Liverpool fans are bracing themselves for a January transfer window defined by patience and pragmatism rather than headline-grabbing signings, even as the club faces mounting injury woes and transfer market speculation. According to a detailed report from The Athletic on December 28, 2025, the Reds are preparing for a quiet month, with club insiders emphasizing continuity over disruption. After a summer of heavy investment and a turbulent first half of the season, head coach Arne Slot is determined to steady the ship with the resources already at his disposal.
"I fully believe in the way of working," Slot recently stated, acknowledging the "tough" situation but signaling unwavering faith in the squad’s structure and the club’s long-term vision. This belief is being put to the test as Liverpool’s defensive and attacking ranks are stretched to their limits.
On the defensive front, Liverpool’s depth has been severely tested. Only two senior centre backs—Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate—are currently fit for duty. Joe Gomez is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Giovanni Leoni’s season ended prematurely after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September. The absence of options has seen 19-year-old academy graduate Wellity Lucky included on the bench, a move born more of necessity than design. The pressure on Van Dijk and Konate is immense, with fans and pundits alike expressing concern about the toll of a congested fixture list.
The forward line hasn’t been spared either. Alexander Isak faces a lengthy recovery after surgery for a fractured leg, while Cody Gakpo has missed three matches due to a muscle injury. To compound matters, Mohamed Salah is away representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. With numbers thin and the schedule relentless, Liverpool’s attacking threat is under scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, Liverpool’s transfer strategy remains measured. The club is still monitoring Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2026. However, Palace previously rejected a £35 million offer and are unlikely to change their stance in January. Moreover, Liverpool doubts that Guehi would push for a mid-season move when waiting until the summer could be more lucrative for him. For now, the club seems content to ride out the storm with what they have.
Up front, speculation swirls around Antoine Semenyo, a forward admired by Liverpool. Yet, as The Athletic reports, Semenyo’s preference is to join Manchester City, with Manchester United also interested and Chelsea having decided against a move after initial inquiries. This reality tempers any excitement about a quick fix in attack. Furthermore, the club’s hands are tied unless there’s a major outgoing—an unlikely scenario, as Mohamed Salah is expected to stay despite recent public frustration over his role. "Liverpool admire Antoine Semenyo, but The Athletic has reported that the forward’s preference... in January is to join Manchester City," the report clarifies, squashing rumors of an imminent Anfield arrival.
Financially, Liverpool are not under pressure to sell. Ten players departed last summer, and no senior exits are planned for January. The club’s healthy Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) position—bolstered by up to £260 million in sales and strong commercial revenue—means there’s no need for a fire sale. However, the club remains cautious, with Slot reminding fans and media alike: "The outside world wants to believe we have unlimited money but that is not true."
Loan situations are also under the microscope. Harvey Elliott’s stint at Aston Villa has stalled, with only five appearances and no recall clause included. Villa boss Unai Emery reportedly favors other players tactically, and ending the loan early would require compensation. Meanwhile, injuries may force Liverpool to recall young talents such as Trey Nyoni, Calvin Ramsay, and Stefan Bajcetic, while others like Trent Kone Doherty and Rhys Williams could still attract interest from elsewhere.
Despite the adversity, Liverpool’s form has been resilient. As of late December 2025, the club sits fourth in the Premier League, unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions. A recent 2-1 win over Wolves extended their run to four consecutive victories, offering a much-needed boost after a turbulent spell between September and November that saw nine defeats, including a painful run of four straight losses.
Amidst the transfer talk, club legend Steven Gerrard has added his voice to the conversation, expressing regret that Liverpool failed to sign Arsenal’s midfield dynamo Declan Rice before the Gunners secured his signature for over £100 million in 2023. Speaking on the Smith Brothers podcast, Gerrard gushed, "I love Declan Rice, I’ve been singing his praises for a long time... If you’re building a midfielder, he’s got a body to die for... He was calm in possession, an animal out of it, up and down, I really like him as a person as well." Gerrard went on to lament, "He’s maybe one we should’ve tried to grab from West Ham... imagine him in this midfield now."
Gerrard’s admiration for Rice is well documented. He believes the England international has become a world-class midfielder under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, helping the North London club mount a serious title challenge. The former Reds captain also noted that, instead of pursuing Rice, Liverpool opted for Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in the summer of 2023, investing a combined £100 million in a midfield overhaul.
Despite his regrets, Gerrard remains a passionate supporter of the club’s current direction. In a recent interview with TNT Sports, he pledged his support for head coach Arne Slot, stating, "I’ll be brutally, brutally honest with you. I’d help Liverpool in any department at any minute of every day. I’d help them with anything. I don’t want Arne Slot to lose his job. I want him to fix this and turn it around and make Liverpool great." Gerrard’s words echo the sentiment of many supporters: a desire for stability, patience, and faith in the process.
As the January window approaches, Liverpool fans are left to weigh their anxiety against a growing trust in Slot’s calm and calculated approach. The urge for a new centre back or attacking reinforcement is strong, especially with the squad’s depth tested to the limit. Yet, the club’s reluctance to chase short-term fixes signals a commitment to long-term planning and sustainability. The focus remains on welcoming back Salah, regaining Gakpo’s fitness, and seeing young players step up when called upon.
For now, Liverpool’s top-four ambitions remain intact, and their European pedigree is undiminished. Sometimes, as recent history suggests, the strongest statement a club can make is to hold its nerve and trust in its own blueprint. As the transfer window looms, all eyes will be on Anfield—not for who comes in, but for how this resilient group responds to the challenges ahead.
