Although the summer transfer window has long since slammed shut, the transfer rumour mill does not stop with eyes already on the January transfer window.
The Reds eventually ended the summer with a great midfield haul of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
The midfield department was replenished and revamped during the summer, but the defense remained an area in which Liverpool could use an extra body or two.
This was highlighted during the match against Wolves, where Jarrel Quansah was thrown in the deep end for his first Premier League start – where he performed admirably.
Liverpool have been previously linked with Japanese international Yukinari Sugawara.
It is believed that he can provide competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right-hand side of the defense, with Calvin Ramsay currently on loan at Preston North End.
The 23-year-old made 47 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch side last term and was part of the AZ Alkmaar side that lost to West Ham United in last season’s UEFA Conference League semifinals.
The right-back, who can also play in the centre of defense if required, has started the new season in excellent form.
So far this season, he has created the most big chances in the Eredivisie (4) and the second most chances (16).
This demonstrates that Sugawara is offensively capable, something that a Jurgen Klopp full-back needs to be able to do.
The fact that he can play, and has played, as a centre-back suggests he is defensively sound as well.
He has started most of AZ’s games this season as a marauding right-back.
The Japanese international is believed to be valued around €20m and is one to watch for the January transfer window.
🇯🇵 Yukinari Sugawara has recently been linked with #LFC and he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.
So far this season he has created the most big chances in the Eredivisie (4) and the second most chances (16).
Not bad for a right-back. He’s quite solid defensively as… pic.twitter.com/6HCCZj6S4K
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) September 18, 2023
