Liverpool might sign five players in January, including Jurgen Klopp’s “favorite.”

The first of our two center-back candidates. Liverpool are thought to be interested in signing Sporting Lisbon’s Inacio, 22. Since his debut in the 2020-21 season, he’s been a constant in Sporting’s defense, appearing in roughly 150 games.

Inacio has four medals to his name at Sporting, including the league title in his debut season, and has five senior caps for Portugal this season. The left-footed star is a modern defender in that he can also play at right-back and in midfield.

Liverpool also requires a defender, as Joel Matip is sidelined for the season due to a catastrophic knee injury. Matip’s contract expires in June as well. Inacio may be the ideal substitute, and he wouldn’t be too pricey, with rumors claiming his release clause is £52 million. Arsenal and Manchester United are also interested in him. Keep an eye on this space!

Piero Hincapie

Hincapie, a 21-year-old Ecuadorian who has recently impressed for Bayer Leverkusen, is Liverpool’s alternative center-back option. Under Reds legend Xavi Alonso, Leverkusen are four points ahead of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Hincapie has only made three starts under Alonso this season due to their strong run, and he may be permitted to depart if the price is right. However, according to rumors in Germany, Leverkusen is determined to maintain the £30 million-rated star. If Klopp makes a move, it will be interesting to see if they can resist Liverpool’s allure.

Antonee Robinson

With Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas both sidelined, Liverpool’s left-back position is currently a problem. Robertson had shoulder surgery in October, while Tsimikas recently shattered his collarbone and will be gone “for a long time.”

Although Robertson is anticipated to be ready within a month, Klopp may yet make a decision in January. The Reds are interested in Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, according to 90min. The 26-year-old US international is a seasoned defender who has appeared in 81 Premier League games, including 18 this season.

Any move for a new left-back will be contingent on Joe Gomez’s future. The versatile defender, 26, has filled in well for Robertson and Tsimikas but may depart Merseyside in January in search of more regular playing time. Tottenham, who are currently dealing with an injury crisis, are thought to be interested in acquiring Gomez in January.

Jarrod Bowen

Mohamed Salah must be replaced on a long-term basis by Liverpool. Egypt’s international, 31, is coveted by Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad, who are anticipated to pursue him until he is signed. Liverpool already turned down a £150 million bid in August.

Al-Ittihad are unlikely to make a January bid, as Salah is expected to conclude the season on Merseyside. However, a summer transfer is a distinct possibility, as Liverpool will find it tough to turn down another massive bid for the 32-year-old, who has a year left on his contract.

With Salah ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, now could be the ideal moment to bring in a substitute. Bowen, a West Ham winger, is the name on everyone’s lips after scoring the game-winning goal in last season’s Europa Conference League final.

Bowen would not be cheap, maybe costing up to £100 million, but he is having a fantastic season at West Ham, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. Klopp, who recently dubbed him his “favorite player,” also holds high regard for the England international.

“(Bowen is) probably my favorite player besides all my players, I have to say,” Klopp added. It’s fantastic what he’s doing and how he’s grown.”