Premier League: Will Liverpool Sign A Center-Back In January? Klopp Gives Crucial Update

Jurgen Klopp said Sunday that he is not sure if Liverpool will sign a center-back in the ongoing January transfer window despite the team struggling with injuries.

The Reds are without their first-choice center-back duo of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, while the back-up senior defender Joel Matip is also out of action as he is recovering from an abductor problem.

During a pre-match press conference on the eve of Liverpool's clash with Southampton in the 2020-21 Premier League, Klopp opened up on his side's plans for the January transfer window, which is expected to be a busy one for many clubs.

"We have solutions in the squad obviously but we struggled still with injuries. For most of the time with center-half position, it can happen like this - when it starts, it does not stop. We have solutions with the squad but if we can do something in the window, I don’t know. It is like that. It is a very difficult transfer window, as you can imagine. Not all of the clubs have real money. Just doing something makes no sense. Doing the right thing makes sense. So far, we have really liked what we have done," said Klopp when asked if Liverpool will make any signings in January.

Defensive midfielder Fabinho has been covering in the back of the line, while Klopp has also given many opportunities to his inexperienced defender duo of Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips. The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut last month against Spurs and had 10 competitive appearances for Reds in 2020-21, including three starts in the Champions League. Phillips has played three league games this campaign and has started all of them.

The previous season saw Liverpool securing the league title by quite a big margin. After 16 matches into 2020-21, Liverpool are level on points with Manchester United but are at the top of the table because of a superior goal difference.

In the same press conference, Klopp admitted that he was ready for a much closer race this time around.

"Yes, for sure. Last season was very tough for us as well. It was not as though we thought, 'Oh my god this is easy.' It was really tough and this year is tough again. I am not surprised it is that close. We have our situation and all the other clubs have their situation. Our season is so far so good. Not more, not less. We try to be ready for each game. Now Southampton will ask for different things. Then Aston Villa [in the FA Cup], then Man Utd," added the German boss.

Even though the club has kept their January plans low key, it has been reported that Liverpool do have a few defensive targets on their list for the ongoing window.

After drawing two back-to-back matches, Klopp's Liverpool will look to defeat Southampton on Monday and return to winning ways. A win at St Mary's will also open a three-point lead in the league for the reigning champions.