David Ornstein update gives HOPE to forgotten Liverpool star | OneFootball

Liverpool are three months away from being able to complete any transfer business as the window is closed until January, but the club is constantly making up new recruitment plans.

Arne Slot was more than happy with his squad at the end of the summer, especially since Alexander Isak's move was completed during the early hours of deadline day after months of speculation.

However, the disappointing collapse in talks for Marc Guehi in the final hours meant that the centre-back until was ever so slightly under-manned and Giovanni Leoni's confirmed ACL injury has meant that Liverpool are going to be struggling for depth in their defence for the foreseeable.

Most fans will have been hoping that a new signing - be it on a permanent transfer or a loan - might be able to come in and cover the Italian's absence, but a now have an update on Liverpool's plans.

Ornstein: No plans for a CB in January

According to David Ornstein speaking to NBC Sports, the Reds have little intention to change their stance on Guehi, choosing to wait for him to be available for free in the summer, and while we're now down to just three-senior centre-backs, there's no intention to bring someone else in.

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He said: "I think Liverpool would go back in for Marc Guehi in the summer of 2026. I'm not expecting him to leave Crystal Palace in January. Actually, I'm not expecting Liverpool to for a centre-back in January as things stand. Of course, these things can change."

If this happens to be the case when the winter transfer window arrives, Liverpool will have committed to playing with just three senior centre-backs for the season - an extremely risky strategy.

Until then, Liverpool play a lot of games and even getting to the January is going to be a struggle, so it shouldn't come as a surprise if an academy graduate is called up to the team to occasionally fill in.

Except, before the inexperienced youngsters are considered, a forgotten star might be looked at first, with the lifeline of Leoni's injury providing hope for him to reinvigorate his Liverpool career.

The player in question is 24-year-old Rhys Williams, who broke into the senior set-up during the injury-ridden 2020-21 season under Jurgen Klopp, when the Welshman was a mere 19 years old.

At the time, he was crucial to the Reds finishing the campaign in the top four, partnering cult hero Nathaniel Phillips at centre-back, although both players have since been cast aside in recent years.

The latter made a permanent move to West Brom in the summer, although Williams remains a Red for the next 12 months before his contract expires. His remaining time on Merseyside could be pivotal.

Given he's been training with the under-21s this season, in between several loan moves over the last few years, Liverpool have a reliable asset on their hands who can step in for us, without compromise.

Most fans might feel somewhat underwhelmed by such an idea, but if Guehi is to join next season, then he and Leoni will back-up Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate - should he extend his deal - making up four really solid defenders. A January signing would unnecessarily complicate things.

As such, the solution to our current issue is staring us in the face - promoting someone from the academy. Williams is the clear choice, but Amara Nallo, Luke Chambers, Wellity Lucky and Carter Pinnington are also available, and highly regarded internally. Slot will have his pick of the options.