The Reds have signed some of their most influential stars during the January window.
There are few Premier League sides with a better winter transfer record than Liverpool.
Since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp in 2015, the Reds have increased their mid-season transfer activity. The German boss is known for quickly integrating new players into his squad, with Luis Dias being the most recent example of his successful transfer strategy for the January window.
Let’s take a look at some of the best January signings in Liverpool’s history.
5- Daniel Sturridge
Chelsea loaned out Sturridge to Bolton in January 2011 as he struggled to find his place in the Blues’ crowded attacking line. A year later, his performances convinced Liverpool to sign him on a £12m deal.
Under Brendan Rodgers, Sturridge found a fantastic start to his Liverpool career, scoring 11 goals in his first six months at Anfield.
The Reds hoped to have found their next great striker in Sturridge. But fitness issues limited the former Manchester City star to only 67 goals during his Liverpool spell.
Another January transfer saw Sturridge move to West Brom on a loan deal in 2018 before he joined Turkish side Trabozanspor six months later.
4- Javier Mascherano
Mascherano established his reputation as a solid defensive midfielder at West Ham before landing a loan move to Liverpool in 2007.
The Argentine’s impressive performances under Rafa Benitez convinced the Reds to make his move permanent for £18m a year later.
Mascherano stayed for three years at Anfield, making 139 appearances for the club. It was during this period that he gradually changed his position to centre-back.
In 2010, Mascherano forced a move away from Liverpool as he realized his dream of joining Barcelona. The former Argentina international later regretted that he didn’t leave Anfield on good terms.
3- Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho’s transfer was one of the most profitable deals in Liverpool’s history.
Arriving on an £8.5m transfer in January 2013, Coutinho attracted little interest from the media upon his arrival. But he soon developed into one of the best forwards in the Premier League.
During his five-year spell at Anfield, Coutinho delivered a number of memorable displays for the Reds. His combination of incredible dribbling and shooting skills matched perfectly with Liverpool’s attacking football.
The Brazilian star registered 54 goals and 45 assists in his 201 appearances for the Reds across all competitions. He became Liverpool’s most expensive departure ever when he joined Barcelona on a £142m deal in 2018.
2- Luis Suarez
Suarez was already an established talent at Ajax when Liverpool signed him on a £22.7m deal in January 2011.
The Uruguayan star set himself up for a big task when he wore Kenny Dalglish’s legendary No. 7 jersey. But he managed to pull it brilliantly during his four-and-a-half-year spell at Anfield.
An incredible 2013-14 campaign saw Suarez claim the Premier League’s Golden Boot with 31 goals. The Reds were one step away from claiming the league title, but Suarez had to leave the club with just an EFL Cup.
The Uruguay international secured a place among Liverpool’s best-ever strikers, registering 82 goals and 46 assists in his 133 appearances for the Reds.
1- Virgil van Dijk
Signing Van Dijk is the best January transfer decision Liverpool have ever made. The Dutchman’s move was the missing piece of the puzzle for the Reds, paving the way for their historic success under Jurgen Klopp.
Van Dijk became the most expensive defender in history when he joined the Reds on an £80.1m deal in 2018. But he soon justified that transfer fee with a host of top-class performances under Klopp.
The Dutchman was crucial to Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2019. He then led the Reds’ backline through an unforgettable 2019-20 Premier League campaign that saw Liverpool win the title after more than 30 years.
A number of new centre-backs have arrived at Anfield in recent seasons. But none of them has been able to challenge Van Dijk’s starting spot at the heart of Liverpool’s defence line.
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