Liverpool could be forced to act in the transfer market this month with injuries mounting up for the Reds
Liverpool could yet be forced to act in this month’s transfer market, with the club facing a shortage of personnel in various areas of the pitch. Arne Slot was rocked by news that defender Conor Bradley is now ruled out for the season after suffering an injury in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal last week.
While Liverpool continued their unbeaten streak in their tie with the Gunners, fears of an injury crisis are growing. The Reds are struggling for numbers in defence as well as in attack, with centre-back Geovanni Leoni also ruled out for the majority of the season with an ACL injury.
Mohamed Salah is still away at the Africa Cup of Nations for Egypt, and £125million man Alexander Isak is out for some time with injury. Slot has even had to contend with a minor injury to Hugo Ekitike, who has been absent of late.
With a replacement for Bradley possibly identified and contract talks underway with another star, Mirror Football takes a closer look at the latest transfer news surrounding Anfield.
Conor Bradley replacement identified
Liverpool are looking to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson, according to reports in Germany. Slot needs a new right back after Bradley underwent knee surgery after coming off against Arsenal last week.
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Ryerson has been in strong form for Dortmund. This season, the Norwegian star has registered six assists in 22 appearances. The 28-year-old is primarily a right-back, but he can operate as a left-back and at centre-back, another position where Liverpool are short.
Liverpool may need to offer a substantial amount to convince Dortmund to part with the star midway through their season, however.
Slot will also likely need to convince the defender that he will receive sufficient game time, given that Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong are able to play at right back. Although both players have been preferred in centre-back and at wing-back, respectively.
Contract talks confirmed
On-loan Liverpool midfielder Lewis Koumas is reportedly happy to stay at Birmingham City this season after being given a first-team run under manager Chris Davies. Koumas followed his goal against Coventry City with another solid performance in Saturday evening’s FA Cup win over Cambridge United.
The 20-year-old is having a run in his favoured left-wing position with Demarai Gray currently out injured. “Getting a goal, especially against a team like Coventry, boosts your confidence instantly,” Koumas told BirminghamLive.
He added: “Me being a confidence player, I need that to go and perform freely without any sort of pressure on my back.” Koumas has only started five of his 21 Championship appearances for Blues and It was presumed he would be recalled by Liverpool this month.
Despite his spell in Birmingham not being as productive as his Championship breakthrough at Stoke City last season, he is willing to sit down with Liverpool to discuss his options.
“Last year I played 49 games and started a big majority of them,” said Koumas. “It’s been a different start this year but whenever I get put in I’m ready to give my best.”
However, Koumas and Liverpool will likely want assurances from Davies that his game time won’t dissipate once Gray returns from injury. He said: “We’ve obviously had conversations (with Liverpool) but I’m keeping my head down, working hard and we’ll see what happens.”
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