Premier League champions Liverpool could enter next month’s transfer window after suffering two long-term injuries in the first half of the season.
Liverpool’s Premier League title defense has not gone to plan, with the Reds now heading into the festivities 10 points behind leaders Arsenal.
A dreadful run of results followed, with nine defeats out of 12 in all competitions, the club’s worst result in over 70 years. However, Arne Slott was able to stabilize the situation and lead his team to victory.
The Reds’ recent win against Tottenham moved them up to fifth place in the table. Although they are just a little short of qualifying for the Champions League based on goal difference, this victory came at a price.
Alexander Isak broke his foot following a fierce challenge from Micky van de Ven while scoring Liverpool’s opening goal, and the Premier League’s record signing faces a long-term absence. And with Mohamed Salah currently on AFCON duty and Kodi Gakpo yet to return due to injury, there is a lack of attacking options in the slot.
It’s a similar story on the other side of the pitch, with summer signing centre-back Giovanni Leoni out for the season and concerns continuing over the fitness of Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley. With limited resources, Slott could be forced to make an unexpected foray into the transfer market this January, with some updates on big names already linked with a move to Anfield.
Liverpool’s long-term defensive target Marc Guehi was on the verge of joining the Reds on the summer transfer deadline day, but his contract fell through at the last minute, which has become a key theme. The England international remained at Crystal Palace, but his contract expires at the end of the season.
Liverpool could theoretically secure him on a free transfer next summer, but Gehi will be free to negotiate with overseas clubs from next month, raising the possibility that one of Europe’s elite clubs could swoop in before slotting. Potential suitors include European giants Barcelona. However, recent reports from Spain suggest that the possibility of a move to Catalonia may be cooling off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona held talks with Crystal Palace and the England star’s representatives, but withdrew due to the financial implications of signing the 25-year-old.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in AFC Bournemouth star man Antoine Semenyo appears to have dissipated, with the highly-rated Ghanaian international, once seen as a potential long-term successor to Salah, now tipped to move to Manchester City.
However, CaughtOffside reports that the Reds have now shifted their focus to 23-year-old France winger Bradley Barcola, who currently plays for PSG.
Liverpool have one more home game against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday, December 27, before the January transfer window opens on New Year’s Day. Slott will have to decide whether he needs to dip into the market again to get the Reds’ sluggish campaign back on track, or whether he needs to continue to rely on the heavy investment in players made just after they won their 20th English league title.
