Liverpool spent heavily in the summer but reports suggest they could be prepared to splash the cash once again in January
Liverpool will be looking to kick off 2026 with three points against Leeds United, while the January transfer window is set to present numerous opportunities for Arne Slot. The Reds have bounced back from a dreadful run in recent weeks.
Slot’s side have secured three consecutive league victories after beating Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves last month. However, all eyes will be on Liverpool’s transfer activity this month.
The lack of attacking options due to Mohamed Salah‘s Africa Cup of Nations involvement and Alexander Isak’s long-term injury has intensified calls for Slot to bolster his forward ranks. Injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez have also left Liverpool short at the back.
With the club’s first major January call made and a potential target given the seal of approval, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news coming out of Anfield.
January transfer call made
Liverpool are set to welcome midfielder James McConnell back to Anfield this month. The 21-year-old has seen his his loan stint with Ajax cut short.
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McConnell has found it challenging to make an impression in the Eredivisie, having started only two games during his temporary stay. He initially moved to Ajax at the end of August after John Heitinga left Anfield, where he was Arne Slot’s deputy, to take up the head coach role at the Dutch giants.
Heitinga was then dismissed from his position as Ajax boss at the beginning of November. According to Dutch publication Voetbal International, McConnell will now return to Liverpool.
The report explained how Ajax intended to sign an experienced player in defensive midfield before McConnell joined but failed to do so. Opting to fill the gap with a short-term option proved to be a mistake.
Guehi alternative given seal of approval
The Reds may be on the hunt for an alternative to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi this month. The England centre-back was close to signing for Liverpool in September, only for the deal to break down at the eleventh hour.
According to the Daily Mail, fellow Eagles defender Maxence Lacroix has been considered as an option by the Reds. Two ex-Liverpool defenders, Jamie Carragher and Stephen Warnock, have shared that they are big fans of the Frenchman.
“It was a tussle between Guehi and Lacroix, really,” Carragher said when discussing his team of the season so far. “I’m really impressed with Crystal Palace. But I went for Guehi, he’s got a few more goals as well.”
Warnock told Aceodds: “I think Marc Guehi would be a really good replacement. What you get from him is leadership and a player who has played on an international level.
“He has constantly been an outstanding player for England whenever he has been called up. He is very comfortable on the ball. He is not the tallest, but he uses his physicality to outweigh the lack of height. The way he reads the game is outstanding.
“I actually like Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace as well. I think he is a sensational player. What he has is an immense pace, and what that allows you to do is to go man for man with Van Dijk and Lacroix at the back. He has the physicality as well.
“I think if they were to sign either Guehi or Lacroix, they would be very happy with either choice. They are both brilliant defenders.”
As things stand, Liverpool are in need of reinforcements at the back. Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of the season. Virgil van Dijk, 34, only has another 12 months on his deal. Gomez is currently on the treatment table, while Leoni is set to be out for the remainder of the campaign.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
