Journo reveals whether Liverpool will sign a new left-back in January

The Times reporter Paul Joyce highlighted that Liverpool are unlikely to make any moves in the January transfer window

The Times reporter Paul Joyce insisted that Liverpool are not looking to use the January transfer window as things stand. Joyce further stated that the Reds need to replace the currently injured Joel Matip with a long-term centre-back.

Matip’s future at the club is up for speculation as he is in the last season of his current contract. However, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp desires to grant the 32-year-old a new contract, extending his stay at the club.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has proven his naysayers wrong by reaching his former formidable best while leading “Liverpool 2.0”. Regardless of his fantastic performances, the 32-year-old is not getting any younger just like Matip.

Liverpool defender Joel Matip suffered a season-ending injury against Fulham. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The Reds are currently at the top of the Premier League table but the competition is very high. Only six points are separating two five sides in the Premier League, leaving no room for complacency.

Liverpool have also progressed further in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup, aiming to challenge for every trophy. Challenging for every trophy comes with the price of more fixtures than what other clubs will face.

Klopp’s squad has managed through the congested fixture period of December elegantly despite their injury crisis. The Reds are currently without a natural left-back after injuries to Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson. Klopp has used versatile defender Joe Gomez as a make-shift left-back and the Englishman has delivered strong performances there.

While providing Writer’s Premier League prediction on the January transfer window (h/t Times), Joyce elaborated on Liverpool’s plan. He wrote:

“As it stands, it is unlikely that Liverpool will move into the market during January. The youngster Owen Beck has been brought back from a loan spell at Dundee to provide options at left-back after the injuries to Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Longer term, a centre-back is required.“

Liverpool star Joe Gomez has eased the club's worry during an injury crisis by showing his versatility to play in multiple positions. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) — Liverpool star Joe Gomez has eased the club’s worry during an injury crisis by showing his versatility to play in multiple positions. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool are without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo as both the players are with their respective national teams. Salah captains Egypt in the AFCON competition while Endo captains Japan in the Asian Cup.

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Klopp has built a very cohesive and diverse squad that has played a pivotal role in their success. Nevertheless, the project is far from complete and Liverpool have a big opportunity to end the season with immense success. If there is a solution to the few problems that they have faced this season, they should take it.