Liverpool could be forced to act in the transfer market this month with injuries piling up for the Reds
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on January 01, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arne Slot could add to his team this month(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Liverpool may yet be compelled to make moves in this month's transfer market, given the current shortage of players in various positions on the field. Arne Slot was dealt a blow with the news that defender Conor Bradley is now sidelined for the season following an injury sustained in last week's 0-0 draw against Arsenal.
Despite maintaining their unbeaten run in their match against the Gunners, concerns about an injury crisis are mounting. The Reds are short-staffed in both defence and attack, with centre-back Geovanni Leoni also out for most of the season due to an ACL injury.
Mohamed Salah is still participating in the Africa Cup of Nations for Egypt, and £125million signing Alexander Isak is sidelined for a while due to injury. Slot has even had to manage a minor injury to Hugo Ekitike, who has been missing recently.
With a potential replacement for Bradley possibly identified and contract negotiations ongoing with another star, the ECHO delves into the latest transfer news from Anfield.
Conor Bradley replacement identified
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson, according to German media reports. Slot needs a new right back after Bradley underwent knee surgery following his injury in last week's match against Arsenal.
Ryerson has been in excellent form for Dortmund. This campaign, the Norwegian has chalked up six assists across 22 outings.
Julian Ryerson of Borussia Dortmund looks on
Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson is attracting interest from Liverpool according to reports(Image: 2025 Rene Nijhuis/MB Media)
View 3 Images
The 28-year-old is naturally a right-back, though he's capable of featuring as a left-back and at centre-back, another area where Liverpool are lacking depth. Liverpool may need to table a considerable fee to persuade Dortmund to release the star halfway through their campaign, however.
Slot will also probably need to assure the defender that he will get adequate playing time, considering that Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong are both able to feature at right-back. Though both players have been utilised in centre-back and at wing-back positions, respectively.
Talks begin for loanee
On-loan Liverpool midfielder Lewis Koumas is reportedly content to remain at Birmingham City this season after being handed a first-team opportunity under manager Chris Davies. Koumas built on his strike against Coventry City with another impressive display in Saturday evening's FA Cup triumph over Cambridge United.
The 20-year-old is enjoying a spell in his preferred left-wing role with Demarai Gray currently sidelined through injury. "Getting a goal, especially against a team like Coventry, boosts your confidence instantly," Koumas told BirminghamLive.
Lewis Koumas of Birmingham City looks on
Lewis Koumas has been in impressive form for Birmingham City(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
View 3 Images
He continued: "Me being a confidence player, I need that to go and perform freely without any sort of pressure on my back."
Koumas has only started five of his 21 Championship matches for Blues and it was anticipated he would be brought back by Liverpool this month. Despite his stint in Birmingham not proving as fruitful as his Championship breakthrough at Stoke City last season, he is open to discussing his options with Liverpool.
"Last year I played 49 games and started a big majority of them," Koumas said. "It's been a different start this year but whenever I get put in I'm ready to give my best."
However, both Koumas and Liverpool will likely seek assurances from Davies that his playing time won't dwindle once Gray recovers from injury. He said: "We've obviously had conversations (with Liverpool) but I'm keeping my head down, working hard and we'll see what happens."