Journalist reveals Liverpool’s transfer plans ahead of deadline day | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Transfer Stance Tested as Injuries Mount

The January transfer window ticks down with Liverpool still silent in the market, despite a growing injury list. Speaking on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, respected journalist David Lynch joined host Dave Davis to break down the consequences of Jeremie Frimpong’s latest setback — and whether it will push the club into action before the deadline.

Defensive Depth Reaches Crisis Point

Liverpool’s six-nil win over Qarabağ in the Champions League was overshadowed by fresh injury concerns. Frimpong joins Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley on the sidelines, exposing the fragility of Arne Slot’s defensive options.

Lynch admitted the situation was precarious: “They look really short,” he said. “But it’s very Liverpool to just go and carry on regardless.” He noted that while fans may clamour for action, Liverpool’s hierarchy will only make a move if it fits their long-term model.

“They won’t just make a signing for the sake of it,” he said. “Even though you could make the case for a long-term signing who is capable of playing centre-half and right-back, they’ll argue the right person isn’t available.”

Slot’s Public Stance Offers Little Clarity

Arne Slot, when asked about possible reinforcements, struck a familiar tone of restraint. Lynch quoted him as saying, “We as a club always make smart decisions. We look at the long term. We don’t have four right backs and 12 number nines.” That may sound logical in theory, but in practice, Liverpool are now paper-thin on the right side of defence.

Could Calvin Ramsay Step Up?

In the absence of clear transfer plans, the spotlight turns to academy and fringe players. Calvin Ramsay, who has struggled with injuries since arriving at Anfield, was mentioned by Lynch as a potential emergency option.

“He’s been involved in squads which is much further along than I think he thought he would have been this season,” Lynch said. However, he tempered expectations: “It’s really tough to say to Calvin Ramsay though to drop him in there and say, ‘Anthony Gordon’s going to absolutely tear you to shreds, get stuck in.’”

Despite that concern, the lack of fit senior options may force Slot’s hand. “He might have to at the moment because they are so short in that position,” Lynch conceded.

Midfield Sacrifices May Be Necessary

One of the most uncomfortable consequences of the right-back crisis is the knock-on effect in midfield. Dominik Szoboszlai has been deployed in defence out of necessity, and Lynch fears it may happen again.

“He’s probably right to do it,” he said. “You need to get as many good players on the pitch as you possibly can. It’s so far from ideal but it is the situation unfortunately.”

Photo: IMAGO

Lynch acknowledged that this mirrors the infamous 2020-21 season, when Jurgen Klopp was eventually forced to abandon midfield reshuffles and rely on natural defenders. “Eventually Klopp realised instead of keep putting midfielders back in defence, I’m just going to have to play players in their natural position,” he recalled.

Transfer Activity Still Unlikely

Despite the setbacks, Lynch was adamant that Liverpool will likely remain inactive before the deadline. “We know Liverpool and they will stick to their guns on this unfortunately,” he said. “Every chance that it costs them.”

Even a loan signing, he argued, would provide some insurance. “I still think there’s an argument for a loanee who can do that [cover multiple roles] in case things go more wrong than they are.”

But with the club committed to long-term planning, supporters should not expect any last-minute panic buys. As Lynch said with a wry realism: “There’s probably very little we can say that will influence that.”