Liverpool manager Arne Slot is reportedly being forced to consider January transfer market moves as a mounting injury crisis threatens to derail the Reds' season.
Defensive Blow Sparks Transfer Search
The situation has been exacerbated by the confirmation that defender Conor Bradley is ruled out for the remainder of the season. The right-back suffered a serious knee injury during last week's 0-0 Premier League draw with Arsenal and has since undergone surgery.
Bradley is not the only defensive absentee. Centre-back Geovanni Leoni is also sidelined for the majority of the campaign with an ACL injury, leaving Slot short of options at the back.
The problems extend to the forward line as well. Mohamed Salah remains at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, while the club's record £125 million signing, Alexander Isak, is out with an injury. Striker Hugo Ekitike has also been managing a minor issue.
Ryerson Emerges as Primary Target
According to emerging reports from Germany, Liverpool have identified Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson as a potential solution to their right-back shortage.
The 28-year-old Norwegian international has been in impressive form for Dortmund this season, registering six assists in 22 appearances. His versatility is seen as a major asset; while primarily a right-back, he is also capable of playing on the left side of defence or even as a centre-back.
Any deal, however, would present challenges. Persuading Dortmund to sell a key player mid-season would likely require a substantial offer. Furthermore, Slot may need to assure Ryerson of sufficient game time, with Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong also able to cover the right-back position.
Koumas Open to Birmingham Stay
In other Liverpool squad news, contract discussions are underway regarding the future of young midfielder Lewis Koumas.
The 20-year-old, currently on loan at Championship side Birmingham City, has expressed a willingness to stay at St Andrew's for the rest of the season. This comes after he was initially expected to be recalled by his parent club this month.
Koumas has earned a run in Birmingham's first team under manager Chris Davies, particularly in his favoured left-wing position due to an injury to Demarai Gray. He scored against Coventry City and impressed in the FA Cup win over Cambridge United.
"Getting a goal, especially against a team like Coventry, boosts your confidence instantly," Koumas told BirminghamLive. "Me being a confidence player, I need that to go and perform freely without any sort of pressure on my back."
Despite starting only five of his 21 league appearances for Birmingham, Koumas is keen to continue his development there. "Last year I played 49 games and started a big majority of them," he said. "It's been a different start this year but whenever I get put in I'm ready to give my best."
Final decisions will likely hinge on assurances from Birmingham regarding his playing time once Gray returns from injury. "We've obviously had conversations (with Liverpool) but I'm keeping my head down, working hard and we'll see what happens," Koumas added.
