With Jeremie Frimpong joining Conor Bradley on the sidelines Liverpool have lost both of their right-backs – but they are not expected to sign another this month.
Why Liverpool aren’t planning to sign a new defender in January
Frimpong was forced off within minutes of kickoff in Wednesday’s 6-0 win over Qarabag and will await the verdict on a suspected groin issue.
Given Bradley is already sidelined for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury there have been calls for Liverpool to dip into the transfer market before next week’s deadline.
However Sky Sports‘ Vinny O’Connor reports that Liverpool are not expected to sign a new defender mid-season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 28, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong lies injured during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Qaraba? FK at Anfield. Liverpool won 6-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“The club do not generally make reactive moves in the transfer market, preferring to stick to their long-term plans – and that remains unchanged,” O’Connor explains.
“Liverpool always remain alert to their targets becoming available but they will not sign any player based on an injury as they still believe they have options to cover.”
Arne Slot was uncertain on the extent of Frimpong’s injury when speaking immediately after the victory over Qarabag, but admitted he would at least miss Saturday’s clash with Newcastle.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - Wednesday, January 21, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Wataru Endo warms up during the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool FC at the Stade Vélodrome. Liverpool won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
His right-back options in the meantime include midfielders Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones, while Calvin Ramsay is also available in the Premier League and FA Cup.
Ramsay, 22, was not on the bench for the Champions League in midweek as he was not registered to the senior squad for the league phase.
That could change ahead of a last-16 tie against one of Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge, Galatasaray or Juventus, with Bradley set to be removed when clubs are able to submit new squads for the knockouts.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, 20, this month, though they face competition from a number of clubs including Chelsea.
Either way, Rennes are said to prefer a deal which would see him stay at France until the summer.
Slot is due to be boosted by the return of Ibrahima Konate for the meeting with Newcastle, with the 26-year-old expected back from compassionate leave.
Joe Gomez could also rejoin the squad in the near future, though the head coach described it as “tight” when asked if his No. 2 would be available at the weekend.
Jones missed the thrashing of Qarabag with illness but will almost certainly be back in contention on Saturday.
The Big Debate
Are Liverpool taking a massive risk by not signing a right-back?
With Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley both out, do you agree with the club’s decision to stick with their long-term plan, or should they have made an emergency move in the market?
Join the conversation: Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!