Liverpool had an almost perfect start to the new season, with the Premier League title firmly in their sights.
Arne Slot leaves the Reds six points clear at the top of the table after a stunning start to the campaign. And while they are on a roll, a few smart signings could get them over the line and deliver the Dutchman the title in his debut season on Merseyside.
Liverpool have already been linked with a host of stars, but it remains to be seen whether they choose to invest heavily. Club chiefs also need to think about their current stars.
Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract next summer. January represents Liverpool's last chance to earn big fees for the trio.
Academy graduate Alexander-Arnold is wanted by Real Madrid – with a £20m bid already rejected – with new contracts on the table for all three. Salah and Van Dijk are both prioritizing new deals on Merseyside, but there is more uncertainty surrounding the English ace.
Take a look at the side Liverpool could field in February:
From the goal, Alisson Becker seems certain to stay between the posts. It is highly unlikely that Liverpool will replace him with Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving in the summer.
There could be a small adjustment in defense. It seems unlikely that the Reds will be keen to sell Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold at this stage, so both should remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Another centre-back could potentially be useful given the ongoing problems faced by Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate. Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie is a long-term target and could potentially be called up. Left back Andrew Robertson would complete a talented defense, but Hincapie is also capable as a full-back and offers an additional solution there too.
Given Ryan Gravenberch's standout performances for Liverpool this season, there may not be much need for midfield reinforcements. But they could revisit a former target.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi almost moved to Anfield this summer but ultimately turned down a move to Merseyside. He has once again been linked with a move to the Premier League, even though Arsenal are the main contenders for his services.
As mentioned, it's not necessarily necessary, especially with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones all over the place. But the extra option – one deemed necessary in pre-season – would only add more depth and quality as they pursue Premier League and European glory.
Dutch forward Cody Gakpo has been in excellent form this season and looks set to secure the left flank, just ahead of Luis Diaz, depending on who is in better form.
Salah is of course an automatic choice on the right. The Egyptian has had a sensational season so far and he may be joined at Anfield by one of his international team-mates who are also having an excellent season themselves.
Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush is being touted for a big move after his eye-catching goalscoring form. He has already scored eighteen goals this season and would thus boost Slot's attacking options, especially if Darwin Nunez's long-term future at the club is in question. Marmoush would allow Nunez to leave – on loan or permanently – while Diogo Jota would remain on site.
Liverpool's potential XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Hincapie, Robertson; Gravenberch, Zubimendi; Mac Allister; Salah, Marmoush, Gakpo.
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