The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is now underway. Which players should Liverpool fans look out for as the club's potential transfer targets?
A World Cup year normally results in a frenetic summer transfer window, with clubs launching bids for players that impressed throughout the tournament.
This year, of course, will be different, given the time of the year in which the tournament is being held.
Advert
Mid-season transfer windows don't normally produce too much excitement, with teams generally preferring to finalise the majority of their squads in the summer.
But, given the extended break for the World Cup, the upcoming window may represent more of a 'mini' summer transfer window in terms of the volume of deals.
Let's take a look at the players featured at the tournament, by country, that Liverpool may target.
Argentina - Enzo Fernandez
Currently starring for Benfica, 20-year-old Enzo Fernandez has been linked to the Premier League on numerous occasions.
Advert
He did not start Argentina's opening clash with Saudi Arabia, but could shine in the tournament if given the opportunity.
Ecuador - Moises Caicedo
Liverpool will have watched on with delight as Moises Caicedo's Ecuador won 2-0 against Qatar on Sunday.
It was the first World Cup appearance for the Brighton midfielder, who has starred in the Premier League this term, and Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old.
England - Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Declan Rice
Liverpool will have been watching the goal Jude Bellingham scored on Monday for England against Iran, along with a number of other clubs interested in securing his services.
Advert
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder put in a complete display, but the Reds would likely need to pay €150 million to sign the player in January.
They have also been linked with a move for Declan Rice, but the West Ham midfielder would also command a premium fee.
And the Daily Mirror claim that the club are planning a surprise swoop for Chelsea star Mason Mount, with talks over an extension to his current deal, which has 18 months left to run, reportedly stalling.
France - Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Kylian Mbappe if he does decide to leave PSG next year.
Advert
One of the world's greatest players will further showcase his abilities in Qatar - with the Reds likely watching on closely.
Reports from Germany also suggest they are keen on fellow France forward Marcus Thuram, who could leave Borussia Monchengladbach as a free agent next summer. He has 10 goals and three assists in 15 league appearances this term.
Germany - Youssoufa Moukoko
A surprise addition to the Germany squad, Youssoufa Moukoko has scored six goals in 14 appearances this term as Borussia Dortmund's leading striker.
Advert
At 18, Moukoko has a lot of potential - and the World Cup could be his breakout tournament. Liverpool have previously been linked with making a move for him.
Netherlands - Cody Gakpo, Frenkie de Jong
Liverpool are one of a number of Premier League clubs, also including Manchester United and Arsenal, reportedly interested in signing Cody Gakpo from PSV in January.
The forward netted his nation's first goal of the tournament against Senegal on Monday, a match they won 2-0.
Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, who started the game in midfield, is a long-term United target, but Liverpool have been linked with a swoop for the Barcelona talent.
Portugal - Antonio Silva
At just 19 years of age, Antonio Silva has already broken through into the Benfica first team, and impressed in two Champions League ties against Real Madrid this term.
Now named in Portugal's World Cup, the Liverpool-linked defender will be looking to further develop his reputation as one of football's most promising talents in Qatar.
Spain - Yeremy Pino
Villarreal star Yeremy Pino played against Liverpool in last season's Champions League semi-final - and the Reds are one of a number of clubs linked with launching a bid for his services.
Now 20, Pino is one of Spain's young contingent in Qatar looking to have a tournament to remember, with the winger hoping he will be able to contribute effectively.
Switzerland - Noah Okafor
RB Salzburg star Noah Okafor had an incredible 2021/22 season, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists in the Austrian Bundesliga.
But it is in the Champions League where he has gained most attention, with three goals in the group stage this term.
He will likely feature prominently at the World Cup - and could be a player for Liverpool fans to keep an eye on, given past links with the player.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Transfers, Football World Cup, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Cody Gakpo, Frenkie De Jong