After a 4-1 win over Newcastle United, which capped off a confusing January for Liverpool, they have some major opportunities in February to get back on track for a strong finish to the 2024-45 season.
Liverpool have made their first non-teenage centre-back signing since Ibrahima Konate in 2021 by agreeing a £60m deal with Rennes to sign Jeremy Jacquet in the summer. The 20-year-old is flew to Merseyside today for a medical before a deal is made official.
While no signings were made in the winter window, Liverpool have enough to be getting on with. After £460m worth of investment in the summer, Arne Slot needs to get the job done with what he has available for the time being.
Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike’s flourishing partnership bodes well for Champions League qualification if Liverpool can avoid too many unnecessary defeats.
Liverpool face major Manchester City test amid Manchester United transformation
When Liverpool went on a dramatic five-game winning streak at the start of the season, it didn’t seem like Manchester United would figure a major role in their season.
The Anfield outfit was fresh off a Premier League title and a £460m spending spree following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. Liverpool were undoubtedly heading for a transformative future.
Yet, the troubles they have experienced since weren’t foretold by too many pundits or journalists.
Liverpool are now sixth and two points behind Man Utd, having been three points clear of the Red Devils just five gameweeks ago. With Pep Guardiola’s Man City travelling to Anfield on Sunday, it’s a crucial period for Liverpool.
Michael Carrick has rejuvenated United and they are now on a three-game winning streak. While there is a lot of football left to be played before the end of the season, Liverpool need to be careful not to allow United to open a defensible points gap.
Failure to qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League campaign would be disastrous for Liverpool
February is a Champions League-free month for Liverpool. After qualifying for the knockout phase with a strong finish in Europe, the Reds only have to contend with Premier League fixtures and an FA Cup tie against Brighton this month.
Slot and FSG should consider that this is what every month could look like next season should Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Liverpool’s fixtures for February 2026:
8 Feb – Liverpool vs Manchester City (Premier League)
11 Feb – Sunderland vs Liverpool (Premier League)
14 Feb – Liverpool vs Brighton (FA Cup 4th Round)
21 Feb – Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool (Premier League)
28 Feb – Liverpool vs West Ham United (Premier League)
The month of February will determine whether or not Liverpool are well-placed for a strong end to the season.