Liverpool transfer latest: Marc Guehi, Harvey Elliott and more

Liverpool Prepared to Hold Nerve in January Window

The Athletic has provided an in depth assessment of Liverpool’s January transfer outlook, a picture defined more by restraint than reaction. Despite concerns at centre back, a growing injury list and uncertainty in the forward line, the club are planning a quiet month when the window opens.

After heavy investment during the summer, Liverpool are reluctant to pursue short term fixes. Club sources, speaking in line with The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines, suggest the focus is on continuity rather than disruption. The expensively assembled squad is beginning to settle after a challenging first half of the season, and there is little appetite to undermine that process.

Head coach Arne Slot has acknowledged the situation is “tough”, but he has also stressed that he “fully believes in the way of working”. That belief shapes everything about Liverpool’s approach, even as injuries test depth and patience.

Defensive Depth and Forward Fragility

Central defence is the most pressing concern. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are currently the only fit senior centre backs available. Joe Gomez is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Giovanni Leoni is not expected back until next season following an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September.

Academy graduate Wellity Lucky has been included on the bench recently, and the 19 year old may be called upon during a demanding run of fixtures. Slot’s willingness to lean on youth reflects necessity rather than ideal planning.

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Further forward, problems are mounting. Alexander Isak faces a lengthy spell out after surgery on a fractured leg. Cody Gakpo has missed three matches with a muscle injury, and Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Numbers are stretched, and fixture congestion offers little relief.

Market Options and Familiar Names

Centre back remains the obvious area for reinforcement, with Liverpool still interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. However, as The Athletic explain, the situation is complicated. Guehi is set to become a free agent in the summer, and Palace pulled the plug on a £35million deal late in the last window. Liverpool do not expect Palace’s stance to change in January, nor are they convinced the player would want to move mid season when waiting could be financially advantageous.

In attack, familiar links have resurfaced. “Liverpool admire Antoine Semenyo, but The Athletic has reported that the forward’s preference — with Manchester United keen and Chelsea deciding against a move after an initial enquiry — in January is to join Manchester City.” That line captures both Liverpool’s admiration and the reality of the market.

Speculation around Semenyo intensified after Salah’s public outburst about losing his place, but Liverpool do not expect the Egyptian to leave in January. Without an exit, there is little room to add.

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Loans, Sales and Financial Reality

Liverpool are not under pressure to sell, having already moved on 10 players last summer. Salah is expected to remain, and no senior exits are planned.

Harvey Elliott’s situation at Aston Villa is more complex. His loan has stalled, with only five appearances made and no recall clause included. Unai Emery believes other players better fit his tactical needs, and terminating the deal would require compensation.

Loan plans for youngsters may also shift due to injuries. Trey Nyoni, Calvin Ramsay and Stefan Bajcetic could all be needed. Others, like Trent Kone Doherty and Rhys Williams, may still attract interest.

Slot recently reminded observers that “The outside world wants to believe we have unlimited money but that is not true.” Liverpool’s PSR position is healthy after generating up to £260million in sales and strengthening commercial revenues, but caution remains.

A strong win at Inter has shown Liverpool still possess European pedigree. Top four in the Premier League remains achievable, even without January additions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Fans understand the frustration around defensive depth, especially when Van Dijk and Konate are carrying such a heavy load. There is anxiety, but also trust in Slot’s calm approach.

Many supporters would welcome another centre back, particularly for Europe, but not at the expense of long term planning. The reluctance to chase short term solutions suggests lessons have been learned from past windows where panic led to compromise.

The Semenyo links will divide opinion. He is admired, he fits the profile, but if his preference is Manchester City, Liverpool fans will accept walking away. The focus remains on Salah returning, Gakpo recovering and younger players stepping up.

What stands out most is the belief in structure. Slot’s comment about unlimited money resonates. Liverpool fans have grown used to sustainability over spectacle. If this squad can secure top four and compete in Europe, patience will feel justified.

Sometimes the strongest signal of confidence is doing nothing at all.