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Liverpool facing defining January window after recent injury blows

With the January transfer window approaching, attention across the Premier League is firmly on Liverpool and how they respond to a season that has drifted away from early expectations. After winning the title under Arne Slot in 2024/25, the current campaign has lacked momentum, leaving Liverpool sitting fifth in the table and facing mounting pressure to reassert themselves.

Despite domestic inconsistency, Liverpool remain active in both the Champions League and FA Cup, competitions that still offer genuine opportunity. However, injuries have begun to shape the conversation at Anfield more than tactics or form. The coming weeks could prove decisive, with January viewed internally as a chance to stabilise the squad rather than reinvent it.

Slot’s preference for continuity and structure remains clear, but circumstances may force a degree of pragmatism that Liverpool have traditionally avoided.

Photo: IMAGO

Injury crisis shaping Liverpool planning

Liverpool’s situation has been complicated further by the serious injury to Alexander Isak. The club record signing suffered a leg break that required surgery, ruling him out for an extended period and reducing Liverpool to just 12 fit senior players. The scale of that setback has accelerated discussions around short term recruitment.

While Liverpool rarely act reactively in the market, the current lack of depth has sharpened focus. Hugo Ekitike stands as the only available senior striker, a risk that carries significant implications for both domestic and European competition. Within that context, the January transfer window is viewed less as an opportunity for ambition and more as a necessity for protection.

Short term cover, rather than a long term investment, has therefore become a genuine consideration.

Contingency options emerging in January transfer window

Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to Merseyside, but competition for his signature remains strong and there is no guarantee of progress. As a result, Liverpool have begun exploring alternative options should that route prove unworkable.

According to transfer insider Indykaila, Liverpool are assessing deals for Memphis Depay and Alexander Sørloth as contingency plans. Depay, currently at Corinthians, is reportedly open to a short term move and would be available for a modest fee. His experience and adaptability across the forward line are seen as attractive qualities given Liverpool’s immediate needs.

Sørloth presents a different profile. Despite enjoying strong form at Atletico Madrid over the past two seasons, a loan move is being considered. His physical presence and familiarity with high level competition make him a credible option if Liverpool prioritise reliability over development during the January transfer window.

Short term deals testing Liverpool principles

Historically, Liverpool have been cautious with stop gap signings, favouring long term planning aligned with recruitment analytics. However, precedent exists. Ozan Kabak and Arthur Melo both arrived on loan in recent seasons, though neither deal delivered lasting impact.

That history has not entirely closed the door on temporary solutions. With Arne Slot navigating a congested fixture list and limited squad availability, flexibility may outweigh philosophy. The priority is ensuring Liverpool remain competitive in the Champions League while arresting domestic decline.

Whether Depay, Sørloth or another option emerges, January is shaping up as a critical junction. Liverpool may not overhaul their squad, but calculated intervention could determine whether the season regains direction or continues to drift.

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