Liverpool could be heading towards one of their busiest summers in recent years, and if the club don’t start getting some important decisions sorted in January, the workload facing Julian Ward and the recruitment team could become enormous.
That’s the concern raised by DaveD0106, who points out that Liverpool have several major issues to address, including Ronald Araujo’s future, contracts for Virgil van Dijk, Rio Ngumoha and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as questions over the full-back positions and midfield.
And I have to agree.
There is a lot to sort out at Anfield, and simply deciding to have a quiet January transfer window could leave Liverpool with an even bigger job when the summer arrives.
Ronald Araujo’s future needs deciding
One of the biggest decisions concerns Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan has made an impact since arriving at Liverpool, offering versatility, physicality and experience to Andoni Iraola’s defence.
Liverpool reportedly have a £47 million purchase option in his loan agreement, although the club are understood to be planning to assess the situation towards the end of the season rather than rushing into a decision.
Personally, if Araujo continues performing at this level, I would seriously consider making the move permanent.
He can play at centre-back and right-back, giving Iraola valuable options. With Liverpool needing to think about the future of their defence, keeping a player of his quality could make plenty of sense.
But it is a significant financial decision, and the club must be certain he fits into their long-term plans.
Van Dijk and Mac Allister contract questions
Virgil van Dijk’s future is another major issue.
Our captain remains an important figure at Anfield, and even at 35, his leadership and experience are difficult to replace.
Liverpool need to decide whether another contract extension is the right move. I would be reluctant to lose a player who still brings so much to the team, particularly with younger defenders developing around him.
Alexis Mac Allister’s situation is different, but equally important.
The Argentine is contracted until 2028, and uncertainty over a new deal has already attracted attention. Liverpool cannot afford to let the situation drift without knowing whether he is part of Iraola’s long-term midfield plans.
If the club want to keep him, they need to make that clear. If they have doubts, they must plan accordingly rather than leave themselves with a difficult decision further down the line.
These are not players Liverpool can replace overnight.
Rio Ngumoha’s future must be protected
Another contract situation that deserves attention is Rio Ngumoha.
The teenager has made enormous progress and is increasingly looking like a player who could become a major part of Liverpool’s future.
Liverpool are reportedly working towards a new long-term agreement, with Julian Ward making it a priority.
That is exactly what supporters want to hear.
Ngumoha has enormous potential, and the club must make sure he feels valued and has a clear pathway into the first team.
There is no guarantee how quickly he will develop, but Liverpool should be doing everything possible to keep one of their most exciting young talents at Anfield.
Full-backs and midfield need serious attention
Then there are the playing positions that need strengthening.
I’ve said before that Liverpool need to look carefully at their full-back options. There are questions over consistency, depth and the long-term balance of the squad.
Milos Kerkez still has plenty of time to develop, but Liverpool need reliable competition and quality in both full-back positions.
The midfield is arguably an even bigger concern.
Liverpool need more balance, creativity and defensive protection. I’ve been calling for a proper defensive midfielder with the qualities we used to see from Fabinho – somebody capable of winning challenges, protecting the back four and allowing the more creative players to get forward.
We also need more forward passing and better service for the attacking players.
Iraola should be given the freedom to shape this midfield according to his own ideas. If he believes changes are needed, the club must back him.
January could be more important than people think
There will always be supporters who would prefer Liverpool to wait until the summer before making major moves.
But I don’t think the club can afford to ignore January completely.
I’m not suggesting Liverpool need to spend recklessly or panic-buy players. However, if there are opportunities to resolve contract situations, secure a future signing or strengthen an important position, they should be considered.
Leaving everything until the summer could create a situation where Liverpool are trying to negotiate contracts, decide on loan players, replace departures and recruit several new players all at once.
That is a lot of business for one transfer window.
Julian Ward has plenty of work ahead
Liverpool have an exciting group of players, but the squad still needs work if the club want to compete consistently for major honours.
The futures of Van Dijk, Mac Allister and Ngumoha need attention. Araujo’s situation must be resolved. The full-back positions need assessing, and the midfield requires serious thought.
That’s before considering any other departures or opportunities in the transfer market.
I don’t necessarily expect Liverpool to have a busy January, but I do expect the club to start making decisions.
Iraola needs the right players to build his team, and Julian Ward has a huge responsibility to make sure the recruitment plans match those ambitions.
Liverpool cannot afford to let another summer arrive with too many unanswered questions.
There is plenty to do at Anfield. The sooner the planning starts, the better.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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