The transfer saga involving Liverpool, Barcelona and Philippe Coutinho had the potential to be dragged out until the summer but unlike some clubs would have done in their situation, Liverpool conducted business in a way where they have got the best possible deal for themselves as well as respecting the wishes of a player who had given everything for the Merseyside outfit, even when it became clear that he saw his future at Camp Nou. Some will argue that Coutinho should have at least served some of the long-term contract that he was prepared to sign not so long ago, and there is no doubt that Liverpool would have preferred to keep their star man for the second half of the campaign. When all is said and done, though, Liverpool are receiving a British-record fee of £105m plus £37m of add-ons which are likely to come into effect over the next five and a half years. They will be delighted with that fee. However, attention now turns to how Jurgen Klopp will use the funds at his disposal, and whether he uses them over the next three weeks or waits until the summer.
Similar to how someone would find the highest rated sports betting sites, Klopp will likely find more value for money with his desired targets by waiting until the summer but with the need to finish in the top four of the Premier League table, it seems unlikely that the German will not act before the end of the month. All the talk is about a like-for-like replacement being signed, with Leicester City Riyad Mahrez and Monaco's Thomas Lemar both options, despite reports suggesting that transfers involving either man will not take place in January. However, with Roberto Firmino providing versatility and being able to feature in a number-10 role if required - as is with the case of Adam Lallana - who is to say that Klopp will not take the chance to bring in a new centre-forward instead?
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Daniel Sturridge is seemingly out of favour now and could be sold for a sizeable fee which would add to Klopp's power in the transfer market, and Liverpool arguably need an alternative for Dominic Solanke who is still awaiting his first goal. Klopp frequently talks up the potential of the newly-capped England international but Liverpool are at a stage of their progression - both on and off the pitch - where potential and development of younger players is not enough. Supporters got their wish with commitment to buying an established central defender, but now could be the time to bring in a forward of a similar ilk. The logical step for Klopp is to move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is said to be leaving Borussia Dortmund for the Chinese Super League. The Gabon intentional can earn more money in Asia, but Klopp knows all about the player having worked with him at the Bundesliga side so on paper, it feels like the perfect fit at the perfect time.
Due to the inconsistency of Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius, Liverpool supporters would not be against Klopp signing a new goalkeeper and spending whatever is required to bring in someone who can make the position his own over the next few seasons. As far as English stoppers are concerned, Stoke City's Jack Butland would be the obvious target and if reports are to be believed, the player would jump at the opportunity to move to the North-West. The 24-year-old still needs to prove himself at the highest level - and that he is over his recent injury setbacks - but like with Aubameyang, the move would suit both parties. There are other options which may attract Klopp such as Bayer Leverkusen's Bernd Leno and Real Madrid's Keylor Navas, providing that Real sign either David de Gea or Thibaut Courtois, but Butland appears to be the most realistic target.
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There is still scope to improve at centre-back, too. That problem has not necessarily been solved with the addition of Virgil van Dijk and if push came to shove, supporters would not hold it against Klopp if he looked to replace one of Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren or Ragnar Klavan. Sticking with Klavan, the Estonian international has just turned 32 so his longevity in the Premier League will naturally be questioned so the time could be right to add another new face. Like with Leno, Klopp has options at Leverkusen in the form of Jonathan Tah, a 22-year-old German international with a release clause of just over £20m, but there is also an opportunity to move for Netherlands international Stefan de Vrij, who could be sold by Lazio in January due to just six months remaining on his contract. A playmaker may be the priority of the supporters but if Klopp is prepared to make decisive changes in other areas of his squad, Liverpool can still bring in quality signings for the right price.
