Liverpool Remain Challengers but Reinforcements may be Needed

Liverpool made a stunning start to the 2018/19 season with six straight Premier League wins, while the icing on the cake was a thrilling 3-2 Champions League victory against Paris Saint-Germain – a fantastic way to get the Reds’ European campaign up and running.

Elimination from the EFL Cup by Chelsea at Anfield, followed by a Premier League draw against the Blues just a few days later, made for a disappointing end to September. After the frustrating Champions League defeat at Napoli to start October, fans and pundits alike are wondering whether further signings are needed to strengthen the squad.

Despite hitting a few bumps in the road of late, Liverpool remain the outright betting favourites at MoPlay to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title at 9/4. The two met for the first time this season on Sunday, playing out a goalless draw which keeps the unbeaten pair together on 20 points with eight games played.

If the Reds don’t get back to winning ways, and quickly, questions will inevitably continue to be raised. Likewise, the gossip columns are already suggesting that despite an excellent summer of transfer activity, this squad still isn’t the finished article and additional reinforcements are needed, if the team is to genuinely challenge for silverware this season.

One potential transfer target doing the rounds again is Brazilian left-back Alex Telles, who was already linked in June and was even mentioned in the Media Watch section of the official Liverpool website, after various outlets had published rumours suggesting he was destined for a move to Anfield.

Although no deal was eventually concluded before the summer transfer window slammed shut, 25-year-old Telles apparently remains a target thanks to his outstanding performances at FC Porto, consistently clocking up the highest match ratings for his team this season, both on the domestic front in the Portuguese league and in the Champions League.

Indeed, Telles produced a man-of-the-match display that will undoubtedly have interested Liverpool officials, who were reportedly in attendance as FC Porto beat Galatasaray 1-0 in the Champions League, weighing up the possibility of making a €40 million swoop when the January transfer window opens.

Liverpool are hardly lacking when it comes to left-back options, though a move for Telles is regarded as one which will provide stiff competition for Andrew Robertson, who has been excellent since his arrival from Hull City in 2017.

James Milner showed great versatility to deputise last season in the same position, although he has since returned to playing in his more natural midfield roles. Meanwhile, Alberto Moreno has continued to see his opportunities diminish under Jurgen Klopp and hasn’t played a single minute this season.

As such, 26-year-old Moreno has already been tipped for a return to Spain, reports recently linking Barcelona with interest in a January move that could revive his career, as they seek additional left-back cover for Jordi Alba. Such a move would undoubtedly pave the way for Liverpool to solidify their interest in FC Porto star Telles.