Journalist: Liverpool ‘still interested’ in signing £35m star | OneFootball

Liverpool January Transfer Window Plans Under Scrutiny

Liverpool’s January transfer priorities are coming into sharper focus, with recruitment decisions shaped as much by restraint as by necessity. Reporting from James Pearce for The Athletic outlines a club acutely aware of market opportunities, yet equally mindful of internal balance, contract realities, and timing. The message from inside Anfield appears clear, Liverpool retain flexibility, but decisive action is far from guaranteed.

As Pearce notes, “Centre-back is the most obvious spot, but the forward line has also come into sharp focus because of recent injuries and the uncertainty around Mohamed Salah.” That dual concern neatly frames Liverpool’s winter dilemma. Squad depth has been tested, yet there is reluctance to force moves that may compromise longer term planning.

Centre-back remains primary concern

Defensive depth has been under discussion for over a year, and it remains unresolved. Liverpool’s continued interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi underlines that point. Pearce confirms, “Liverpool are still interested in signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, despite missing out on the England international late in the last window.”

However, the situation has become significantly more complex. Guehi’s contract status looms large. As Pearce explains, “The move has become more complex due to his contract situation, he is set to become a free agent this summer, and the additional challenges of completing a transfer mid-season.” Palace’s stance has not softened either, having previously “pulled the plug on a £35million deal on deadline day, having decided to keep him for this season.”

Photo: IMAGO

From Liverpool’s perspective, patience may trump urgency. There is little expectation that Palace will shift their position in January, and “it’s also doubtful whether Guehi would want to leave next month, given that, financially, he would be better off waiting and walking away as a free agent come the summer.”

Forward line uncertainty grows

While defence has been a long term concern, the forward line has become a more immediate talking point. Injuries have exposed a lack of proven depth, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future only adds to the tension. Any disruption to Salah’s availability or contract situation has knock on effects across the attacking structure.

Internally, there remains confidence in existing options, but January offers limited value for forwards of the required quality. Liverpool’s recruitment model favours precision over panic, and that philosophy continues to dictate decision making.

Market freedom without urgency

Perhaps the most telling line from Pearce’s report is this, “Liverpool have the freedom to react in the market if needed but will likely stick with what they have.” It reflects a club comfortable with its strategic direction, even if external pressure grows.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool won the Premier League title in his debut season, earning trust in his judgement and squad management. That success buys patience, even as the current campaign has proven more uneven.

Ultimately, January may be more about assessment than acquisition. Liverpool are watching, waiting, and prepared, but only on their terms.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This report lands with a familiar sense of frustration. Liverpool fans have heard variations of this story before, clear needs identified, suitable targets admired, yet action deferred. Sitting 5th in the Premier League during a disappointing title defence, patience feels thinner than the club hierarchy may realise.

Yes, Arne Slot delivered a remarkable league title in his first season, but football moves quickly. Injuries at centre-back and the forward line have exposed risks that many felt were obvious months ago. Waiting for Marc Guehi to possibly arrive on a free transfer in the summer feels like a gamble when points are already slipping away.

The uncertainty around Mohamed Salah only heightens anxiety. Even the suggestion that Liverpool may “stick with what they have” reads as complacency to fans watching rivals strengthen. Supporters understand sustainability, but they also expect ambition, especially after setting the benchmark so recently.

There is a sense that Liverpool are relying too heavily on past success to justify present caution. January does not need marquee signings, but it does demand intent. Right now, the disconnect between what fans see on the pitch and what the club signals in the market is growing, and that gap risks defining the season.