Liverpool spent heavily in the summer but reports suggest the Reds could be prepared to splash the cash once more in January
Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool looks on
Arne Slot could be looking to bolster his squad in January(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Liverpool are aiming to start 2026 on a high note with a victory over Leeds United, while the January transfer window is poised to offer numerous possibilities for Arne Slot. The Reds have rebounded from a dismal spell in recent weeks.
Slot's team have clinched three successive league wins after defeating Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves last month. However, Liverpool's transfer dealings this month will be under close scrutiny.
The shortage of attacking options due to Mohamed Salah's participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak's long-term injury has amplified calls for Slot to strengthen his forward line. Injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez have also left Liverpool lacking in defence.
With the club's first significant January decision made and a potential target given the green light, the ECHO provides an update on the latest news from Anfield.
January transfer decision reached
Liverpool are set to welcome midfielder James McConnell back to Anfield this month. The 21-year-old's loan spell at Ajax has been cut short.
McConnell has struggled to make his mark in the Eredivisie, having only started two matches during his temporary stint. He initially moved to Ajax at the end of August after John Heitinga departed Anfield, where he was Arne Slot's assistant, to become the head coach at the Dutch giants.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - JANUARY 29: James McConnell of Liverpool looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool FC at PSV Stadion on January 29, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
James McConnell looks to be heading back to Liverpool
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Heitinga was subsequently sacked from his role as Ajax manager at the start of November. According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, McConnell will now head back to Liverpool.
The report detailed how Ajax had planned to bring in an experienced defensive midfielder before McConnell's arrival but were unable to complete a deal. The Dutch side's choice to plug the gap with a temporary solution in McConnell failed to work out.
Marc Guehi alternative gets backing
The Reds could be searching for an alternative to Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi this month. The England centre-half came close to joining Liverpool in September, only for the transfer to collapse at the last moment.
According to the Daily Mail, fellow Eagles defender Maxence Lacroix has been looked at as a possibility by the Reds. Two former Liverpool defenders, Jamie Carragher and Stephen Warnock, have revealed they are admirers of the French player.
"It was a tussle between Guehi and Lacroix, really," Carragher said when discussing his team of the season so far. "I'm really impressed with Crystal Palace. But I went for Guehi, he's got a few more goals as well."
Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace celebrate as Federico Chiesa of Liverpool looks dejected during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on October 29, 2025
Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi have both been looked at by Liverpool according to reports
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Warnock told Aceodds: "I think Marc Guehi would be a really good replacement. What you get from him is leadership and a player who has played on an international level.
"He has constantly been an outstanding player for England whenever he has been called up. He is very comfortable on the ball. He is not the tallest, but he uses his physicality to outweigh the lack of height. The way he reads the game is outstanding.
"I actually like Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace as well. I think he is a sensational player. What he has is an immense pace, and what that allows you to do is to go man for man with Van Dijk and Lacroix at the back.
"He has the physicality as well. I think if they were to sign either Guehi or Lacroix, they would be very happy with either choice. They are both brilliant defenders."
As it stands, the Reds desperately need defensive reinforcements. Ibrahima Konate's contract expires at the end of the season, whilst 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk has just 12 months remaining on his deal. Gomez is currently sidelined through injury, and Leoni is expected to miss the rest of the campaign.