Liverpool boost WSL survival hopes with statement Transfer Window

Gareth Taylor’s Liverpool knew that they needed to approach the January Transfer Window with clarity and target distinct problem areas in an attempt to stabilise the rocky first half of their Barclays Women’s Super League campaign.

In this window, the Reds targeted key areas such as leadership, squad depth and ultimately a push for a more attacking play style. These recruits could prove to be essential for Liverpool as they look to climb the table and pick up as many points as possible after a gruelling first half to the season.

Alice Bergström

Alice Bergström was the first of the six recruits for Liverpool this window, being brought in from Hammarby in early January with the aim of increasing the squad’s versatility whilst battling injury. Bergström can play both full back and on the wing, to fit with the squad’s needs.

This targets Liverpool’s lack of natural width and depth in defensive areas, whilst Bergstrom has also quickly established her ability to pose an attacking threat: she has already netted three goals for the team so far.

Anna Jøsendal

Norway international Jøsendal has spent the first part of her Liverpool tenure on the bench, after signing from BK Häcken.

When asked about this in a press conference, Taylor said:

“Anna Jøsendal will still be a little bit longer unfortunately. That is a shame because I think I've said previously, attacking options at the front end of the pitch have been minimal for us in the first half of the season.”

This sets a clear vision of the long-term plan for Taylor and not only how he intends to use her, but how he intends to build his playstyle and Liverpool identity. Jøsendal’s impressive form in the Swedish league makes her an exciting attacking addition to a side that has previously struggled offensively. Once on the pitch, this move should enhance the Reds’ frontline with vitality and flair.

Jennifer Falk

The loan signing of Jennifer Falk was a necessity for Liverpool, as the goalkeeper position has been a trouble for the team for many seasons with there being a lack of a clear first choice keeper. By bringing in the Swedish international, Taylor marks his intent for a shift away from the rotation in goal, whilst bringing further clarity to the backline as Falk is set to establish herself as the club’s clear first-choice goalkeeper for the remainder of the season.

Falk’s international experience, highlighted by her ability to perform under pressure saving four penalties against England’s Lionesses in the UEFA Women’s EURO last summer, brings elite level composure to Liverpool’s goal. This has already been demonstrated by three clean sheets kept in January, also seeing the keeper earn herself a WSL save of the month nomination.

Denise O’Sullivan

Record signing Denise O’Sullivan was arguably Liverpool’s most significant piece of January business. The experienced Irish international directly addresses Liverpool’s current gaps in their midfield and brings strength and stability to the squad.

One area Taylor heavily pushed for in this window was a strong midfield threat – with his awareness that the established and equally as experienced Fuka Nagano is expected to represent Japan in the Asian Cup during part of the second half of the season. The pair have played together prior, so bringing in O’Sullivan from North Carolina Courage helps reduce the typical January adaptation period - which Taylor had expressed concerns about initially when bringing in such big changes mid-season.

O’Sullivan’s key influence is the stability and experience she brings to a young Liverpool side. Her presence means that each unit in turn should feel more stable and confident. This means opening up more offensive options, whilst also aiming to strengthen the backline and reduce the last-minute goals conceded by the squad that have proven to be detrimental to their points tally.

Martha Thomas

Scottish international Martha Thomas arrived in Liverpool until the end of the season, after signing on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Her WSL experience and reliable presence up front caught the eye of Taylor. With a dip in form for Spurs recently, on a personal level this gives her an opportunity to get back on track scoring goals and positing attacking threat.

Loanee, Thomas, brings hope that her link-up play and leadership qualities can balance the Reds’ attacking options as they chase crucial points, with the aim of avoiding the WSL 2 play offs and ultimately, relegation.

Aurélie Csillag

The arrival of Aurélie Csillag once again targets the clear gap in attacking play that Liverpool faced in the first half of the season. The Reds have struggled prior to break down compact defences, where their pace and width have been limited. Csillag offers a solution to that problem, her directness and ability to create space for both her and her teammates have already been showcased in her first two performances in red, bringing the ability to stretch defenders and create offensive options in play.

Bringing speed and versatility, Csillag is an attacking threat on the wings. Her creativity and directness she displayed at former club Freiburg earnt her international call-ups for Switzerland. The Reds will be hoping she can translate these performances into the WSL, following her first goal in the topflight of English football on Sunday.

Looking ahead, these changes are hoping to aid Liverpool Women to build momentum and push up the table as they progress into the second half of the WSL season, whilst also enhancing squad depth and developing their young talents for the future.