Liverpool could target major signings in the January transfer window to address injury concerns, with Marc Guehi needing to be top of Arne Slot's wishlist
Dylan James
15:00, 25 Dec 2025
Marc Guehi
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Marc Guehi almost joined Liverpool in the summer transfer window(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
It's Christmas time. Along with the festive merriment and family gatherings, it means one thing for footy fans - the transfer window is just around the corner!
For Liverpool, this will be a crucial period. After 17 matches, Arne Slot's Reds find themselves in fifth place in the Premier League table, a position that simply doesn't cut it for the champions. Despite a promising start with five consecutive domestic victories, Liverpool then suffered a dismal losing streak, salvaging only a few wins to save face.
In their defence, the squad has undergone significant changes, so it would be unfair to expect all new players to gel instantly. However, after splashing out £400m in the transfer window, the pressure is certainly on Slot and his team. Fortunately, they're currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten run in the league. But due to a spate of injuries in key positions, Liverpool will need to dip into the market again in January out of sheer necessity.
Alexander Isak
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Alexander Isak will be out for some time(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
Isak replacement signed
When scoring against Tottenham Hotspur, Alexander Isak was on the receiving end of a hefty tackle from Micky van de Ven and had to leave the pitch. A subsequent scan revealed that the Swedish international had broken his leg and would require surgery.
The length of his recovery period is still uncertain, but it's clear he'll be sidelined for a significant amount of time. 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 well to the Premier League, but it's unfair to place all the pressure 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.
Hugo Ekitike
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Hugo Ekitike has been in electric form(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
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.
However, his future took an unexpected turn on Tuesday when Chelsea withdrew from the race to sign him and Manchester City emerged as his preferred destination, 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. Since signing for the Bees in the summer of 2024, he's been outstanding in his second season, netting 11 league goals this year - outscoring Ekitike.
Igor Thiago of Brentford
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Igor Thiago has out-scored Ekitike so far this season(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
Other potential targets include Ivan Toney or Dusan Vlahovic, although it's out wide where Liverpool are lacking. Whether it's Thiago or another player of similar quality, Liverpool are expected to secure a forward replacement for Isak next month.
Guehi signs long-term contract
This deal was almost finalised in the summer and despite Guehi undergoing a medical at the club, it fell through at the last minute. With Guehi's contract expiring at the end of the season, Liverpool could potentially wait and negotiate a free transfer.
However, it seems more likely that the Reds will put £15million on the table for Crystal Palace to secure their man. With Giovanni Leoni out for the season due to injury and Joe Gomez also sidelined, Liverpool are short on defenders.
Giovanni Leoni
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Giovanni Leoni is out for the season(Image: Sportsphoto/Allstar, Getty Images)
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 line.
Guehi is an excellent player who has proven himself in the Premier League and could be a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. Ideally, Liverpool will make a move for Guehi in January to secure him on a long-term contract.
Midfielder joins the club
According to Sky Sports, 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.
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool
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Ryan Gravenberch has been deployed in defensive midfield to great effect(Image: Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The first two players have been in stellar form this season, with Jones also putting in impressive performances of late.
Liverpool had previously tried to sign Martin Zubimendi last year, but the Spaniard opted to stay with 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 outstanding displays in the No. 6 role, it seems unlikely he still needs one.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace
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Adam Wharton is one of the most promising young talents in the league(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/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 that Liverpool are in the market for another player in the middle of the park.
Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, both enjoying excellent seasons, 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 Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Bergvall, a proven Premier League player who could seamlessly fit into the Reds' set-up.