Liverpool have endured a disastrous start to the Premier League season and could look to rejuvenate their squad in the January window
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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It's fair to say that Liverpool's title defence has been far from successful so far. Arne Slot shocked the Premier League last season, securing Liverpool's 20th top-flight title in his inaugural year at the helm.
This was followed by a blockbuster summer transfer window with the Reds splashing out over £400 million, resulting in a flurry of players arriving and departing. However, the harsh reality has now dawned.
Liverpool currently languish in eighth place in the league, having suffered five defeats in just 11 matches. Slot is feeling the heat, with fans and pundits alike pondering the solution as the Dutchman wrestles with his revamped squad.
While Liverpool might recoil at the idea of further spending in January, rumours are swirling that the club will take action to rescue their season. The ECHO examines what an ideal winter window could entail for the Reds.
In - Elliot Anderson
Whilst Manchester United are reportedly leading the chase for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, it's been reported by the Mirror that Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in Anderson.
Liverpool have had difficulties in midfield this season with Alexis Mac Allister struggling with form, Dominik Szoboszlai being moved from centre-midfield to right-back on occasion, whilst Florian Wirtz has failed to claim the number ten spot as his own.
Elliot Anderson in action
Elliot Anderson has been in good form this season
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The consistently dependable Ryan Gravenberch has often appeared isolated, suggesting that 23-year-old Anderson could be an ideal midfield partner for the Dutchman, bringing some much-needed grit to Slot's struggling central unit.
However, rumours indicate that Forest would require a hefty sum of £100m-£120m to even contemplate a sale. Given Liverpool's already substantial spending this year, it seems unlikely they would choose to make a bid.
In - Antoine Semenyo
The departure of Luis Diaz from Liverpool appears to be coming back to haunt them. Despite the Colombian reportedly wanting to leave Anfield, his impressive performance at new club Bayern Munich is highlighting what Liverpool are lacking.
Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring against Liverpool
Semenyo scored twice against Liverpool earlier this season(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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The Reds have been missing a fast winger all season, with Mo Salah finding it difficult to make a significant impact. Slot's team have frequently seemed penned in during matches without any escape route from the wings.
Bournemouth ace Semenyo has netted six goals and provided three assists so far this season, including a double against Liverpool at Anfield on the Premier League's first weekend.
The Ghanaian international penned a new five-year deal with the Cherries in July, but reports suggest there is a release clause included in the contract. While there is plenty of speculation that Liverpool could swoop for the speedy winger in January, securing his services would reportedly set the Reds back around £75m.
In - Alessandro Bastoni
Reports suggest that following Giovanni Leoni's long-term injury and Ibrahima Konate's potential summer exit, Liverpool are eyeing defensive reinforcements ahead of the winter transfer window.
Alessandro Bastoni in action
Alessandro Bastoni has been hailed as one of the 'best defenders in the world'
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The Reds have allegedly targeted Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who remains tied down until 2028. It's claimed that Liverpool recognise his worth and are readying a bid of no less than £88m.
Liverpool's unsuccessful chase of Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has reportedly reignited their interest in Bastoni, who has earned praise from Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini as "one of the best defenders" in world football.
In - Marc Guehi
The alternative to Bastoni is Palace skipper Guehi. The Reds have already laid the foundations regarding the England defender and came within touching distance of securing him on transfer deadline day before Palace withdrew at the final moment.
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace
Marc Guehi is in demand(Image: Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
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Whilst Slot could snap up the 25-year-old for nothing, the Reds are now anticipated to encounter competition from several Premier League rivals and Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid for Guehi's services.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona are amongst the sides to have been mentioned, whilst Guehi himself has indicated he's comfortable regarding his future.
Out - Ibrahima Konate
The Reds are grappling with a centre-back crisis due to Leoni's absence and rumours swirling around the potential exit of stalwart Joe Gomez. The notion of parting ways with Konate seems like a self-inflicted wound.
Despite his shaky form, Konate has become an indispensable figure in Liverpool's defence. It's no secret that the Frenchman's performance this season has been less than stellar, and his contract is set to expire at the end of this season.
Ibrahima Konate claps and looks on
Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of the season
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Persistent links to Real Madrid continue unabated, but if Liverpool can secure deals for Guehi and Bastoni, then perhaps letting a player who might be eyeing a move to the Spanish capital go wouldn't be such an outlandish decision after all.
Konate has been a faithful servant at Anfield, delivering several standout performances during last year's title-winning campaign. However, a swift January transfer could not only provide the Reds with a fee for the former RB Leipzig centre-half but also help them offload a player who could depart for free in the summer anyway.