Liverpool are expected to make additions to their squad in the 2026 January transfer window.
While it remains to be seen if the Reds will land Antoine Semenyo ahead of Manchester City and Manchester United, Liverpool do want a new forward.
Elsewhere, there has been talk around a centre-back signing at Anfield, with Marc Guehi among those linked.
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But what if the Merseyside outfit strengthened their squad with players who have already featured in front of the Liverpool faithful?
Here are three players who could make a return and have a meaningful impact in 2026.
Harvey Elliott
The most obvious option who could return early next year is Harvey Elliott.
Following a poor loan spell so far, Elliott won’t be signing for Aston Villa on a permanent basis, Unai Emery has already confirmed.
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This does leave the versatile midfielder in a bit of limbo, as FIFA rules dictate he can’t play for more than two clubs in one season.
However, with Liverpool in need of more attacking reinforcements right now, Elliott could provide cover on the right or in the attacking midfield berth, where Alexis Mac Allister is currently the main option now that Florian Wirtz has been moved out wide.
Divock Origi
Similarly, the long-term injury to Alexander Isak could open the door for Divock Origi to be brought back.
Hugo Ekitike is now the only natural number nine currently available to Arne Slot, and the Belgian could do a job on a short-term basis.
He scored over 40 goals during his time on Merseyside, including two in that infamous win over FC Barcelona.
And it has already been confirmed that Origi will become a free agent from January after terminating his AC Milan contract.
He wouldn’t start that often, of course, but it would be a cheap way to hand Slot some cover up front while Isak is out.
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Harry Wilson
Finally, it has become clear that for whatever reason, Slot doesn’t like starting Federico Chiesa.
This means Dominik Szoboszlai has been used on the right a lot in the last several weeks.
Mohamed Salah’s future is in doubt as well, so unless Chiesa is given a more prominent role in 2026, Liverpool may well need to be in the market for a new winger.
On that front, former player Harry Wilson could be available for a reduced fee, given his Fulham contract is up at the end of June.
Wilson, who can play as a 10 as well, already has five goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, which is more than every Liverpool player, barring Ekitike.
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