Pedro Porro, Lamine Camara, Michael Olise - Liverpool January transfer priority verdict

Liverpool writers assess January transfer priorities, with right-back identified as the key need given injuries to Bradley and inconsistency elsewhere in defence.

Liverpool's writers have outlined transfer priorities ahead of the January window under new sporting director Julian Ward. The analysis identifies right-back as the most pressing need, with the club having used nine different players in the position since last season.

Conor Bradley, the heir apparent, has been sidelined since January with no imminent return, while loan signing Ronald Araujo has impressed defensively but lacks the attacking threat of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The writers suggest targets like Tino Livramento, Pedro Porro and Michael Kayode could be available from clubs Liverpool would feel confident dealing with.

Elsewhere, the return of injured players like Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike should ease defensive concerns, potentially allowing the club to defer other backline work until summer. However, the attack remains a concern if Federico Chiesa departs, with Michael Olise cited as a dream target for the right-wing position vacated by Mohamed Salah, though Bayern Munich would be unlikely to sell mid-season.