The 2025/26 campaign has deepened and we now have a clear picture of how things are going. For Liverpool, improvements are needed across the board.
Arne Slot has cut a dismayed figure over the past several months, unable to grasp how his high-flying squad have been grounded so miserably. A run of six defeats from seven in the Premier League before the weekend win over West Ham United has cast doubt over his tenure.
With the January transfer window less than a month away, FSG are attentive to potential opportunities, and it's no secret that Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is at the top of the Merseysiders' Christmas list.
Liverpool's winter transfer plans
While the thought of activating Semenyo's £65m release clause next month is tempting, he is not the only talented (and versatile) winger on the market.
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo
And Liverpool are not the only club looking to seal his signature. Semenyo is also on Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur's radar, with the latter "intensifying their interest", according to Sky Sports.
But Liverpool have earmarked a number of potential signings, and Caught Offside have revealed that they have been boosted by Real Madrid's transfer-listing of rogue winger Rodrygo for around €85m (£75m), whose fortunes at the Santiago Bernabeu have been sour for a while now, and is surely set for an exit in 2026.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo looks on
Real Madrid's Rodrygo looks on
Rodrygo has not been in good form for Los Blancos this season or last, but there remains a world-class talent in there, and he could finally reach his potential in a leading role at Liverpool.
Why Liverpool want Rodrygo
Rodrygo is one of the most talented forwards in the world. Rodrygo has also gone 30 La Liga matches without a goal.
It's clear that he needs to leave Real Madrid and restore his reputation as a "world-class superstar", as he has been called in the past by former teammate Luka Modric. This is a versatile and multi-faceted forward who has proved himself on the biggest stages time and time again.
Cody Gakpo is a consistent force down the left for Liverpool, but he's not Sadio Mane, who was one of the best players in the world when in his prime. Now, Slot could land such a player in Rodrygo, who is out of sorts under Xabi Alonso's wing but still, even at an ebb tide, ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.
The Brazil international hasn't actually played that much football on the left flank, but that is his preferred position. Right-footed, he is at his most prolific when cutting inside and striking on goal, all the while retaining a creative flair that sets him apart from so many other talented wingers.
Rodrygo - Career Stats by Position
Position
Right winger
Left winger
Centre-forward
Attacking midfield
Data via Transfermarkt
Mane was also a versatile and dynamic forward, devastating in the final third. Now 33 and playing in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool have sorely missed their one-time talisman's presence, accentuated by the sale of Luis Diaz this summer, who was never quite on his predecessor's level.
Liverpool's data analysts are among the finest in the game. They will know to overlook Rodrygo's woes in recent times and look at the wider picture. For example, he scored only five goals in La Liga last season, but Sofascore show that he missed only one big chance, emphasising the kind of clinical, Mane-like returns Slot would receive.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
Big boots to fill, but the South American is one of the most accomplished wingers in the game,
Rodrygo is still young - the same age, in fact, as Mane when the Senegalese completed his move to Merseyside.
Brazil's Rodrygo celebrates
The fact he has accomplished so much already is a testament to his quality and will to win. Liverpool could do with a bit of that, and if they bring such a complete and dangerous player to Anfield, it might prove to be the catalyst for sustained change.
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Arne Slot is under intense pressure at Liverpool after a shocking run of form.