestly. Nothing [and then he] felt something.

"[He] did not feel a lot [the] next day but we wanted to be really cautious and said: 'OK, come on, let us have a look.' 

"Then the news came and it was a proper smash in the face. But that is it now."

Balancing the budget

Realistically, Liverpool will need to bring in another attacker in January if they are serious about securing a place in next season's Champions League — but there are other areas of the pitch that also need improvement. 

Reports suggest the Reds are focused on strengthening their midfield — which will be a costly endeavour. 

Two names frequently mentioned as serious targets are Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund and Enzo Fernandez of Benfica, who both starred at the World Cup. 

That could mean Liverpool will have limited funds as they seek to strengthen in the final third.

Marcus Thuram

Marcus Thuram — son of legendary full-back Lillian — is Borussia Monchengladbach’s star centre forward.

The 25-year-old Frenchman could be a low-cost option given he is in the final year of his contract. 

Thuram came through the youth system at Sochaux before a two-year spell with Guingamp. He then joined Monchengladbach in the summer of 2019. 

The nine-cap international has been in fine form in the Bundesliga, contributing 10 goals and three assists in 15 games. 

That — coupled with an impressive showing in Qatar that saw him deliver two assists — could prompt Anfield chiefs to make a January move.

Jhon Duran

Colombian forward Jhon Duran, 19, could be a bold choice. 

The teenager is able to play out wide as well as through the middle and plies his trade in MLS with Chicago Fire, having joined them in 2022 from Colombian side Envigado. 

Since then, Duran has gone on to make his senior debut for the Colombia national team — earning three caps to date — and has developed into one of the most promising talents in South America. 

He contributed eight goals and five assists in 27 MLS games this year.

Joao Felix

Joao Felix is the biggest name linked with Liverpool this January transfer window. 

But he would not come cheap. The 23-year-old Portuguese ace has failed to settle at Atletico Madrid since joining from Benfica in July 2019 and it is accepted that the time has come for him to move on. 

A dynamic forward, Felix has never quite convinced pragmatic coach Diego Simeone but his performances for his country during the World Cup have reminded many of his talent.

The big question, however, is whether Liverpool have the financial capacity to sanction a move for Felix alongside their plans for a midfield revamp next summer.