Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed speculation around the January transfer window with the Reds needing to strengthen their squad and defensive options being considered
Kieran Horn Digital Sports Journalist and Neil Docking
08:08, 08 Jan 2026
Arne Slot
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Arne Slot has been told his summer signing 'shouldn't be near the team'
Liverpool are yet to make any major acquisitions in the January transfer window despite failing to sign an experienced centre-back in the summer.
As the reigning Premier League champions prepare to face title hopefuls Arsenal at the Emirates on Thursday night, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are presently the sole fit and natural choices for the position, and this has been the situation for most of the campaign due to fitness concerns affecting Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni. The latter has been sidelined for the season with an ACL injury, while Gomez has also been deployed at right-back because of problems in that area.
Bringing in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi - whose dream move to Anfield on transfer deadline day last summer collapsed when the Londoners pulled the plug because they couldn't secure a replacement - would appear to be an ideal solution., especially as the England international's contract expires in June and he is would be available for a bargain fee. But that may not materialise - here's all the latest transfer news from Anfield.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, smiles prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on January 01, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Arne Slot was questioned over transfer incomings this January(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Slot's comments on signings
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has addressed the state of Liverpool's struggling squad and speculation over transfers, with the Reds slumped in fourth in the Premier League table, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
He said: "I never talk about transfers in public, let alone talking about a transfer from another club. My answer is always the same. I am really happy with the squad we have.
"All the decisions made last summer and the summer before are completely aligned with me, Richard [Hughes] and the ownership. This season has shown how talented this group is and if everyone is available how good a team we can be."
Guehi update
Marc Guehi playing for Crystal Palace
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Marc Guehi is a wanted man(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner had provided a frank assessment regarding 25-year-old Guehi with Manchester City showing interest in a move following injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, reports the Mirror.
He said: "I'm not naive. If a massive offer comes from City and Marc wants to do it, it will happen. If you're just valuing sports, everyone in the club will say Marc has to stay. The chairman will tell you the same. But it's not one-dimensional. If you see the financial situation, it's very important.
"If somebody comes, there will be a moment when the club says 'now the financial issue is more important than the sports issue'.
"There will be a threshold where the club has to say it will happen - as long as Marc says 'I want to leave', because the final decision is always with the player."
Bayern out of Schlotterbeck race
Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund
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Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund(Image: Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich appear unlikely to pursue Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund, who has previously been linked with a switch to Liverpool.
This comes as Dayot Upamecano is reportedly close to penning a fresh deal with the Bavarian club, according to Bild.
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Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been touted as potential destinations for the 26-year-old defender, whose future at Dortmund remains unclear.
His contract is due to run out in the summer of 2027 and although discussions about a new deal have occurred, there's no certainty that he'll sign an extension.
Schlotterbeck has featured in 18 matches across all competitions this season, contributing one goal and two assists during this period.