Liverpool make shock change of direction in transfer target: report

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield on November 12, 2023 in Liverpool, England.
(Image credit: MB Media/Getty Images)

Liverpool have significantly and surprisingly changed direction in their transfer plans for January.

That's according to one report that says that Jurgen Klopp has changed his mind on his priority, after links to several defensive midfielders over the last few months. Brazilian Andre Trindade has been a major name mentioned as a top target – but now, the Standard claim that Fulham have pulled ahead in the race for the Fluminense star.

And Klopp is recalibrating ahead of what could be a pivotal transfer window, with the Reds sitting second in the table and going strong in Europe. 

Andre of Fluminense celebrates the team's second goal scored by teammate German Cano (not in frame) during a match between Cruzeiro and Fluminense as part of Brasileirao 2023 at Mineirao Stadium on May 10, 2023 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Andre Trindade has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Image credit: Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

Nizaar Kinsella of the Standard claims that Liverpool are instead focusing on defensive targets, suggesting that they're more bothered about upgrading at centre-back rather than midfield.

So far this season, the Reds have opted for a box midfield consisting of Alexis Mac Allister and Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of a three-man base – with Klopp eschewing a true defensive midfielder in favour of two more progressive types. Wataru Endo was signed but has not started in the Premier League.

Fans are polarised, however, as to whether the club need a true defensive midfielder in there or whether another centre-back should be prioritised. While Liverpool's midfield are a little vulnerable in transition at current, the backline could do with reinforcement, too, with Klopp's high line integral to the way that his side defend these counters. 

Alexis Mac Allister in action for Liverpool against Tottenham in the Premier League in September 2023.

Alexis Mac Allister isn't really a No.6 – but has played there all season (Image credit: Getty Images)

Goncalo Inacio has been linked with a move to Liverpool since the summer. 

Andre is valued at €15 million by Transfermarkt

More Liverpool stories

On his return to the first team for the Reds, Luis Diaz was the hero with a late leveller against Luton at Kenilworth Road. Manager Jurgen Klopp called it a "wonderful moment", but said his father's freedom was the most important thing.

The winger's father was eventually released after 12 days and has revealed details of his ordeal for the first time.

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Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.