Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Liverpool could be set for another big January spend as head coach Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen his squad for the second half of the season, while plans are also underway for the summer 2027 transfer window.
Since taking charge at Anfield, Iraola has won 10 of his first 16 matches in all competitions, losing just three. However, there are still areas that need improvement, particularly in defence.
Liverpool have kept just four clean sheets this season and conceded two or more goals on six occasions. There are also growing concerns among supporters about the lack of bite in midfield, with several players linked with moves to Merseyside.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have added Brighton centre-back Luka Vuskovic to their shortlist for next summer, with the 19-year-old being monitored regularly. He is currently valued at around €100million.
Plettenberg posted on X: “Liverpool have Luka Vuskovic on their shortlist for next summer. The 19 y/o top defender is being monitored regularly. #LFC.
“His contract at Brighton is valid until 2031. No release clause will be available next summer. Current price valuation: around €100m (+/-). Vuskovic is very happy under Fabian Hürzeler. However, his dream is to join Real Madrid one day.”
Vuskovic was linked with a move to Liverpool before joining Brighton from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer for a club record fee of £46m on a five-year contract, with an option for a further year.
Spurs signed the defender from Hajduk Split in July 2025 before sending him on loan to Hamburg a month later. The Croatia international impressed in Germany, establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s standout centre-backs despite his young age.
Vuskovic was expected to join Tottenham’s first team after his successful loan spell but was instead sold to help fund Roberto De Zerbi’s squad rebuild in north London.
Brighton capitalised on Spurs’ decision, signing the defender in a club-record deal worth £50million. Vuskovic has already begun to justify the investment, making 15 appearances for the Seagulls this season as they climbed to third in the Premier League table with six wins from nine games.
Vuskovic is now on Liverpool’s shortlist of potential successors to club captain Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
The Reds also have the option to make Ronald Araujo’s loan move permanent for €55million (£47million), with the Uruguayan capable of playing both centre-back and right-back.
Support DaveOCKOP and enjoy the site completely ad-free. You’ll get an uninterrupted browsing experience while helping us continue to deliver the latest Liverpool news, breaking stories and exclusives. Go ad-free today.