The inspired Liverpool January transfer decision that could help Jurgen Klopp build big-money warchest

Liverpool have found themselves linked to a number of transfer targets in recent months and despite initial reports claiming serious interest, a lot of the links have faded into mere background noise.

André Trindade is perhaps the biggest example. After pushing to bring him to Anfield during the summer, it looked like the Reds were happy to play the long game and return for him in 2024. However, the January transfer window is now open and the trail has gone cold, with Fulham now the main contenders to bring the Brazilian to the Premier League.

The burnt out link to André is unlikely to be a major blow to Liverpool, though, as their need to sign another midfielder is not as high as it was four months ago. There were some lingering concerns over the options in the defensive midfield role, but with Wataru Endō starting to settle in nicely, and Alexis Mac Allister also showing he can operate at No.6, Jurgen Klopp can look to improve other areas of his squad instead.

The biggest fear right now is another injury to the defence. Liverpool lost Andy Robertson to a shoulder injury back in October and he has not featured since. Kostas Tsimikas has done well to step in but he is now also ruled out with a similar problem, leaving no natural left-backs to fill the gap. For the last three league fixtures, Joe Gomez has filled in on the left and while Klopp could probably get away with this set-up until Robertson returns, it leaves the central defence even more exposed.

With Gomez at left-back and Joël Matip out for the rest of the season, Liverpool were looking at just three fit centre-backs to choose from for the rest of the season, which not only includes a Premier League title battle, but a run in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as well.

There's still plenty of time to bring in some new signings this month but the Reds have already made some moves which could reduce the need to splash the cash on emergency recruits. Earlier this week, Rhys Williams was recalled from his loan with Aberdeen, having not played a single minute of Scottish Premiership football. Nat Phillips is also set to return from his loan spell early, having made just eight appearances for Celtic this season.

It's unclear at this moment in time whether Klopp plans to ship them out for a second wind or not, but keeping hold of them both could answer at least some of their defensive concerns. While their seasons so far have not painted the most positive image, fans will do well to remember how they stepped up when Liverpool were hit with an injury wipeout during the 2020/21 season.

All of their senior centre-backs, including Virgil van Dijk, suffered lengthy injuries and Klopp was left with very little to work with. He called upon Phillips and Williams, who hadn't exactly been flush with first team opportunities prior the injury crisis. It was a last resort risk but one the boss was forced to take in the absence of his main starters.

In the final five league games of the season, the duo started and won each one together, keeping three clean sheets along the way. Their efforts earned them the utmost praise from Klopp, who assured them they will have 'a proper career' following their rise into the spotlight. The concentration level they showed again is immense, absolutely insane what they did there," he reflected after their win over Manchester United in May 2021.

Naturally, following the return of van Dijk and the others, the heroes of the hour slipped back down the pecking order and have both been plying their trade on loan. While Liverpool's situation is nowhere near as bad as three years ago, Klopp still needs reinforcements.

To avoid losing even more players to injury, he could utilise both Phillips and Williams to alleviate pressure on the others. Given how quickly they adapted to being thrown in at the deep end, the two defenders would be very welcome additions to this title-challenging side. Deploying them into the first team once again would also give both of them the chance to advertise themselves to potential suitors in the summer, if they are to pursue another move away from Anfield.

Saving money in January also means another thing, more to spend in the summer. Let's not forget the looming exit of Mohamed Salah as well. There's no confirmation that the Egyptian will leave this year, but the likelihood of him hanging up his boots at Anfield is slim, and if Saudi Arabia is still the main destination, the Reds could pocket a handsome amount of money should they choose to cash in during the summer.

In today's market, transfer fees are higher than ever and to replace Salah with a player of similar calibre, they will need a big budget. So instead of panic-buying a centre-back this month and spending tens of millions of pounds, Liverpool could utilise the smart decision to recall two tried and tested back-up options, and save the cash for when they are really going to need it.