Jurgen Klopp addresses speculation over January transfer moves

Jurgen Klopp has played down suggestions that Liverpool could dip into the market for a new centre back in the January transfer window.

The Reds suffered a huge blow earlier this week with the confirmation that Joel Matip has ruptured his ACL, likely ruling him out for the rest of the 2023/24 season.

Liverpool had been tipped to move for a new defender during the summer but ultimately focussed exclusively on the midfield rebuild, while promoting 20-year-old centre back Jarell Quansah to first-team duties.

Reports have suggested that the Reds could accelerate plans to sign a new defender next month, following Matip's long-term injury.

However, Klopp has poured cold water on the transfer talk.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace, he said: "You always talk about transfers like it is the easiest thing in the world. They all cost money, it must be the right player. We still have four centre-backs. Tell me a club which wants to sell a top, top centre-half. Tell me one."

He added: "Is it now perfect? As long as we can go with those four [centre-backs].

"If not, then it will be a bit more tricky with the amount of games coming up. It was never wonderland when you bring a world-class centre-back until the other one is fit again. As long as other clubs don't put them under the Christmas tree for us and say 'Take it and use it for as long as you need it'... I didn't really think about it yet because it was only five days since we had that problem. I don't think so, to be honest."

Liverpool have been linked with Wolfsburg's Maxence Lacroix and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi since Matip's injury, while Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio and Sao Paulo's Lucas Beraldo have regularly been named as targets in recent months.

Elsewhere, Klopp hinted that Matip – who is in the final year of his Liverpool contract – could yet be offered an extension, despite his injury.

"I’m pretty sure the club will show their class, as you should do it," he said. "I’m pretty sure the club told Joel already that, whatever happens, as long as he is injured everything is fine.

"Now we have to make the decision with Joel how it looks after that. That’s a normal thing to do but he deserves all the support from us and he will get it.

“I would say so [there's a chance of a new deal], but it’s not my decision in the end. I cannot sign the papers."