3 opportunistic signings Liverpool can make this January

El Hadji Malick Diouf

For years, Liverpool have had an ever-reliable left-back in Andy Robertson. That reliability, however, has been a matter of concern this season. The veteran Scotsman is increasingly looking like he’s in decline. He was not able to properly deal with the injuries he was struggling with towards the second half of last season as he went to the Euros, and the fact that stylistically he’s been leaving a fair bit to be desired is also something to keep in mind.

Robertson’s replacement, Kostas Tsimikas, looks like a better fit for Arne Slot’s system, but he has never really manage to properly usurp Robertson from the starting berth. All of this leaves Liverpool in a position to be looking for alternatives.

Liverpool are one of many Premier League clubs monitoring Slavia Prague’s Senegalese sensation El Hadji Malick Diouf. Getting him this month would not only leave their rivals reeling but also strengthen Liverpool for this season. The 20-year-old is an attack-minded left-back/left-fullback who has the potential to be Robertson’s long-term replacement.

Stefanos Tzimas

This 19-year-old Greek centre-forward is making a name for himself in the German second division with FC Nürnberg, on loan from PAOK. Duly, Liverpool have begun sniffing around.

Liverpool have a centre-forward-shaped problem they need to deal with. Diogo Jota in his five years has proved forever riddled with injuries, Darwin Núñez looks like he will forever be an agent of chaos much to his employers’ chagrin and therefore unreliable, and as good as Luis Diaz has been as the makeshift centre-forward for the season, it still leaves Liverpool looking for a definitive long-term answer, not to mention Diaz himself is linked heavily with an exit.

Tzimas fits the bill. The 6-foot-tall Greek teenager is quick as well as capable of holding his own on the ball under pressure from defenders. In the right environment he can be the next big thing, and Liverpool have earned themselves the benefit of the doubt by offering a fostering environment for their players. There are few clubs who could be a better landing spot for Tzimas.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

This is an opportunistic as well as a big-name signing that would curb the noises that have persisted since the summer transfer window, during which Liverpool were criticised for their laid-back approach.

The Georgian maverick is on the move, as confirmed by Antonie Conte, and Liverpool have already been touted as his leading suitors. The value of the release clause in his contract is around £67 million, which is already bargain territory for a player who was expected not too long ago to go for twice that. Furthermore, Liverpool have the chance to bring this number down ever more by sending the other way Federico Chiesa‚ a player they are ready to move on and one Napoli are interested in.

This move would be a win-win for all parties involved, and it would also bring Kvaratskhelia to the Premier League, which would not only strengthen Liverpool evermore for the remainder of the season, it would also alleviate some of their anxiety regarding the form of Darwin Núñez and the future of Luis Diaz.