Liverpool manager Arne Slot is actively shaping his squad for a sustained revival, with the club showing promising signs after an undefeated run of 10 games across all competitions. Following a difficult autumn, the Reds remain in contention for two trophies and are now looking to strengthen in the January transfer window to cement their comeback.
Addressing the Defensive Void
The season-ending ACL injury to Conor Bradley has created an urgent need for cover at right-back. While summer signing Jeremie Frimpong offers an option, he has often been deployed further forward. This has led to strong links with Dutch prospect Givairo Read, the 19-year-old defender Slot handed a debut to at Feyenoord in 2024.
Read's personal admiration for Liverpool could be a key factor, with the player having publicly snubbed Manchester rivals last year to declare: "Liverpool, for sure! Nothing else, no-one else." A move for Read, potentially costing around £25 million, is seen as a logical long-term solution, especially with Frimpong potentially viewed as a future successor to Mohamed Salah.
Securing Key Midfield Assets
In a crucial piece of off-field business, Liverpool are considering tying down midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to a new contract. The Hungarian, now valued at £73 million by Transfermarkt, has been a standout since his £60 million arrival and is touted as a future captain.
With his current deal running until 2028, an early extension is viewed as a proactive move to protect his value and stagger contract expiry dates within a midfield that also includes Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Szoboszlai's versatility and prime-age profile make this a low-risk, high-reward strategy for the club's hierarchy.
Centre-Back Search Amid Konate Uncertainty
A more pressing contractual issue concerns defender Ibrahima Konate, who is set to leave on a free transfer this summer if no new deal is agreed. While Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is a fan favourite, Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old Frenchman, who signed a contract until 2029 last May, has been a regular in Ligue 1 this season. Although he lacks Premier League experience, his age and potential ceiling make him an attractive, affordable alternative. Konate's situation is critical, with the defender having attracted interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
With Virgil van Dijk's form dipping and youngster Giovanni Leoni also out with an ACL injury, reinforcing the centre-back department is a January priority for Slot as he aims to build on Liverpool's recent upturn and mount a serious challenge for silverware.
