‘Will struggle’: Jamie Carragher issues major Liverpool warning in grim transfer window verdict
Jamie Carragher is concerned for his former side as they enter the second half of the season
Jamie Carragher has concerns over how far Liverpool’s current squad will take them this season. The Anfield icon has urged his old club to enter the January transfer window with their wits about them, despite spending a record-breaking amount of cash over the summer.
Liverpool will be without marquee signing Alexander Isak for at least a couple of months while he recovers from a fibula fracture. With Hugo Ekitike the only natural, senior centre-forward on the books, the Reds are considering signing a new striker to ease the pressure on the Frenchman.
Carragher is worried Liverpool will need more than that to keep their season alive, though. After their streak of wins at the start of the season suggested luck was on their side, Arne Slot’s side descended into freefall as they recorded six losses in seven Premier League outings.
The Reds are back in form now but they still look a little way off their dominant selves from last season.
Liverpool Champions League hopes in danger unless new transfers secured
Writing in his latest column for The Telegraph, Carragher has addressed Liverpool’s dramatic fall from grace. With the top spot ten points out of their reach, the centre-back is also concerned the Reds risk losing out on Champions League football as well.
“If Arne Slot does not have another attacker and centre-back before the end of January, his team will struggle to finish in the top four,” Carragher said.
“When clubs spend heavily in mid-season it is usually because they are in a state of emergency, the needs of those fighting relegation the greatest. West Ham’s recruiters should be the busiest in England for the next four weeks. But Liverpool cannot allow a disappointing first half of this campaign to become a terrible full season by missing out on the Champions League spots.”
Jamie Carragher stresses what Liverpool need in January
While a new centre-forward has become a priority, Liverpool are also in need of new options across the backline. Their major target has been, and remains to be, Marc Guehi. However, there is a lot of competition for his signature.
“If Liverpool do not or cannot get Guehi now, they need an alternative,” Carragher continued. “Virgil van Dijk has been carrying the defence all season. He is not at his best, but even slightly off form he is better than 90 per cent of centre-backs in the Premier League. Without him, Liverpool would be in a worse position.
“Given how much Liverpool invested last summer, it’s hard to believe they are in such need of more players.
“A deal for a wide attacker and centre-back would not guarantee Liverpool finish in the top four, but it would make a stronger second half of the season more likely and help ensure there is an instant return on the £450m already invested.
“The time has passed for Liverpool to linger on the problems and misfortunes that put them in such a tough situation in the Premier League. Now they need fixes.”