The Reds have deficiencies at center-back, midfield and on the wings, but two former Reds believe that one position is the most pressing in the January transfer window
07:00, 05 Jan 2026
TNT Presenter Lynsey Hipgrave speaks with TNT Pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch
Joe Cole and Peter Crouch have given their verdict on Liverpool's summer transfer priority(Image: Getty Images)
Ex-Liverpool duo Peter Crouch and Joe Cole agree that the Reds need to prioritize the addition of a new center-back in January.
The former England internationals were asked on TNT Sports which area they felt numerous teams needed to address in the transfer market, and both claimed center-back remains the biggest area of concern for Liverpool.
It’s hard to disagree with that view. Liverpool has essentially played with three center-backs all campaign due to Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury, which the Italian suffered in September. He sustained the ACL problem on his debut, meaning the Reds have essentially had to operate with just Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.
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The latter has himself been injured in recent weeks, with youngster Wellity Lucky drafted in to help at times this season.
Therefore, it’s undeniably an area that needs to be addressed. Of course, Arne Slot had hoped to have an extra defensive option this season.
Marc Guehi’s scuppered move on deadline day set an unwanted precedent for Liverpool’s problems at the back this term.
Reports have indicated that a January move from Crystal Palace looks unlikely, though, so the Reds may have to wait until the summer if they wish to complete a deal for the ex-Chelsea man.
Liverpool would love to sign Marc Guehi in January, but that appears unlikely
Liverpool would love to sign Marc Guehi in January, but that appears unlikely(Image: Getty Images)
In the meantime, other options are available. There have been conflicting reports regarding Club Brugge center-back Joel Ordonez, with the latest suggestion being that Liverpool won’t pursue a deal.
The 21-year-old fits the age profile Liverpool would prefer in that position, but a reported fee of £35million ($47M) could prove prohibitive.
The Athletic also stated that the Reds are in talks to sign 17-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, although it’s believed that any transfer would occur next summer and he would initially join the youth team.
Jarell Quansah could return to Liverpool at some stage
Jarell Quansah could return to Liverpool at some stage(Image: Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
Another intriguing dynamic is the future of Jarell Quansah, who left Liverpool last summer.
The Reds inserted a buyback clause in his move to Bayer Leverkusen, and while the terms on that element are vague, the Reds could look to bring the academy graduate back to Anfield in the coming years.
It all comes together in a melting point of uncertainty, particularly when the unclear futures of Konate and Gomez are taken into account.
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That might wait for the summer, but for now, Crouch and Cole are right, Liverpool needs another center-back option this window.