Liverpool January transfer window: Centre-back dilemma under Arne Slot

January is almost here, and Liverpool’s squad looks strong yet exposed. Arne Slot won the Premier League title in his debut season, yet the title defence has disappointed, with Liverpool sitting 4th in the Premier League. The pressure point is centre-back.

Giovanni Leoni joined for £26m in the summer, suffered an ACL injury on his debut in September, and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Joe Gomez is also struggling for fitness, which leaves Slot with just Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as centre-back options. Many fans want a January signing simply to restore squad balance.

Credit to David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index on the original podcast, for focusing on what Liverpool can realistically do.

January centre-back market, risk versus readiness

“Is someone like Joel Ordonez ready to come in and just be dropped in for 10-15 games? It’s a lot to ask from a young player like that.”

For Liverpool, that question applies to most “one for the future” profiles. A January centre-back is asked to play quickly, in big moments, often with space behind him. Slot wants defenders who can defend ground and build attacks, so half-ready signings can become expensive problems.

“If Liverpool are to sign a centre-back in January it will have to be someone who is ready to go straight away and is a long-term option for them.”

That narrows the list, and it inflates the cost, which explains why Liverpool may hesitate.

Marc Guehi chatter and recruitment context

Marc Guehi has been mentioned as a potential option after his £35m move to Liverpool collapsed on deadline day in the summer, but that move looks unlikely. But Lynch still expects Liverpool to land the defender, regardless of qualifying for the Champions League or not.

“I’d also push back on the idea that Marc Guehi wouldn’t come if Liverpool don’t finish in the top four because that hasn’t genuinely been the case.”

“Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch all came when Liverpool only made it into the Europa League.”

Liverpool’s pull can include role clarity, coaching, wages, and a pathway to trophies. The practical question is whether any deal, Guehi or otherwise, exists in January at a sensible fee.

Slot’s second-half problem to solve

With van Dijk and Konate carrying the load, every tactical choice is constrained, line height, full-back risk, and rotation. Depth affects performance long before it shows up as a headline.

“I can’t see Liverpool taking a risk on a player who might not be ready. Imagine not making top four and wasting money on a signing too. That’s the reality of it.”

That sounds like Liverpool’s line. If they buy in January, it will be for certainty. If they do not, Slot’s season may hinge on keeping his two centre-backs available.