Liverpool January transfer would be ‘surprising’ despite current gaps in squad

It is two weeks into the transfer window and it has been all quiet on the transfer front for Liverpool.

The Reds have lost Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita to the African Cup of Nations this month and so have been encouraged to bring in some more attacking options.

However, The Athletic’s James Pearce has provided Liverpool fans with a disappointing update regarding their transfer plans.

The journalist is under the impression that Jurgen Klopp’s side aren’t planning on making any signings this month.

As quoted on Anfield Watch’s Twitter account, Pearce told The Athletic: “I'd love to see the squad strengthened this month but I am not aware of anything in the pipeline at this stage. I hope to be surprised.”

The absence of their African stars means that Liverpool are currently relying on Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota for goals, while Takumi Minamino completes their front three.

The Merseyside club have been linked with a number of attackers recently, with the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Luis Diaz thought to be on their radar.

However, if James Pearce is correct then it could be a long month for Liverpool fans as they wait for Salah and Mane to return from international duty.

Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final tie was a perfect example of life without their two forwards as Liverpool failed to penetrate a 10-man Arsenal side.

If the Reds fail to welcome any new arrivals this month then it will mean they have only made two permanent signings in the past year - Ibrahima Konate and Ben Davies.

Liverpool could potentially face another four of five matches without Salah and Mane - with their semi-final second leg against Arsenal still to come.