Liverpool were handed a huge dose of encouragement on New Year’s Eve, as one of their top transfer targets turned in a stunning performance, while also helping their title ambitions.
The Reds are set to scour the January transfer market for defensive recruits, despite Jurgen Klopp previously stating how much he dislikes the mid-season window.
Liverpool have been cut bare at the back, with injuries to the centre of defence and also at left-back. First choice star Andy Robertson has been on the sidelines for months, while his deputy Kostas Tsimikas recently broke his collar bone against rivals Arsenal.
According to mounting reports, the Reds are seriously examining Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson, with hopes of making a push for his signature in January.
The pacey left back has made a name for himself in the Premier League, and had already gained the admiration of Man City boss Pep Guardiola.
On Sunday evening Robinson was integral as Fulham pulled off a shock comeback victory over title chasing Arsenal, to leave Liverpool clear at the top of the division with a game-in-hand.
This is just one reason why Klopp will already be excited by the potential new signing, given he has in some small part already played a role in Liverpool gunning for Premier League glory.
What will excite Klopp more, no doubt, is Robinson’s ability to nullify the best players in the English top flight.
Going up against Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka, Robinson did not appear out of his depth in either attacking or defensive capacities down the flank.
The 26-year-old USA international was able to continually win back possession for his side from the likes of Saka with heavy pressing and intense work-rate, while then manufacturing a counter attack upfield.
Off the back of the Tsimikas’ recent injury, 90min claimed Liverpool have reached out to Fulham about signing Robinson. The report says they have discussed Robinson’s availability just months after he inked a new five-year contract at Craven Cottage.
Robinson was one of the best players on the pitch when Fulham narrowly lost 4-3 to Liverpool at Anfield at the start of December. And it is claimed the USA international is open to the move and that the Reds are hopeful of striking an agreement to sign him next month.
Klopp will also monitor the market for a potential candidate who can play both at left back and also cover the area of central defence if required.
Liverpool’s ideal January addition would be a left-sided centre-back capable of playing at full-back, someone such as Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio. The Merseyside club are not expected to be busy in the winter window, however.
Despite losing Joel Matip to a season-ending knee injury, Jarell Quansah has stepped up brilliantly and the 20-year-old – who kept a clean sheet at Burnley – can expect a lot of minutes between now and the end of May.
