The consensus among Premier League fans once the summer transfer window slammed shut was that Liverpool's £446 million spending was the best business conducted by any club in English football history. But four months into the season, and they look to have already surrendered their title, and problems are giving Arne Slot an almighty headache.
Mohamed Salah's future is in significant doubt after the Egyptian forward suggested he has "no relationship" with Slot. He has been recalled for the game against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend ahead of the African Cup of Nations but could well make way in January.
Liverpool may already have a replacement in mind and GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano reports they are in talks to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian has a £65 million release clause which becomes active in the January transfer window, and the race is on to sign one of the league's most in-form attackers.
Semenyo might not be the only new arrival at Anfield next month, as Slot will want to address the defence's glaring issues. One of those is Ibrahima Konate, who has endured an error-prone season thus far, and the club may well look to replace the Frenchman.
With that said, here's how the Merseyside giants could line up if there are ins and outs during the winter.
Slot Sticks To His Guns
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Slot has switched up his formation on several occasions to try to fit as many of his superstars in his team, but the 4-3-3 could be the way to go if Semenyo arrives. The Cherries attacker is extremely versatile but could thrive on the right wing with Conor Bradley behind him.
Much of the criticism thrown at Salah this season has been a lack of effort tracking back but Semenyo is energy personified, willing to help out in defence before using his frightening pace on the counter-attack. This setup is perfect for him to come into a frightening frontline.
Slot's main issue could be Alexander Isak, who continues to stutter at the start of his Anfield career. But spending £125 million on a player almost makes them undroppable, and he could retain faith in the Swede to come good while turning to Hugo Ekitike off the bench.
Konate's struggles could be rectified by bringing Marc Guehi, who reportedly still wants to join the club despite missing out on a deadline day move in September. The Crystal Palace captain would give Slot a refresh at the back and line up alongside Virgil van Dijk to form a strong partnership.
Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace
The midfield could see Slot start to move away from Alexis Mac Allister, who has failed to replicate his incredible performances from last season. The Argentine is linked with Real Madrid, and preparing for life without him, perhaps with Adam Wharton in mind next summer, should see Dominik Szoboszlai become Ryan Gravenberch's midfield partner with Florian Wirtz ahead of them.
Slot's Need For Speed
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The potential arrival of Semenyo adds to a squad already brimming with pacey talent, including Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutch wing-back has failed to meet expectations as Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement, and many have questioned whether he was the right profile to target.
There is a real player in there that needs to adapt to the Premier League and could do with a more dependable center-back next to him. Reports claim that the Reds are among several clubs eyeing Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, and swooping for the Englishman could be of enormous benefit to Frimpong, given his ability to move out to right-back as he has done for Thomas Tuchel's England.
Aston Villa's Ezri KonsaPhoto courtesy of Reuters.
It seems unlikely Mac Allister will be moved on in January, but he shouldn't be starting ahead of either Szoboszlai or Gravenberch in midfield. The only issue is on the left, with question marks over Milos Kerkez and Andy Robertson's experience feels the way to go if Slot is to rely on a pacey setup.
Cody Gakpo hasn't been at his best as of late, and this gives Slot the easy decision to use Ekitike out on the left with Semenyo on the right and Wirtz in a number 10 role. This allows the Dutch coach's two strikers to start, with Isak to lead the line in an exciting attacking system.
Slot's Swarm
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Another option for Slot could be to use a 4-2-4, which converts into a 4-4-2 when defending, and he does have the players to do so, especially if signings are made in January. Bradley is the more reliable option at right-back, while this system could get the best out of Kerkez.
The Hungarian is struggling but hasn't been helped by a poor connection with Gakpo, who doesn't make the starting lineup. Instead, it's Wirtz who could accompany him out on the left long-term, but Robertson probably remains the starter while Semenyo lines up on the right with Ekitike and Isak both playing up top.
Isak and Ekitike
Szoboszlai has undoubtedly been Slot's best player this season, and he has shown he can perform any task asked of him. That could mean he takes up a central midfield role and partners Gravenberch.
Guehi has been superb for Palace this season, and his potential acquisition feels like a game-changer if pulled off in January. The right side of the team feels so much stronger with the Eagles skipper lining up alongside Van Dijk.