Liverpool's January transfer priorities include a new centre-back and forward, with Marc Guehi once again a key target in a dream scenario for the Reds
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace
Marc Guehi could soon leave Crystal Palace(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media, Getty Images)
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It's Christmas. Alongside the festive merriment and family frolics, it signifies one thing for football fans - the transfer window is imminent!
For Liverpool, this will be a crucial period. After 17 matches, Arne Slot's Reds find themselves in fifth position in the Premier League table, a standing that falls short of expectations for the champions. Despite a promising start with five consecutive domestic victories, Liverpool then suffered a disappointing losing streak, salvaging only a few wins to maintain some dignity.
In their defence, the squad has undergone significant changes, so it would be unrealistic to expect all new players to gel instantly. However, after splashing out £400m in the transfer window, the pressure is mounting on Slot and his team.
Fortunately, they are currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten run in the league. But due to a spate of injuries in key positions, Liverpool have no choice but to re-enter the market in January.
In this piece, Mirror Football delves into the potential headlines we might see next month in an ideal situation for the red half of Merseyside.
Isak replacement signed
While netting a goal against Tottenham Hotspur, Alexander Isak was on the receiving end of a hefty tackle from Micky van de Ven and had to be helped off the pitch. A subsequent scan revealed that the Swedish international had suffered a broken leg, necessitating surgery.
The duration of his recovery is yet to be determined, but it's clear he'll be sidelined for a significant period. As such, securing a replacement in the January transfer window has become a top priority for Liverpool.
Hugo Ekitike is an exceptional player who has adapted seamlessly to the Premier League, but it's unfair to place all the burden on him. With Mohamed Salah set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations for potentially up to a month, it's crucial that the Reds bolster their attacking options.
Antoine Semenyo had been widely tipped as a possible replacement for Isak, with the Bournemouth winger previously expressing his ambition to play as a central striker. He's been one of the standout performers in the league this season and a fierce battle for his signature was expected in January.
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo is high on the shopping list but it looks unlikely he'll sign now
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(Image: Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
However, the race for Semenyo took an unexpected turn on Tuesday when Chelsea withdrew their interest and Manchester City emerged as his preferred choice, according to The Athletic. No deal has been finalised yet, but Liverpool must start considering other options.
A move for Brentford's in-form striker Igor Thiago could be a smart play. He joined the Bees in the summer of 2024 and has been outstanding in his second season, netting 11 league goals this year - outscoring Ekitike.
Other potential targets include Ivan Toney or Dusan Vlahovic, although it's truly a wide player the Reds are in need of. Whether it's Thiago or another player of similar quality, anticipate Liverpool securing a deal to add firepower next month.
Guehi signs long-term contract
This transfer nearly materialised last summer but fell through at the last minute despite Guehi undergoing a medical at the club. With Guehi's contract expiring at the end of the season, Liverpool could potentially wait and negotiate a free transfer.
However, it seems more probable that the Reds will put £15million on the table for Crystal Palace to secure their man. With Giovanni Leoni sidelined with a season-ending injury and Joe Gomez currently unavailable, Liverpool are short on defensive options.
Moreover, with Ibrahima Konate's future uncertain ahead of his own contract expiry, it's crucial that Slot secures a new centre-back to provide some stability for the club's defensive future.
Marc Guehi
Liverpool must sign Marc Guehi(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
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Guehi is an exceptional player who has proven himself in the Premier League and could be a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk in the coming years. Ideally, Liverpool will make a move for Guehi in January to secure him on a long-term contract.
Midfielder joins the club
Sky Sports have reported that Liverpool are set to ramp up their plans to bring in a centre-back, winger and central midfielder during the January transfer window. Currently, they have Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister holding down the fort in midfield.
The first two players have been in exceptional form this season, with Jones also putting in some impressive performances of late.
Liverpool made an unsuccessful bid for Martin Zubimendi last year, before the Spanish player decided to remain at Sociedad. However, Arsenal swooped in earlier this summer and secured his services.
It's evident that Slot was keen on a defensive midfielder, but given Gravenberch's stellar performances in the No. 6 role, it seems unlikely he still has that need.
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool
Gravenberch needs competition(Image: Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Whether a new midfielder will challenge Gravenberch or allow him to advance to his preferred position is yet to be seen, but it's clear Liverpool are in the market for another central player.
Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, both enjoying a fantastic season, could potentially be open to a move to Liverpool. However, it seems improbable that either would make the switch in January.
Another potential target could be Spurs' midfielder Lucas Bergvall, a proven Premier League player who could seamlessly fit into the Reds' setup.