Anfield is a weird place right now. You’d think being the reigning Premier League champions would buy some peace of mind, but honestly, the January window has been anything but quiet. People keep looking for that one massive "statement" signing to fix a leaky defense, but the reality is much more complicated—and probably a bit more frustrating if you’re a Red.
The big story everyone is buzzing about today is Federico Chiesa. It’s been about 18 months since he arrived from Juventus, and it just hasn’t clicked. 35 appearances, four goals. That’s not what anyone expected. Now, we’re seeing reports that Juve has made informal contact about a loan return.
But here’s the thing: Liverpool isn’t interested in a loan. James Pearce and other reliable voices are making it clear that the club will only talk if a "significant permanent offer" lands on the table. They also need a replacement lined up. With Alexander Isak still out with that fractured leg he picked up against Spurs, the front line is already stretched thin.
Basically, Liverpool is playing a high-stakes game of chicken with the Italian market.
The Defensive Crisis Today's Transfer News Liverpool Ignores
While everyone focuses on the wingers, the real fire is in the backline. It’s kinda terrifying when you look at the numbers. Conor Bradley’s knee injury against Arsenal—recently confirmed as a season-ender—means Arne Slot is down to just six senior defensive options.
Six. For a team competing on three fronts.
Most people think the club has to buy a right-back. Yet, the word from inside Kirkby is that they might just sit tight. They’re betting on Jeremie Frimpong to hold the fort, even though he’s looked way more comfortable as a wing-back or a straight-up winger this season. Slot has been forced to play Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back in emergencies, which is like using a Ferrari to haul gravel. It works, but it's not what it was built for.
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Then you’ve got the Marc Guéhi situation. Remember how close that deal was in the summer? He literally did a medical before Crystal Palace pulled the plug. Well, the rumors are back. Reports today suggest Guéhi still views Anfield as his "dream destination," but with Manchester City and Real Madrid also sniffing around, the price is only going one way. Up.
Why the Konaté Contract is the Real Headline
If you want to know what's actually worrying the higher-ups, look at Ibrahima Konaté. His contract expires this summer. He can literally sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-Premier League club right now.
After losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid on a free last year, the nightmare of losing another world-class asset for zero pounds is very real. Negotiations have stalled. Konaté’s form has been patchy, but he’s still only 26. Replacing him would cost £70 million easily.
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It’s a massive distraction for a team that’s supposed to be defending a title. Virgil van Dijk is still the king, but he’s turning 35 this year. The succession plan isn't just a "nice to have" anymore; it's a "do or die" requirement.
The 2026 January Strategy (Or Lack Thereof)
So, what is Liverpool actually doing? So far, the only confirmed business is Mor Talla Ndiaye. He’s 18, a prospect from Senegal, and he's heading straight for the U21s. Not exactly the "cavalry" fans were hoping for.
There's talk of a £52 million battle for AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit. He’s 19 and incredibly talented, but again, he’s a kid. He isn't going to stop a 90th-minute counter-attack at the Etihad.
The club’s philosophy has always been about "the right player, not just any player." But fans are starting to point out that this is the same logic that led to the midfield collapse a few years back. It’s a gamble. If Frimpong gets a hamstring tweak, the season could literally derail in a week.
Real Insights for the Remainder of the Window
If you’re tracking these moves, here is how the land actually lies:
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- Federico Chiesa: Watch for a late-window permanent bid from Italy. Liverpool won't budge for a loan, but a £20m+ offer might change things.
- The Right-Back Gap: Expect to see more of Joe Gomez and even Wataru Endo filling in. The club seems determined to wait until summer for a long-term Bradley/Trent successor.
- The "Dream" Move: Micky van de Ven has been linked, but Tottenham isn't letting their captain go mid-season without a record-breaking fee. This is likely a "summer 2026" conversation.
The most actionable thing for fans and analysts to watch is the Egyptian national team's progress in AFCON. Mo Salah’s return date dictates everything. If Egypt goes all the way, Liverpool is essentially playing without their best attacker and their first-choice right-back simultaneously.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for Alexander Isak. His return timeline is currently "spring," but if that gets pushed back, the pressure on the board to sign a striker like Hugo Ekitiké (who is also nursing a hamstring issue) becomes unbearable.
The next few weeks will define whether Liverpool repeats the mistakes of the past or manages to scrape through this injury crisis to defend their crown. For now, it's a lot of "wait and see" while the rivals are already making moves.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the team sheets for the next two matches specifically for the right-back slot. If Slot continues to use Szoboszlai there, it's a signal that the club is desperate but unwilling to spend in January. Also, monitor the Ibrahima Konaté contract rumors; if there is no "breakthrough" news by January 31st, expect a summer exit to be a near-certainty.