Liverpool are already looking towards the January transfer window as they bid to get their season back on track
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 29: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUIT) Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool on September 29, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arne Slot has discussed Liverpool's transfer plans(Image: John Powell, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool are already setting their sights on the January transfer window as they aim to get their season back on track. Despite a significant investment in the summer transfer window, the reigning champions have found this term challenging.
Their form before the recent international break even led Reds manager Arne Slot to put any title challenge talk on hold. This summer, the Reds splashed out nearly £450million.
Liverpool shattered their transfer record twice: first with Florian Wirtz and later with Alexander Isak. Their spending spree also included £79m on Hugo Ekitike, £40m on Milos Kerkez, £29.5m on Jeremie Frimpong and £26m on Giovanni Leoni.
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However, they might be compelled to delve back into the market once more. Slot has now provided an update on the club's transfer plans while Harvey Elliott's loan future at Aston Villa has been clarified.
Slot outlines January plans
Slot has downplayed the need for Liverpool to bring in a new centre-back in January. The Dutchman has instead suggested that the Reds will prioritise other team positions.
The Reds saw a £35m move for Marc Guehi fall through on transfer deadline day and are currently down to three available senior centre-backs after Giovanni Leoni suffered a season-ending ACL injury on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.
Ibrahima Konate also continues to be under scrutiny, with his Anfield future also being speculated upon ahead of his contract expiring next summer.
Slot has made clear that mid-season transfer activity is not currently his priority. He suggested that Liverpool are instead looking at strengthening other areas of the squad amid continued reports linking the Premier League leaders with a January move for Antoine Semenyo.
Marc Guehi claps on the pitch
Marc Guehi almost moved to Liverpool in the summer
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"This is one of the questions I didn't expect, talking about signings and the winter break," Slot said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Reds' clash with Nottingham Forest. "I think there are so many games to play before that.
"And the position we are in, it is the last thing that is on my mind. Maybe not on Richard (Hughes)'s, but it is the last thing on my mind. It is not a topic for me at the moment.
"We have at this moment in time three centre-backs, with Joe Gomez included of course. And maybe Ryan (Gravenberch) and Wata (Endo) who can play in the positions. Maybe you are not aware of it yet but we have other positions, at the moment, which is a bit more of an issue."
Elliott's Villa stay addressed
Villa manager Unai Emery has outlined the reasons behind Harvey Elliott's restricted playing time at Aston Villa. Elliott joined Villa Park on an initial loan arrangement on deadline day but the attacking midfielder has appeared in only five fixtures for the club to date.
According to the agreement's terms, Villa will be required to pay Liverpool £35m to secure the transfer permanently if the 22-year-old makes a further five appearances. Emery has previously stated he believes Elliott's best position is as a No. 10. Nevertheless, he pointed to the wealth of talent in that area as the main factor behind his limited game time.
Harvey Elliott during Aston Villa vs Fulham
Harvey Elliott has struggled for minutes at Aston Villa(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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When asked whether Emi Buendia's outstanding performances have been a key reason for Elliott's restricted opportunities, Emery said: "It is everything, because the adaptation is something that some players need more than others.
"But the team is going forward and being very demanding to achieve individual and collective performance, also the consistency we need. Some players, they need more time, or we can speak about how he struggled last year, Buendia, to achieve what he is doing this season.
"Harvey Elliott, he is working very well. He is working consistently. He is a good guy and his commitment to Aston Villa is fantastic."