Liverpool's January transfer plans are under the microscope as the club navigates a growing injury list while pursuing key targets. The Reds maintained their unbeaten run against Arsenal this week, but fitness concerns are beginning to mount at a crucial stage of the season.
Injury Concerns Pile Pressure on Squad
The stalemate with Arsenal came at a cost, with right-back Conor Bradley joining the treatment table. He adds to a significant list of absentees that includes striker Alexander Isak, while Hugo Ekitike has also been managing a minor issue. Furthermore, the influential Mohamed Salah remains on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Defensively, the situation is particularly acute, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate currently the only fit senior centre-back pairing. In response, manager Arne Slot has moved to bolster the youth ranks, securing the signing of 19-year-old Burnley defender Noah Adekoya. The club is also reportedly close to deals for teenage centre-backs Mor Ndiaye (18) and Austria Vienna's Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
Winger Sets Sights on Elite Move
One potential first-team target has publicly outlined his ambitions. Club Brugge's in-form winger Christos Tzolis has admitted he would only consider leaving the Belgian side for a club of Liverpool or Barcelona's stature. The 23-year-old Greek international, who has contributed 11 goals and nine assists this season, addressed the speculation directly.
"I'm not aware of any concrete interest at the moment, so I'm not even considering it," Tzolis told Het Nieuwsblad. "I'd like to win the title here first. Although you never know... If a crazy team comes along, like Barcelona, Liverpool… Anyway, you know what I mean. But I don't think that will happen in the winter."
Marc Guehi Saga Takes Another Twist
The long-running saga surrounding Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi has developed further. The 25-year-old centre-back, who will be a free agent in the summer, was on the verge of joining Liverpool on deadline day last summer before the deal collapsed.
Now, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich all linked, a new update suggests Guehi is in no rush. It is believed the player is willing to wait until after this summer's World Cup to decide his next club, focusing on securing a starting role for England under Thomas Tuchel by continuing to play regularly at Palace.
However, there is a financial consideration. While Guehi may prefer to wait, Crystal Palace could be tempted to sell this month if a substantial offer arrives, with reports suggesting the club would demand in excess of £35 million. City's interest is said to be acute following injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner gave a pragmatic assessment of the situation: "There will be a threshold where the club has to say [sell] … If the player says: 'I want to leave' and the money is above the threshold, it will happen. I'm not so naïve not to know that if a massive offer comes from City and Marc wants to do it, it will happen."
As the January window progresses, Liverpool's strategy appears twofold: securing promising young talent for the future while monitoring complex situations for established stars like Guehi, all as they manage an increasingly stretched squad.
