Liverpool face January transfer decisions as the Premier League champions try to get themselves back into title contention by maintaining their winning run
07:52, 31 Dec 2025
Arne Slot's squad needs improvement despite their summer spending splurge
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Arne Slot's squad needs improvement despite their summer spending splurge
As the January transfer window looms just a day away, Liverpool have been pinpointed as one of the teams that should be dipping into the market.
The absence of attacking powerhouses Mohamed Salah at AFCON and injured Alexander Isak has led most fans to believe that Arne Slot needs to beef up his forward line. Injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez have also left the Dutch manager short-staffed in defence, making the unsuccessful attempt to secure Marc Guehi's transfer on deadline day even more regrettable.
Winter signings could bolster the Reds' pursuit of Champions League qualification amidst an inconsistent Premier League season so far. Despite facing flak for his apparent stance on a specific January transfer, one of Slot's previously disgruntled players has been linked with a move away from Anfield, having already expressed his desire to leave. Here's all the latest news from Anfield.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot may have work to do in the transfer market(Image: PA)
Transfer letdown
With Salah away on Africa Cup of Nations duty and Isak sidelined due to a broken leg, it was widely assumed the Reds would be looking for attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, reports the Mirror.
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo has been consistently rumoured to be heading to Anfield over the past few months, and it seems the 25-year-old's future is set for north-west England - but not Merseyside.
Sky Sports reports the Ghanaian international is on the brink of a £65million transfer to Manchester City, a development that has irked former Liverpool player Jermaine Pennant. Speaking on talkSPORT, Pennant expressed his disappointment. He said: "As a Liverpool fan, I'm really disappointed on the back of Isak getting injured, maybe out for the season.
Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Burnley FC at Vitality Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Bournemouth, England.
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Antoine Semenyo is likely to leave Bournemouth this month(Image: Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
"Salah being in AFCON and we already know the relationship with him, is he going to be leaving? So, for £65million in this day and age, a player of Antoine Semenyo's quality, you'd say it's kind of a bargain."
Pennant didn't mince words when criticising Liverpool's apparent lack of interest in Semenyo, calling it "stupid". He continued: "And for them to not be in the conversation or say, 'We're interested as well,' and approach Bournemouth on the back of what I've mentioned, is really stupid. He could be a player who could replace Salah long-term as well.
"So when Salah does decide to leave, if it's in January or at the end of the season, you've got someone who is Premier League proven, which is absolutely vital. We've seen players come over to this league and they can't really cut it, but you know that he can."
Federico Chiesa eyed
Federico Chiesa of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield on December 03, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
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Federico Chiesa has struggled to make his mark at Liverpool on a consistent basis(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool's recent 2-1 victory over Wolves saw Italian winger Federico Chiesa make his first Premier League start at Anfield. Despite joining the club in the summer of 2024, Chiesa hasn't had many chances to shine under Arne Slot's management.
Despite Chiesa's exemplary attitude whilst seldom starting matches, the 27-year-old's drive remains undiminished, as shown by his response when informed earlier this campaign that he'd been left out of Liverpool's Champions League squad for the group stages.
He has subsequently been added following Leoni's ACL setback, though Slot disclosed Chiesa "wasn't happy" upon learning of his original decision to omit him.
The Italian has been vocal about his affection for Merseyside, yet conceded last summer a potential return to former employers Juventus remained a possibility.
Federico Chiesa celebrates a goal
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Federico Chiesa endured highs and lows at Juventus(Image: Stefano Guidi)
"Never say never," Chiesa informed Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I still love the club and the fans."
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Chiesa is now being linked once more with a Turin comeback next month, given his limited prospects at Anfield. Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reports that he features amongst several potential signings under consideration.
It was last year when he disclosed to Corriere dello Sport that he'd hoped to stay in Turin but was pushed out by then-boss Thiago Motta. "Motta was clear with me: I don't need you, find a team," Chiesa recalled.
"I told him I was ready to fight, to put myself to the test because I wanted to stay and show that I was still useful to Juventus. But there was nothing I could do. It's okay, it was his choice."