Liverpool have been cautioned they are taking a significant "gamble" with their season by opting against reinforcing their defence during the January transfer window, as speculation continues to swirl around a mega-money move for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.
Pennant Sounds Alarm Over Right-Back Crisis
Former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant has issued a stark warning to the Anfield hierarchy, expressing deep concern over the club's decision not to dip into the market for a new right-back. The situation has been exacerbated by a season-ending knee injury to Conor Bradley, sustained in the match against Arsenal.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Pennant did not hold back in his assessment. "I'm very disappointed in hearing that Liverpool won’t be signing a right-back, to not even look at maybe a loan option," he stated. He highlighted the club's current injury woes and packed fixture schedule across multiple competitions as reasons for urgent action.
"We are injury prone at the moment and down to bare bones and loads of games coming," Pennant added. "If we get one more injury that could really destroy our season in every way shape and form." His comments underscore the perceived risk in relying on a depleted squad to maintain a top-four Premier League challenge.
Diomande Dream and Bayern's Cautious Stance
Meanwhile, one of European football's most coveted defenders, Yan Diomande, remains on Liverpool's radar. The Ivorian international, currently with RB Leipzig, publicly declared his fandom for the Merseyside club earlier this month, saying his father dreams of seeing him play at Anfield.
However, securing the 22-year-old would require a substantial outlay, with Leipzig valuing him at a reported £86 million. Liverpool face stiff competition, notably from German giants Bayern Munich.
When questioned about the speculation, Bayern's sporting director, Christoph Freund, remained typically guarded. "He's a very good player who has developed very well," Freund told Sky Sport Deutschland, before adding that it was "not our place to comment on" the ongoing transfer rumours linking Diomande with a move to the Allianz Arena.
Quiet Window Follows Summer Spending Spree
Liverpool's cautious approach this January stands in stark contrast to their activity last summer, where manager Arne Slot oversaw a £400 million overhaul. Big-money signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz arrived, but injuries to key players including Isak, Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni have since tested the squad's depth.
With less than half of the January window remaining, the Reds' only business has been the signing of Mor Talla Ndiaye from Amitie and the departure of James Norris to Shelbourne. A proposed move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, a summer target, now appears to have been hijacked by Manchester City.
The decision on whether to sanction further spending now rests with the Liverpool board, as Slot's side prepares for a crucial UEFA Champions League clash away at Marseille on Wednesday, balancing on-pitch demands with off-pitch strategic planning.
