Five January Liverpool signings that could get Anfield rocking

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 Dec 2023 09:42 GMT
• 5 min read

Jurgen Klopp wants to improve the Anfield atmosphere.

The Liverpool boss complained about the lack of noise generated by Reds supporters during their 5-1 demolition of West Ham. "I have to say - it's long ago that I said this - but I thought the first half a little bit, when the boys played really exceptional, I was not overly happy, I have to say, with the atmosphere behind me," Klopp said mere days after the disappointing 0-0 draw with Man Utd during which the atmosphere also came under scrutiny.

"We need Anfield on their toes from the first second without me having an argument with the opposition coach. We need you from the first second. If you really want, if it's too much football in December, I don't know. Sorry, we have to play it as well. But if you are not in the right shape, give your ticket to somebody else."

Playing exciting football is the best way to get people on their feet, but you need the right players to be able to do that. So, here are five January signings that could get Anfield rocking.

Johan Bakayoko

Despite recently doubling down on his early-season comments that he wouldn't leave PSV "even for €100 million," Liverpool must move for Johan Bakayoko if they want to get people excited. The PSV winger is an exceptional talent, having racked up four goals and 13 assists so far this term.

An exhilarating creative force, the 20-year-old Belgian international is the kind of player who will get people off their seats. Liverpool have been linked with him and should at least try to snap him up. In the long-term, Bakayoko could be Mohamed Salah's replacement; in the short-term, he could push the Egyptian centrally and Darwin Nunez out of the starting line-up, something many Reds fans wouldn't be too upset about.

Lois Openda

Heavily linked with the Reds, RB Leipzig star Lois Openda is quickly becoming one of Europe's most sought-after commodities. A compatriot of Bakayoko, the Belgian striker has netted a whopping 15 times already this term, including three goals against Liverpool's title rivals Man City.

The 23-year-old could solve the Reds' centre-forward problems, but signing him, especially in January, will be a tall task. In 2025, he will be available for €80m due to a release clause, but in 2024, Leipzig could hold out for as much as €100m, having only signed him in the summer.

Victor Boniface

While Openda would be a spectacular signing, there is another Bundesliga striker, whose signing would arguably make even more sense: Victor Boniface. The Bayer Leverkusen star is enjoying a scintillating campaign with 16 goals and eight assists in 23 games.

A towering centre-forward, the Nigerian is actually a winger at heart. As FootballTransfers previously explained, the 22-year-old would be the perfect signing for the Reds, being capable of starring out wide and centrally. With the dribbling and playfulness of a winger, the vision of a number ten and the drive to score of Erling Haaland, Boniface is one of Europe's most exciting players right now.

Piero Hincapie

While defenders aren't typically the most exciting signings a club can make (unless they are called Virgil van Dijk), there is no doubt that they are some of the most important. Having lost Joel Matip for the season, Liverpool would be well advised to strengthen the centre-back department.

Often linked with the Reds, Piero Hincapie wouldn't just be a central option. The versatile 21-year-old is also a skilled left-back and knows how to feature in a back three, which would allow Jurgen Klopp to unleash Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield more consistently. Hincapie has a €70m release clause and is surely frustrated with his lack of game time at Leverkusen.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Perhaps the most unrealistic signing, Aurelien Tchouameni nevertheless continues to be frequently linked with a move to Anfield. The €100m man is regarded at Real Madrid as the club's future, but it's not been easy for him to consistently perform at the level expected.

The defensive midfield position is one that desperately needs strengthening at Liverpool and Tchouameni would be a spectacular signing despite the rather inconspicuous nature of his position. The Frenchman would allow Klopp to unshackle the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch from their defensive responsibilities to some extent, allowing them showcase their offensive talents more often.