The January transfer window is on the verge of slamming shut and Liverpool are facing pressure to strengthen their defensive options for under pressure Arne Slot
Stephen Killen Senior Sports Content Creator and Neil Docking
09:01, 29 Jan 2026
Arne Slot's Liverpool have had a quiet January transfer window so far
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Arne Slot's Liverpool have had a quiet January transfer window so far(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
The transfer window is poised to close imminently and Liverpool are under mounting pressure to bolster their defensive ranks.
The Reds are grappling with an injury nightmare at the back, with Jeremie Frimpong the latest casualty joining Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez who are all ruled out, while Ibrahima Konate remains absent dealing with personal family issues. Arne Slot also finds himself under scrutiny amid rumours suggesting legendary midfielder Xabi Alonso could replace him in the Anfield hot seat.
That pressure eased as Liverpool thrashed Azerbaijani minnows Qarabag FK in the Champions League to qualify automatically for the knockout phase, but in domestic competition, their bid to secure a top-four berth faces a serious challenge from Manchester United and Chelsea. The Reds return to Premier League duty against Newcastle United on Saturday, but by that point, they'll have merely 48 hours remaining before the transfer deadline passes. Here's all the latest news from Anfield.
Liverpool are said to be interested in Dayot Upamecano - who is out of contract in the summer.
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Liverpool are said to be interested in Dayot Upamecano - who is out of contract in the summer.(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool 'plan raid' as contract negotiations hit stumbling block
Liverpool have set their sights on Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano, reports the Mirror.
Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg has made the explosive revelation that the French defender is 'holding out' for approaches from the Reds and Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old defender's deal at the Allianz Arena expires this summer, meaning clubs can secure the seasoned centre-half without paying a transfer fee when the campaign concludes.
Previous reports suggested Upamecano had begun contract discussions with Bayern, but talks are understood to have hit an impasse.
Plettenberg revealed: "Everyone is waiting for his commitment, his signature. His contract is ready. But Bayern Munich will not improve their offer.
"Upamecano can sign it, [taking him until] 2030 or 2031. There's a release clause included from the summer of 2027. He can earn 20m Euros gross per year and receive a big signing feed, together with his agent.
"But Bayern is waiting for weeks, they want a decision soon. But my opinion is he's waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid. Liverpool is interested in Upamecano, we can confirm that."
Reds 'monitor promising midfielder'
Arne Slot has a defensive injury crisis at Liverpool
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Arne Slot has a defensive injury crisis at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Italian publication Tuttomercato claims Liverpool are monitoring gifted Norwegian talent Jens Hjerto-Dahl.
The report suggests the Merseyside giants could potentially hijack moves for the 19-year-old prospect.
Hjerto-Dahl is currently on the books at Eliteserien outfit Tromso and celebrated his 20th birthday last October. The youngster has featured 30 times for his club, netting four goals while also registering four assists in Norway's premier division.
The young midfielder, already capped at under-21 level with six appearances and boasting over 100 senior games despite his youth, is reportedly on the radar of several clubs. Besiktas are said to be interested, with Liverpool also keeping a close eye along with other Premier League outfits.
Italian Serie A teams are allegedly lining up to swoop for the midfielder, with Bologna and Lazio identified as potential destinations. Hjerto-Dahl has drawn comparisons to Lazio legend Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who was frequently linked with a move to Liverpool during his stint in Italy.
Tsimikas' future still hangs in the balance
Kostas Tsmikas, currently on loan at AS Roma, was rumoured to be in line for a recall to Liverpool following interest in Andy Robertson.
The Scottish full-back attracted attention from Tottenham this month, but a move was thwarted due to Liverpool's thin defensive ranks.
While Robertson, 31, looks set to remain at Anfield, it hasn't quelled interest in his Greek team-mate, with reports suggesting that Roma are eager to bolster their left-back options.
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Besiktas are reportedly mulling over their choices, and Liverpool have allegedly outlined transfer terms, with discussions over a move initiated between the Turkish club and 29-year-old Tsimikas' representatives.