Liverpool could look to sell high on Adam Lallana in January
Liverpool have just completed what many fans believe was a very solid summer transfer window. That doesn’t mean Jurgen Klopp won’t be busy in January though. Expect his roster revolution to continue when the winter window opens.
Much of the media focus will be on players Klopp might choose to bring to Anfield. Just as much attention should be paid to what current Liverpool stars might be jettisoned to make room for the incoming stars.
In particular, Liverpool need to find some more talent for their back four. It’s possible they’ll look to sell a few attacking players to raise funds to support their defense. Purchasing quality defenders might not be as appealing to fans as purchasing big-name attackers, but it’s a certain requirement for a club that wants to challenge for a Premier League title.
The acquisition of some additional talent, could lead to some Liverpool regulars being shown the door. Certainly a few names on this list should be obvious to most fans, but there are some surprises as well. No one should feel safe and comfortable with Klopp at the helm. Read on to discover the five Liverpool stars that could be sent to new clubs come January.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 28: Willian of Chelsea takes on Kevin Stewart of Liverpool during the 2016 International Champions Cup match between Chelsea and Liverpool on July 28, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
5. Kevin Stewart
Kevin Stewart is exactly the type of player that Liverpool fans love to cheer for. He gives maximum effort every time he steps out onto the pitch, and clearly loves the club. Unfortunately, he just isn’t talented enough to be a difference-maker for a club challenging for a spot in the top four.
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It’s not that Stewart isn’t a capable Premier League substitute. He could certainly fill that role for a club in the bottom half of the division. He just lacks the talent to fill that void for Liverpool.
The Reds wouldn’t be the first Premier League club to give up on Stewart. He joined the Reds on a free transfer from Tottenham just two seasons ago. It’s only a matter of time before Liverpool come to the same conclusion as Spurs.
Selling Stewart isn’t going to earn Liverpool a huge transfer fee, but anything they get for the versatile midfielder will be pure profit. Look for the Reds to cash in on January.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Alberto Moreno of Liverpool during the International Champions Cup 2016 match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
4. Alberto Moreno
Spanish left back Alberto Moreno has endured a nightmare start to the Liverpool campaign. His poor play has drawn the ire of the club’s fans and football pundits alike. His horrible start could easily lead to a January departure.
In all honesty, I’m still a believer in Moreno’s talent. I acknowledge that he’s wildly inconsistent, but I’m still more inclined to believe he could be Liverpool’s long-term answer at left back than James Milner.
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I’m guessing Klopp doesn’t agree. He’s quickly banished Moreno to the bench in favor of the converted English defender. Milner is certainly the safer choice, but he lacks the tantalizing upside of Moreno.
Even though I still think Moreno has a chance to develop into a consistent player, I wouldn’t blame Klopp for trying to purchase a more finished product this January. Left back will surely be a position the club addresses this winter, and it could easily lead to Moreno leaving Anfield for good.
BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool celebrates with Divock Origi of Liverpool after the EFL Cup second round match between Burton Albion and Liverpool at Pirelli Stadium on August 23, 2016 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
3. Divock Origi
Belgian attacker Divock Origi has played 60 minutes this season for Liverpool and is the club’s worst statistically rated player per Whoscored.com. That certainly isn’t a large sample size, but it reinforces the notion that he is much more about style than substance.
It’s not as if he’s a 18-year-old starlet freshly called up from the Academy either. We’re talking about a 21-year-old who’s spent considerable time with Belgium’s senior team. He should be able to contribute meaningful minutes off the Liverpool bench at this point in his career.
If he doesn’t demonstrate an ability to help Klopp between now and January, he’s going to find himself headed out the door. His age, and international experience will allow the club to fetch a high price for him on the transfer market. Klopp will believe he can use those funds more efficiently to find a replacement.
Some Liverpool fans might want to give Origi more time, but I wouldn’t blame Klopp for cutting the cord. He looks to be one of those attackers who always looks better than they actually are. Best for the Reds to be rid of that sort before the rest of the world figures out the trick.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool arrives at the stadium during the Premier League match between Burnley and Liverpool at Turf Moor on August 20, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
2. Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge is one of Liverpool’s most talented attackers, but there is an obvious disconnect between he and Klopp. The English attacker only wants to play as a central striker, while the German boss feels more comfortable playing him out on the wing.
This is one of those rare arguments where both men could be right. Sturridge clearly has enough talent to be a starting centre forward at Liverpool. He proved he can score goals by the bushel under former manager Brendan Rodgers.
That is, if he’s healthy. The English striker is injury prone to say the least. Klopp has every reason to hesitate in turning over the keys to his attack to a player who will likely miss significant match time.
Both men are dug into their respective positions. Both men have solid logic to support their point of view. That’s why a January sale is so likely.
If Sturridge isn’t the club’s starting centre forward when January rolls around, he’ll be worth more to another club. Some Premier League side struggling in the middle of the table, or even one in a relegation battle, will break the bank to pry him away from the Reds. Jurgen Klopp will be happy to profit from his sale, and reinvest the funds on a player he feels he can rely on.
TRNAVA, SLOVAKIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Adam Lallana of England as he scores their first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group F qualifying match between Slovakia and England at City Arena on September 4, 2016 in Trnava, Slovakia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
1. Adam Lallana
It may seem crazy to suggest that Liverpool might sell Lallana when he’s playing so well, but I do think it’s possible. Klopp could look to take advantage of his fine form to cash in at the height of his transfer value.
The English international is off to a fine start to the Premier League campaign. He’s registered one goal and one assist in just three matches. He also saved Sam Allardyce with his stoppage time goal for England this weekend. Lallana’s stock has never been higher.
That’s the sort of performance that Liverpool should expect from a high-priced 28-year-old attacking midfielder though. It’s safe to say that prior to this season, Lallana has been a mild disappointment compared to his purchase price. Might the Liverpool transfer committee see his hot form now as an outlier?
More importantly, another club could think his current hot form is the rule, rather than the exception. If so, Liverpool might receive a transfer offer in excess of 30 million pounds for the English attacker. Do you really think Klopp would turn that down? Something tells me the German manager would be more than happy to take his chances with purchasing a new attacking midfielder for that sum. Lallana might be playing his way out of Anfield.
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