Liverpool's top 5 January signings in history - ranked

The January transfer window proved to be a difficult market to master, and Liverpool have made some mistakes in their pursuit of reinforcements.

Since the January transfer window was introduced in the 2002/03 season, the Reds have made some disastrous signings. Andy Carroll, Steven Caulker and Ozan Kabak stand out among the most memorable, and the list goes on.

However, their mistakes were offset by truly transformative signings that have arrived like belated Christmas presents, many of whom have been instrumental in Liverpool's revolution in the modern era.

Here are the five best January signings in Liverpool 's history .

5. Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz has fulfilled exactly the role expected of a winter signing. Arriving midway through the 2021/22 season as Liverpool chased a historic quadruple, the Colombian has breathed a breath of fresh air into the team, helping the Reds to a domestic cup double, although they fell short in the Premier League and Champions League.

During his first half-season at Anfield, he contributed six goals and five assists, and in the years since then he has improved his numbers, barring an injury-plagued 2022/23 campaign.

The tireless winger has established himself as one of the world’s most lethal attackers, thanks to his explosive speed, tireless work rate and skill on the ball. His ambition to win more silverware with Liverpool is far from over.

4. Daniel Sturridge

Although Daniel Sturridge's career was marred by constant and painful injuries, at his best he was an exceptional centre-forward. Liverpool enjoyed their peak form after signing him for £12m from Chelsea in 2013. In a Reds

shirt , Sturridge exuded quality and his left foot was capable of dismantling defences. His first full season at Anfield ended with 24 goals and seven assists in all competitions, leading Brendan Rodgers' side to a surprise Premier League title . However, his brilliance became less consistent as injuries began to take their toll. Still, he closed out his time at Liverpool with 67 goals in 160 games , leaving an indelible mark on the club's history.

3. Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho ’s arrival was not met with much fanfare. The young Brazilian was an unknown bet that Inter Milan let go for just £8.5m . However, he quickly became one of the most profitable and outstanding signings of the Premier League era .

Coutinho quickly settled in at Anfield , building a reputation based on moments of pure magic. His technical skills and defence-breaking passes caught the eye, but it was his stunning long-range goals that established him as a unique playmaker at Liverpool.

During each of his four full seasons , the Brazilian recorded at least 12 goals and assists combined . Even his departure proved transformative, as his £142m signing allowed the club to smartly reinvest in the squad. With that money, Jurgen Klopp moulded the Reds into a dominant force globally.

2. Luis Suarez

Speaking of magic, enter Luis Suarez . It’s hard to believe that expectations were higher for Andy Carroll (£35m) than Suarez (£22.8m) when they both arrived at Liverpool in January 2011. Yet the Uruguayan not only outperformed Carroll by a huge margin, he also became one of the greatest players in the Reds ’ history .

While some on-field controversies marred his reputation at Anfield , no one can doubt his sheer talent. Suarez made the impossible look easy with stunning regularity, whether it was impossible controls or powerful shots from any distance .

He formed a lethal partnership with Daniel Sturridge in the 2013/14 season , taking Liverpool to the brink of Premier League glory . And while his stay on Merseyside wasn’t long, he made up for it with spectacular performances and unrivalled consistency .

His numbers speak for themselves: 82 goals and 29 assists in 133 games .

1. Virgil van Dijk

It could be argued that no signing has been more transformative in Liverpool's history than Virgil van Dijk . His record £75m transfer raised eyebrows at the time, but the towering Dutch defender quickly proved his price tag was more than justified.

A decisive goal in the Merseyside derby on his debut was just a taste of his impact. Since then, the current Reds captain has guided the club to Champions League and Premier League glory , cementing himself as the world's best centre-back. In a historic Liverpool XI , Van Dijk would undoubtedly marshal the defence.

The Dutch full-back has made facing the world's deadliest strikers look like child's play, and has formed solid defensive partnerships with all of the team-mates who have shared the backline with him over the years.