Liverpool executed a commendable summer transfer window, addressing numerous player departures in a challenging scenario. The recruitment team faced the formidable task of replacing several players simultaneously, intensifying the difficulty of the process.

Despite these challenges, the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō, and Ryan Gravenberch have proven beneficial, each contributing to Liverpool’s season. The integration of at least three of these players into the long-term plan at Anfield reflects the club’s strategic approach, securing quality additions for Jürgen Klopp’s squad.

However, the ongoing assessment of Liverpool’s defense underscores the need for meticulous planning in various areas of the field. As the team eyes a potential Premier League title challenge this season, there is a compelling argument for pursuing a mid-season transfer to provide a timely boost.

In the realm of transfer gossip surrounding the Reds, attention turns to a promising young defender who aligns with Liverpool’s needs. Additionally, a midfielder, while appearing a less probable target, is also linked to the club. The intricacies of these potential moves are yet to unfold, adding an element of anticipation to Liverpool’s ongoing transfer considerations.

Lucas Beraldo (São Paulo)

Liverpool has been consistently linked with a potential move for São Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo, with recent reports suggesting that Newcastle, West Ham United, and Brentford are also monitoring the 20-year-old ahead of the January transfer window. Valued at around $25 million (£20 million/€23 million), Beraldo boasts over 50 senior-level appearances in Brazil and is highly regarded as one of South America’s emerging talents.

Joël Matip’s contract expiring at the end of the season adds urgency to Liverpool’s search for another center-back. With uncertainties surrounding Matip’s future and Virgil van Dijk entering his 30s, planning for the defensive lineup’s future becomes paramount. Despite the presence of Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez, both plagued by injury concerns, and the promising Jarell Quansah, Liverpool.com emphasizes the need for a strategic move in the transfer market to secure a new defender.

While the specific suitability of Beraldo for Liverpool’s style of play remains uncertain without firsthand observation, the consensus is that acquiring a new defender stands out as a crucial priority for the club, especially considering the potential void left by Matip’s contract situation and the need for long-term planning in the defensive lineup.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan)

Reports suggest that West Ham, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all considered likely to pursue a move for 29-year-old midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu, according to Inter Live. Despite being a talented attacking midfielder, Liverpool, along with other Premier League clubs such as Newcastle, is reported to have interest in Çalhanoğlu. The suggested valuation for the Turkish midfielder is around $54 million (£43 million/€50 million).

However, Liverpool.com expresses skepticism about the likelihood of Liverpool making such a move. The report highlights that Liverpool is not expected to be in the market for a player of Çalhanoğlu’s age profile, especially at the suggested valuation. The sentiment from Liverpool.com is that while additional midfield reinforcements might be considered, the club’s focus would likely be on players with a more defensive-minded skill set, rather than investing in an attacking midfielder nearing the age of 30.