Liverpool produced a superb performance against Newcastle United to secure their first Premier League win of 2026 at the weekend. Their spells of inconsistency still see them 14 points and five places below leaders Arsenal in the standings, though.
A lot of finger-pointing has been going on, with Arne Slot feeling a lot of the pressure in recent weeks. A number of Reds fans have also been left frustrated following a recent transfer announcement, which previously had a domino effect on Liverpool’s own business.
Some supporters have been left irked following the news of Igor Julio’s return to Brighton and Hove Albion this transfer window. The centre-back was on loan with West Ham but has been recalled to boost the Seagulls’ options in defence.
Igor Julio and Marc Guehi transfer domino effect on Liverpool
One of the biggest transfer stories from this window was Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City.
The England international was expected to pick up conversations with Liverpool from where they left off over the summer. Slot’s side were still heavily linked with Guehi after coming within a whisker of signing him in September.
However, Guehi snubbed Anfield for the Etihad and signed a five-and-a-half year deal with Man City. Liverpool fans were naturally disappointed and frustrated their top centre-back target had slipped through their fingers but the chain reaction of events that led to this outcome has pushed several to boiling point.
Last summer, Liverpool’s pursuit of Guehi ended abruptly on Deadline Day as Crystal Palace were unable to find a suitable replacement for their captain. The Eagles were linked with Julio but when he joined West Ham on loan instead, it scuppered their plans completely and they pulled the plug on Guehi’s exit.
Liverpool didn’t know it then but the summer would be their only chance to sign Guehi. Julio’s move to West Ham triggered the eventual collapse of their entire transfer pursuit.
Liverpool fans react to Igor Julio recall from loan
After playing just 103 minutes of Premier League football with the Hammers, Julio has returned to Brighton this window. Liverpool fans have let their frustration loose on social media, with one supporter blaming the Brazilian for ‘ruining Liverpool’s season’.
“The man that ruined Guehi to Liverpool,” one fan wrote.
“Cost us Guehi, this fella,” a second echoed.
“This guy ruined Liverpool’s season,” commented a third.
The man that ruined guehi to liverpool
— N (@lfcnathann__) January 27, 2026
Cost us guehi this fella https://t.co/AZeD6qtOFc
— Daniel Dale (@dannydale831) January 27, 2026
This Guy ruined Liverpools season
— Max121 (@Bobbyf1213) January 27, 2026
Liverpool’s defence has been a huge area of concern for them this season. As well as leaking goals in fixtures including 3-0 and 4-1 losses to Nottingham Forest and PSV respectively, the Reds have been hampered with injury setbacks.
They remain active on the transfer market for a solid new centre-back powerhouse but things could have looked very different for Liverpool this season. Had Julio joined Palace and Liverpool signed Guehi, would they still be involved in the title race?