Liverpool’s upcoming January transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most crucial in years, as manager Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy prepare for major changes to rescue their troubled campaign. Their latest loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield has pushed them into the bottom half of the Premier League for the first time this season.
Now sitting 11th, their title defence has collapsed in dramatic fashion.
After repeated defensive errors, the Reds have prioritised bringing in a top-class centre-back this winter, according to sources close to the agent industry who spoke with CaughtOffside.
Liverpool draw up defensive shortlist
Sporting director Richard Hughes and his recruitment team have put together a list of high-profile centre-back targets.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi leads the pack. The 25-year-old England international has been one of Palace’s most reliable performers and was already linked with Liverpool last summer.
But he’s far from the only option.
Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck has been heavily scouted and is admired for his tactical intelligence and leadership. Dortmund are also believed to be open to selling if the right offer arrives.
Benfica star Antonio Silva is another top target. At 22, he is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders and could be a long-term solution for Liverpool’s backline. However, interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid means competition will be stiff.
Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio is also firmly in the frame. The 24-year-old left-footed centre-back fits the modern profile of a composed, ball-playing defender who builds attacks from deep. And Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano has recently been discussed as a potential opportunistic signing, with his contract situation raising the possibility of a move.
Liverpool seek reinforcements to fix defensive issues
The club’s leadership still backs Slot’s long-term plan but expects notable improvement before January ends. The owners believe he can steady the ship, but failing to close the gap on the top four may force a rethink.
Liverpool remain only three points behind Aston Villa in the race for the Champions League spots, so the season is still salvageable.
However, with the squad low on confidence and key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté struggling for form, Slot is facing the biggest challenge of his managerial career. If results don’t turn around quickly, his tenure—once seen as the start of an exciting new chapter—could fall apart before the season reaches its midway point
