Liverpool’s title defense has not gone to plan, with manager Arne Slott and his staff set to make decisions on the futures of a number of players in January.
Liverpool spent big in the Premier League over the summer, but that doesn’t mean January will be quiet for Arne Slott and his staff. Despite their strong start to the season, the reigning Premier League champions are in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification.
Mohamed Salah missed the African Cup of Nations and his future beyond that remains uncertain, while Alexander Isak is expected to be sidelined for at least two months after undergoing surgery on a broken foot. Antoine Semenyo’s name has been mentioned as a possible addition, but the Bournemouth star, who is available for £65m, is thought to prefer Manchester City.
At the end of the summer transfer window, Marc Guehy came desperately close to joining Liverpool, but instead remained at Crystal Palace. A move to Anfield is still possible, but he may have to wait until the end of the season when the England star’s contract expires.
Not in the case of Harvey Elliott, but the focus may instead be on social things. The Aston Villa loanee does not have a good reputation in the Midlands, but a late substitute appearance in Liverpool’s match against Newcastle in August has kept him from playing for any third-party club in Europe’s major leagues this season, making a recall unlikely.
It seems most likely that several loanees will be in port, with The Athletic reporting that up to seven players could be allowed to spend the second half of the season elsewhere. However, even that can be difficult.
read more: Marc Göch moves to Liverpool, Arne Slott makes new decision with clear club stanceread more: 17 players could miss Liverpool vs. Wolves as new Arne Slott concerns emerge
Trey Nyoni
Nyoni, 18, has already shown he can hold his own against more experienced players with some impressive performances in pre-season. The midfielder got his first taste of Premier League action against Spurs last weekend after making seven substitute appearances earlier this season.
He also started in Liverpool’s EFL Cup games and played 90 minutes against Southampton and Crystal Palace. Slott may be tempted to give him some playing time in the FA Cup third round tie against Barnsley before allowing him to go on loan, but he may still decide to keep him.
“This is what this club is known for. The players train with us every day and I’m glad they showed they can play at this level,” Slott said after handing Nyoni his first senior start last season. “The next step is to be able to play (regularly) for Liverpool.”
calvin ramsey
Ramsey’s Liverpool career has been something of a stop-start situation since joining in 2022. He has played just three games for his parent club due to injury and loan spells, and under normal circumstances he could be favored for a move in January.
However, injuries to Liverpool’s backline complicated the situation. With Joe Gomez out and Conor Bradley doubtful for the weekend, while centre-back Giovanni Leoni is out for an extended period of time, Slott may feel the Scot is needed, with Ramsey recently included in the matchday squad.
jayden duns
Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher has named Dunnes as one of the Reds’ options as they look to fill in Isaac’s absence. The teenager has scored three goals in nine top-flight appearances for the club, but his only real performance this season came in the Carabao Cup match against Southampton.
Dans’ playing time has been limited due to injury, and he has not played since suffering a hamstring issue in September. He is close to returning, but Liverpool may feel it is better to recuperate with the Under-21s rather than bring him back into the game straight away.
Stefan Bagetic
Another player who has had injury problems in the past, Bajisetic has sadly not featured since bursting onto the scene as a teenager. He had two loan spells last season, but his stay at Salzburg didn’t go as planned and he ended the season with Las Palmas on the brink of relegation from La Liga.
The Spain Under-21 star is yet to feature in a game this season after suffering an injury towards the end of his time in his home country and undergoing hamstring surgery. The Athletic reports that he is in no rush to leave as he wants to play well in the new year, but a move could still happen.
Will Wright
Liverpool beat out competition from their Premier League rivals to sign Salford prospect Wright in August. The striker won’t turn 18 until New Year’s Day but had already played senior football for Salford before the Reds moved him in a “high” bid thought to be worth six figures.
He played a few games for the Reds’ age group in August and September, but has been sidelined with injury since then. The situation is similar to that faced by Duns, and Liverpool will have to make a decision once they know more about his progress in recovery.
Trent Cohn-Doherty
Irish winger Cone-Doherty arrived with a high reputation when he joined Liverpool from Derry City in 2022. Although he had to wait until his debut, he was given playing time in the closing stages of the Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace in the autumn.
The 19-year-old scored in wins against Eintracht Frankfurt and PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Youth League this season. The unknown club is reportedly keeping an eye on his progress in the competition with a view to swooping him on loan.
Rhys Williams
Williams has not featured since being deployed in the deep end under Jurgen Klopp in the 2020/21 season. He was on loan at Morecambe last season and played more games for the Shrimps than any other club in his career after another loan failed.
The centre-back is now 24 years old but has been starved for football this term, appearing in the EFL Trophy but struggling for minutes elsewhere. However, depending on the needs of EFL clubs, there could be a market for him in January.
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