The Reds will now look to restart their title campaign with a short break before returning to action against Bournemouth on January 21. But their mission becomes more complicated as the number of victims rises. Trent Alexander-Arnold is now expected to be out for at least three weeks with a knee problem, which could increase the pressure on Liverpool going into the January transfer window.
Two possible options have emerged this week, one of which could see Alexander-Arnold stay at full-back. Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough) Hackney would be a bit of a wild card in the defensive midfield role. Although he has impressed for Middlesbrough this season and played for England Under-21s, reports suggest the Championship club will sign him and eventually leave. What this “sensational” offer means is somewhat of a mystery, but it should be a defender for Liverpool to sign this month. Maybe that will happen again this summer.
Jeremy Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
It’s been a good start to 2024 at Liverpool. However, United could do so if their injury problems are resolved quickly. Jurgen Klopp’s side, who consolidated their position at the top of the Premier League and knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup, continued their quest for victory in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham on Wednesday. Goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo gave Liverpool a 2-1 lead in the second game in two weeks.
Liverpool could struggle to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, with the Evening Standard claiming Spurs are the latest team to join the race. Manchester City and Manchester United are also interested in the 21-year-old. Hackney came under increased scrutiny after scoring the winning goal against Chelsea in the surprise Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
The Championship club have warned clubs that they will be open to offers in the summer and will not sell the midfielder before January if a “surprising” bid comes through.
Liverpool are one of a number of teams tracking Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremy Frimpong, according to Football Insider. The Netherlands international has scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in 22 appearances in all competitions during Leverkusen’s remarkable rise this season. Aston Villa are also interested in the 23-year-old, while Manchester United and Arsenal are also linked. Frimpong is expected to be released later this year, with a release clause worth around $45m (£35m/€41m), Bild said.
