Liverpool January Transfer Dilemma as Centre Back Crisis Deepens

Liverpool’s season has drifted into uncomfortable territory, and the conversation around January recruitment has shifted from luxury to necessity. After a Premier League title in his debut campaign, Arne Slot now finds himself overseeing a troubled defence, with Liverpool sitting seventh in the table and facing a genuine battle to secure Champions League qualification.

Credit for the original discussion goes to Lewis Steele, who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, and the points raised cut to the heart of Liverpool’s current predicament.

Defensive Depth Running on Empty

Slot’s options at centre back are perilously thin. Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury on his Liverpool debut in September ruled him out for the season before his integration could even begin. Joe Gomez’s injury in the 2-0 win over Brighton on Saturday only sharpened the sense of vulnerability. That leaves Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the only senior centre backs available.

Lewis Steele was unequivocal on the urgency of the situation, saying, “I think it’s a necessity. Liverpool may think that they can get by without signing a centre-back but you’re one injury to Van Dijk or Konate away from not getting top four.”

This is not scaremongering. Liverpool’s structure under Slot relies heavily on control from the back, and a prolonged absence for either starter would force tactical compromises that ripple across the side.

Guehi Deal That Would Not Go Away

Marc Guehi remains central to the discussion, largely because Liverpool were so close to landing him in the summer. A £35m deal collapsed late on deadline day, leaving a sense of unfinished business.

Steele questioned why that logic should suddenly change, asking, “What’s stopping them from spending that £20/30m on someone like Marc Guehi in January.” He added further weight by noting, “You have to remember that Guehi was 99.9% a Liverpool player on deadline day in the summer, so if they really want to do it, then they can.”

There is also the matter of competition. Steele pointed out, “Manchester City like him, so does Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, but he may feel a loyalty to Liverpool after what happened in the summer.” That loyalty could be decisive if Liverpool act decisively.

Champions League Ambitions at Risk

For all the league struggles, Liverpool remain dangerous in Europe. Steele captured that contradiction clearly, saying, “This team is more than capable of winning the Champions League but that’s not possible if another defender breaks down and is out for a couple of months.”

That statement reflects a broader truth. Cup competitions reward stability and availability, and Liverpool currently have neither at the back. A January signing would not merely be insurance, it would be a statement that the club still believes this season can be salvaged.

Alternatives Already Scouted

Guehi is not the only name on the list. Steele also noted, “The other lad at Crystal Palace, Maxence Lacroix, looks really good and Liverpool looked at him before he went to Palace.” That prior interest matters, as it suggests due diligence has already been done.

Steele’s conclusion was hard to argue with, stating, “If they needed a centre-back in the summer, then how come you don’t need one now? For me, it has to happen in January.”

Liverpool’s January window will define their season. Standing still feels like a gamble they cannot afford.