Liverpool may have spent big in the summer, but the season has been slow and Arne Slott may be forced to fix things in January.
It’s safe to say that Liverpool’s title defense so far has been nothing short of a disaster. Arne Slott stunned the Premier League last season, winning Liverpool their 20th top flight title in his first year in charge.
What followed was a star-studded transfer window for the Reds, with the Reds spending over £400m and seeing players come and go.
But then reality set in. Liverpool currently sit eighth in the table with five defeats from just 11 games. Slott is under pressure as the Dutchman struggles against a new-look team, with many fans and pundits wondering what he will actually fix.
Liverpool may balk at the concept of increasing spending in January, but speculation is growing that the club may act to get their season back on track. Mirror Football takes a look at what a dream winter could look like for the Reds.
At – Elliot Anderson
Manchester United are said to be leading the race to sign Nottingham Forest’s midfielder, but Mirror Football has revealed that Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in signing Anderson.
read more: UEFA rules ban Liverpool stadium and why Anfield won’t host Euro 2028 matchesread more: “Mohamed Salah is the best player at Liverpool in my opinion, but leaving was the best option for me.”
Liverpool have struggled in the engine room so far this season, with Alexis Mac Allister struggling for form, Dominik Szoboszlai switching from central midfield to right-back, and Florian Wirtz not making the number 10 his own.
The ever-reliable Ryan Gravenbirch has often looked isolated, which means Andersson, 23, could be the right partner for the Dutchman to bring steel to an unstable central unit in the slot in the middle of the park.
However, reports suggest that Forest would demand between £100m and £120m if they were to consider a sale. Liverpool’s spending is already high this year, so it is unlikely that they will opt to make a bid.
By – Antoine Semenyo
Liverpool appear to be already troubled by the sale of Luis Dias. The Colombian reportedly wanted to leave Anfield, but his extraordinary form at new club Bayern Munich shows what Liverpool are missing.
The Reds have been without a speedy winger all season, with Mo Salah struggling to make an impact. The slot side often appeared trapped during the match, with no exit from the flanks.
Bournemouth star Semenyo has scored six goals and provided three assists so far this season, including a brace in the opening weekend of the Premier League between Anfield and Liverpool.
The Ghanaian international signed a new five-year contract with the Cherries in July, but there are reports that the contract includes a release clause. There has been speculation that Liverpool could make a move for the lightning-quick wide man in January, with his move reportedly costing the Reds around £75m.
Cast – Alessandro Bastoni
Liverpool are looking to strengthen their defense for the winter following Giovanni Leoni’s long-term injury and Ibrahima Konate’s possible departure next summer, according to reports.
The Reds are reportedly eyeing Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who is under contract until 2028. Liverpool are aware of his value and are said to be preparing an offer of at least £88m.
Liverpool’s failure to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is said to have sparked renewed interest in Bastoni, who has been hailed by Italian icon Giorgio Chiellini as “one of the best defenders” in world football.
In – Marc Gehi
Bastoni’s replacement will be Palace captain Guehi. The Reds had already laid the groundwork for the England defender and were close to signing him on transfer deadline day, but Palace made the move with 11 hours remaining.
Slot could land the 25-year-old for free, but the Reds are expected to face a challenge for Gehi from a number of Premier League clubs and Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also rumored clubs, but Gehi himself says he is relaxed about his future.
Out – Ibrahima Konate
The idea of letting Konate go feels like self-sabotage as the Reds struggle at centre-back due to Leoni’s absence and speculation surrounding long-serving Joe Gomez’s departure. Despite Konate’s worrying form, he has become somewhat of a force to be reckoned with in the face of Liverpool’s defensive shortcomings.
It’s no secret that the Frenchman has been in a slump this season, and his contract expires at the end of this season. Their relationship with Real Madrid refuses to fade, and if Liverpool can secure the transfers of Guehi and Bastoni, perhaps letting go of a player who could set his sights on the Spanish capital might not be such a rogue move after all.
Konate has been a loyal servant at Anfield and produced some eye-catching performances during last year’s title-winning campaign. However, an accelerated transfer in January would not only help the Reds pay a fee for the former RB Leipzig centre-half, but also help clear the deck of a player who could leave for free in the summer anyway.
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