Liverpool January Transfer Window Debate and Defensive Depth Concerns

Liverpool’s January transfer window has become a familiar exercise in restraint, but this season the debate carries extra urgency. Speaking on a podcast for Anfield Index, journalist Lewis Steele shared pointed thoughts after speaking to Dave Davis, raising questions that many supporters are already asking.

At the heart of it sits a title defence that has failed to catch fire. After winning the Premier League in his debut season, Arne Slot has seen his side slip to fourth. Context matters, and injuries have played a decisive role, especially at the back.

January window policy under scrutiny

Steele’s comments cut straight to Liverpool’s long standing philosophy in January. He said, “I do understand that they’ve spent a lot of money in the summer and that they’re not going to rush into signings, but one thing I don’t understand is when they say that they won’t bring forward deals planned for the summer.”

That argument resonates. Liverpool have often stressed value and timing, yet football seasons rarely wait for perfect planning. Steele continued, “If the money is there to sign him in the summer, then why isn’t that money available now?” It is a fair challenge, particularly when the squad is stretched to its limits.

The club’s approach only makes sense if circumstances remain stable. This season, they clearly have not.

Defensive injuries change everything

Steele acknowledged that prudence can be justified in some windows, saying, “I do think that if they had a plan to act tight in January and not to budge, then fair enough. But that plan gets thrown out of the window when Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are out for the season.”

With Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni sidelined long term, Liverpool’s defensive depth has evaporated. Steele underlined the severity, noting, “Out of the back four that finished the back game at Arsenal, there’s only one senior defender left as backup, which is Andy Robertson who himself is out of contract in the summer.”

Reliance on fitness gambles

Liverpool’s tendency to trust versatility has limits. Steele pointed to Joe Gomez, saying, “Of course, Joe Gomez can play right-back and centre-back but he’s never fit. He’s a great lad but when was the last time he was fit for three months? It was a long time ago.”

This is not criticism for the sake of it. It is realism. Injuries have shaped Liverpool’s season, and hoping they ease without reinforcement feels like a gamble too far.

Transfer market pressure builds

The conclusion from Steele was blunt, “I think Liverpool need to sign a defender really.” Names are already circulating, including Marc Guehi. Steele added, “We know about Marc Guehi and it looks like he would prefer to wait until the summer to move, but there’s murmours of Man City planning a raid this month, which will make Liverpool fans wonder why they can’t do it.”

With Manchester City always ready to act, hesitation risks more than money. It risks momentum in a season already wobbling.