Image Credits: Imago Images
Many sections of Liverpool’s fanbase has grown increasingly vocal in recent weeks about the pressing need for defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window, with underlying concerns amplified by the devastating injury to youngster Giovanni Leoni.
The 18-year-old suffered a season-ending ACL tear during his Reds debut against Southampton in September, removing a promising prospect from Arne Slot’s defensive plans.
With Leoni sidelined for the remainder of the campaign and potentially the start of next season, Liverpool are left dangerously light at centre-back, relying solely on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as recognised starting options
With Konate’s contract entering its final six months, uncertainty looms over his future, particularly amid links to Real Madrid.
However, it seems like Arne Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy don’t think the same.
Speaking in his pre-Nottingham Forest press conference, the Dutchman was quizzed on whether the club will pursue defensive reinforcements in the winter window:
“I wasn’t expecting to talk about signings. There are so many games to be played before that and the position we are in, it’s the last thing on my mind. It’s not a topic for me at all at the moment.”
“We have at the moment of time three centre-backs, maybe Ryan and Wata who can play there.”
“We have other positions there which are bit more of an issue.”
Crystal Palace reportedly believe Liverpool are the only club likely to make an approach for Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, with other major European sides only interested in signing him as a free agent next summer.
While the Reds remain keen on the England international, it’s unclear whether they will pursue a move during the winter or wait until the end of the season to land him on a free transfer.
Guehi is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, meaning Liverpool could face competition from Europe’s top clubs if they delay their efforts.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.