We are nearing the halfway point of January’s transfer window, and unlike last summer, there is little sign of activity at Liverpool, and tumbleweed appears to be rolling through the club’s offices.
Given the scale of their summer spending only a few months ago, it is not surprising that Liverpool look unlikely to make any major moves this month.
However, considering the season they have had so far, frustration among supporters is understandable.
Injuries and inconsistent form have lingered over the squad since the opening weeks of the campaign, exposing clear gaps in a side that looked primed for success before a ball was kicked.
Despite those concerns – particularly in defence – Liverpool appear prepared to hold their nerve and see out the season with their current setup.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Jake Reed breaks down the latest news from Merseyside.
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Centre-back Concerns Remain Unresolved
Liverpool’s lack of depth at centre-back has been evident for some time. Injuries and limited options have repeatedly exposed the position as a weakness.
It was an area the club appeared keen to address last summer, yet the situation went unresolved due to unforeseen circumstances surrounding a potential move for Marc Guéhi.
That decision now looks increasingly costly, especially amid growing uncertainty around Ibrahima Konaté.
The Frenchman has yet to agree to a new contract, and there appears to be little progress in negotiations. While no January exit is expected, the lack of clarity only heightens concern in an already fragile department.
Liverpool have taken steps at academy level, agreeing deals for three young centre-backs. Talla Ndiaye has arrived from FC Amite for a reported £1 million, while Austria Wien defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Burnley youngster Noah Adekoya are both set to join later this year.
However, with all three unlikely to impact the first team in the immediate future, current concerns remain largely unaddressed.
Marc Guéhi Interest Unlikely to Accelerate in January
One name that continues to dominate transfer headlines is Marc Guéhi. The England international was heavily linked with a move to Merseyside last summer, only for the deal to collapse late on following objections from Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
While that interest has not disappeared, recent developments complicate matters. Palace are believed to be demanding a fee of around £50 million for a mid-season sale – a valuation Liverpool are reluctant to meet in an inflated winter market.
That reluctance becomes more concerning when factoring in the presence of rivals willing to act decisively. Manchester City remain in the title race and have repeatedly shown they are prepared to spend heavily in January if it strengthens their squad.
City have already demonstrated that intent this window, completing a £65 million move for Antoine Semenyo – another player Liverpool were previously linked with.
Should they decide Guéhi is worth securing early, they are one of the few clubs capable of meeting Palace’s demands without hesitation.
Salah Rumours Underline the Scale of the Summer Ahead
The story of Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot’s reported ‘fallout’ dominated headlines in December. While tensions appear to have cooled – with Salah currently away on AFCON duty – speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool remains.
No January departure is anticipated, but the summer window is likely to bring renewed interest. Should Salah move on, Liverpool would face the daunting task of rebuilding their attack while also addressing defensive shortcomings – a challenge that would be difficult to solve in a single window.
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Liverpool Not in a Rush
Liverpool have rarely been a club that rushes into January deals, and this window appears no different. The club has historically avoided acting on impulse, particularly in recent years.
While this approach can frustrate supporters, it has also underpinned much of Liverpool’s success over the last decade.
However, patience comes with risk. Defensive options continue to thin, and Conor Bradley’s season-ending injury has only added to the strain.
There is also a growing debate among supporters regarding the lack of a natural defensive midfielder. Calls for a specialist ‘number six’ have grown louder as the season has progressed, yet no concrete links have emerged so far.
While restraint may protect Liverpool from overpaying, the possibility of missing out on Champions League qualification – coupled with several key futures remaining unresolved – leaves little margin for error heading into the summer.
Arne Slot Criticism Adds Another Layer of Pressure
Beyond transfer matters, unease among sections of the fanbase regarding Arne Slot shows little sign of easing, even as results have improved compared to earlier in the season.
Some supporters remain unconvinced, with performances still falling short of the standards set during last year’s title-winning campaign.
Speculation has been further fuelled by developments in Spain. Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso – heavily linked with the Anfield role prior to Slot’s appointment – has left his position as head coach of Real Madrid after just seven months.
The departure follows a disappointing run of form, but Alonso’s availability will inevitably spark conversation.
While there is no indication Liverpool are considering a change at this stage, the timing adds another layer of pressure in what is already a tense period for the Dutchman.
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