Liverpool have four players who are free to sign pre-contract agreements with other European clubs in January. As players enter the final six months of their existing deals, they are able to speak to potential suitors about a free transfer in the summer. Here, Express Sport looks at the members of Jurgen Klopp’s squad who might explore this option.
Joel Matip
Joel Matip has been a stalwart in Klopp’s side for the past seven years but it is clear the 32-year-old is coming to the end of his tenure. Over the last couple of seasons, Matip has visibly slowed down and appears to be struggling to keep up with the pace of the English game.
Mistakes are also starting to set in. A clumsy own goal against Tottenham cost nine-man Liverpool a crucial point in stoppage time while he is often caught completely out of position when he goes on one of his wild charges up the field.
Defence is an area Klopp is expected to reinforce in the New Year meaning Matip will likely take a hit to his game time. As a result, it is highly probable that the German centre half will explore his options in January.
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara’s Liverpool career has been marred by injuries since his arrival from Bayern Munich in 2020 for an initial £20million. The Spaniard has not played for the club since April after undergoing surgery for a persistent hip issue.
But despite his injury woes, there are plenty of clubs that are willing to give him a punt. According to ESPN, Barcelona are keen on bringing him to the Nou Camp on a free transfer next summer as they look to bolster their midfield under financial constraints while Juventus and Inter Milan are also keeping a close eye on his contractual situation.
Adrian
Third-choice goalkeeper Adrian was expected to leave the club last season after only featuring in one game but Klopp decided to extend his contract by a further year due to his positive impact on the dressing room. However, with no new deal on the horizon again this year, the former West Ham shot-stopper will weigh up whether to retire or move elsewhere in 2024.
Conor Bradley
20-year-old right back Conor Bradley’s future is in doubt as he enters the final six months of his current deal. The Northern Ireland international is currently out of action after suffering a stress fracture in his back and has struggled to break into the first team during his time with the club.
