Liverpool appear to have missed out on signing Marc Guehi with the England international set to sign for a Premier League rival but Arne Slot has turned his attention to a new target
08:55, 18 Jan 2026
Arne Slot
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Arne Slot's defender transfer plans are taking shape(Image: PA)
The January transfer window is well underway, but Liverpool have been relatively quiet so far - their only activity being the signing of Mor Talla Ndiaye from Amitie and the departure of James Norris to Shelbourne. However, with ongoing issues in their defence, manager Arne Slot would do well to act swiftly to secure a strong finish in the 2025/26 season.
While their chances of retaining the Premier League title they clinched last year seem slim, currently sitting fourth in the table and trailing Mikel Arteta's Arsenal by 14 points, it seems Liverpool's focus will be on securing European football for the 2026/27 season.
However, the Reds hit a stumbling block on Saturday afternoon when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Anfield. Consequently, Liverpool fans around the globe may be hoping for some action before the February 2 deadline to ignite a spark in the team's performances.
Here, the Daily Star Sport delves into some of the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Liverpool.
Marc Guehi transfer confirmed
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park on January 07, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Marc Guehi is set to sign for Manchester City(Image: Julian Finney, Getty Images)
In an ideal scenario, Liverpool's £35million deal with Crystal Palace on deadline day would have proceeded without a hitch, with the Reds strengthening their defence with arguably one of England's top centre-backs. However, fate had different plans for the 25-year-old Eagles' captain.
A deal between the two clubs fell through at the last moment, with Liverpool compelled to, yet again, depend on a partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate for the campaign, following a serious ACL injury suffered by Giovanni Leoni during his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup in September.
Whilst Guehi has remained linked with Liverpool this month, considering his Selhurst Park contract runs out this summer, it now seems he's poised to join rivals Manchester City instead. Pep Guardiola's side became frontrunners after injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, though Liverpool were still believed to be in contention.
That shifted this week, however, when Oliver Glasner accidentally revealed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's encounter with Sunderland that the centre-back was nearing a deal, though he declined to name the club. The Austrian revealed: "My latest understanding is that the deal with Marc is in the final stages... I cannot confirm the club, because it's still not done, but in the final stages, and the result is that Marc doesn't play tomorrow for us."
Guehi is now expected to undergo a medical with Manchester City on Sunday, before completing a £30m switch to the Etihad Stadium, sending Liverpool back to square one.
New defender target
Dortmund's German defender #04 Nico Schlotterbeck celebrates scoring the opening goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen in Dortmund, western Germany, on January 13, 2026. (Photo by Sascha Schuermann / AFP via Getty Images) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO
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Liverpool could turn their attention to Nico Schlotterbeck(Image: SASCHA SCHUERMANN, AFP via Getty Images)
Graeme Bailey revealed in December that Liverpool had been in discussions with Nico Schlotterbeck's representatives about a potential move to the Premier League. With Guehi seemingly off the table, the Reds might ramp up their efforts to secure the Borussia Dortmund star this month.
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Insiders suggest that the centre-back is on Liverpool's radar along with Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni, and that the German is not interested in renewing his contract with the Bundesliga heavyweights as he seeks a transfer instead.
The 26-year-old is currently valued at around £50m, and having already made his mark in the Champions League, could be just what Liverpool need for their future plans.