Liverpool was criticized for a lack of activity during the summer transfer window – but the Reds could look to sign players in January to boost their Premier League title charge

Martin Zubimendi remains a Reds target (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has settled on Martin Zubimendi and Milos Kerkez as possible transfer targets in the January window.

The Reds largely kept their powder dry in the summer, signing just two players in Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa, and neglecting to reinforce the midfield after Zubimendi U-turned on a move to Anfield.

Plenty of Liverpool fans voiced their discontent at the lack of incomings after the transfer window closed, but the team’s performances at the beginning of the season saw those grumbles largely dissipate. Still, Arne Slot would no doubt prefer more strength in depth given the intense schedule his players will have to deal with from here on out.

Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley both sustained injuries during the win over Real Madrid on Wednesday, and that will no doubt have served as a reminder to Slot about how important it is to have a strong squad to call upon when injuries strike.

Kerkez is Bournemouth’s first-choice left-back and Liverpool has been linked with him for several weeks, with Slot seemingly keen to shore up in that area of the pitch. Andy Robertson is not having his best season, while Kostas Tsimikas is injured, and both players will be the wrong side of 30 by the end of next season, hastening Liverpool’s need for a long-term left-back.

Manchester United and Liverpool are both said to be admirers of Kerkez, with United reportedly registering interest during the 2024 summer transfer window, only to be discouraged by Bournemouth’s $52 million asking price.

TeamTalk also says that Liverpool could revive its pursuit of Zubimendi, despite being snubbed by the Spanish midfielder over the summer. Slot remains an admirer of the Real Sociedad midfielder and is said to want to recruit him in order to ease the burden on Ryan Gravenberch, who has thrived in the deep-lying midfield role that Zubimendi was earmarked to play in from the start of the season.

Arsenal is also said to be interested in Zubimendi, but Liverpool is reportedly confident that it can beat the Gunners in the race to sign him.