Liverpool ended the transfer window with just one senior squad signing who won't arrive until the summer
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, gives a thumbs up during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Arne Slot and Liverpool have been dubbed "suckers"(Image: Kate McShane/Getty Images)
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Liverpool conducted minimal business in the winter transfer window as they seek to revitalise their Premier League campaign. Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet was signed in a £55million deal - plus a potential £5m in add-ons - though he won't arrive at Anfield until the summer.
Arne Slot watched over a relatively subdued window in January following the £450m summer spending spree on players such as Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez. Jacquet's January signing was accompanied by Mor Talla Ndiaye, Noah Adekoya and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, all recruited to strengthen the academy structure.
Focus now turns to the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, with the FA Cup and Champions League remaining viable pursuits. Here, the ECHO examines the latest developments emerging from Anfield.
Club chief makes transfer pledge
Sporting director Richard Hughes has clarified his tight relationship with Slot and confirmed the club remains confident in the Dutchman. Hughes noted that Liverpool can't always give the manager the signings he wants, but believes the partnership works well regardless.
During the newest episode of The Reds Roundtable, he said: "Of course we talk about football and performances but I always let Arne lead that. Naturally in a conversation I will come up with an opinion and not just react to Arne's, but always waiting for the right time to share these things is critical.
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"Did it help that we came in together at the same point? Possibly. But it's more important that we had synergy right from the first moment. Understanding who he is as a football manager, how he wants to work, trying your best and it's not always possible to put them in the best possible position to have all the tools they require, and that's what I feel my job is then."
Hughes remains convinced that Liverpool's summer signings will prove their worth and simply require time to settle in. This has been evident in recent weeks with Ekitike and Wirtz starting to find their feet domestically.
He added: "You want to be there to support them and not suffocate them with it, let them find their own feet. All these players are here for a very good reason, they are top players. Everybody has played their part in getting them to the club and we were all very happy with what we did in the summer, not just me.
Arne Slot new head coach of Liverpool and Richard Hughes sporting director of Liverpool during thier first press conference at AXA Training Centre on July 05, 2024 in Kirkby, England.
Richard Hughes confirmed his stance on Slot(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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"Whether they are good, bad or indifferent in terms of signings, there's no proprietary felt in my position, it's a collective effort that helps these boys translate their form for which they have been brought to the club and be the best version of themselves.
"As long as the players are the right ones in the first place, and we are absolutely convinced every time we bring someone in that they are, then the performances on the pitch will quickly follow."
World Cup winner labels Liverpool 'suckers'
Christophe Dugarry has slammed Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy for being "suckers" after splashing up to £60m on Jacquet. Despite having made fewer than 60 first-team appearances as a senior player, the Reds paid the hefty fee to make the 20-year-old their second most expensive defender of all time, behind Virgil van Dijk.
Speaking on the RMC radio show ‘Rothen s’enflamme', World Cup winner Dugarry criticised Liverpool's decision as he said: "This isn't meant to offend the player, honestly, he's not to blame at all, and we wish him all the best because he's a good player.
Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes and teammates celebrate the victory following the Ligue 1 McDonald's football match between Paris FC and Stade Rennais FC (Rennes) at Stade Jean Bouin on November 7, 2025 in Paris, France.
Jeremy Jacquet's signing hasn't been taken well by some(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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"But when you have suckers like that... well done to Rennes. Rennes managed to find a sucker like Liverpool that was [willing to pay] €70million (£60m)."
The Frenchman added: "Let them carry on, all these English clubs, throwing around tens of millions of euros. This isn't simply a two-tier football scenario any longer, it's a sport that's completely lost its way. Let's cease pretending there's any rationale behind it. There's absolutely no justification whatsoever."
Dugarry is adamant that the decision to splash out such money on Jacquet will only heap pressure on the young centre-half to deliver straight away upon his arrival. "Poor Jacquet, this move is going to heap tremendous pressure on him," he said.
"Even he, the unfortunate lad, who is undoubtedly a talented player, will turn up with such enormous expectations. His displays will be scrutinised differently, despite not warranting it. Those of us who understand football, let's not attempt to justify this sum by claiming it's because Liverpool has funds or similar. It's completely senseless!"
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