Report: Two Liverpool stars could be set to leave in January | OneFootball

Liverpool Duo Could be Set to Leave in January

Liverpool head into the winter schedule with their squad stretched thin, yet January could still bring departures rather than reinforcements. Injuries, suspensions and international absences have left Arne Slot short of options, but that has not closed the door on potential exits for players who remain on the fringes at Anfield.

According to Premier Injuries, Liverpool could be without up to six players for the upcoming clash with Wolves. Add Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and Dominik Szoboszlai serving a suspension, and the picture becomes even tighter. Long term injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak have further reduced depth at both ends of the pitch, yet reports suggest the club may still be open to allowing young players to move on next month.

January context at Anfield

The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet, published on Boxing Day, pointed to two Liverpool youngsters who could plausibly leave during the January window. The winter period was described as an ‘ideal’ time for Trent Kone-Doherty to depart on loan, with several clubs monitoring the 19 year old winger’s development. Rhys Williams, meanwhile, is expected to attract ‘fresh interest’ after a summer in which a temporary exit failed to materialise.

For a club managing a congested calendar, the logic may appear counter intuitive. However, Liverpool’s hierarchy have long prioritised structured development over short term cover, particularly for players who are unlikely to feature regularly.

Trent Kone-Doherty loan pathway

Trent Kone-Doherty’s involvement at senior level has been limited. He has made just two substitute appearances in domestic cup competitions and remains some distance from regular Premier League minutes. While his pace and directness could theoretically offer bench depth, a loan move would likely accelerate his progress far more effectively.

An EFL club prepared to offer consistent starts would provide a more meaningful platform than sporadic cameos. Liverpool have taken this route before with wide players and midfielders, allowing them to learn the physical demands and tactical discipline of senior football away from the Anfield spotlight.

Rhys Williams future decisions

Rhys Williams finds himself at a different stage of his career. Now 24, the centre back has not featured in a matchday squad since being an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton in September. Even the absence created by Leoni’s ACL injury has not opened a door under Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

Williams will always be remembered for his role alongside Nat Williams during the 2020/21 campaign, when Liverpool secured Champions League qualification against the odds. However, his current standing suggests he is not part of the long term picture. With his contract expiring next summer, a half season loan could benefit all parties.

An EFL side may look to take him on until May, with the possibility of a permanent deal from 1 July if he performs well. For Liverpool, that would represent sensible asset management. For Williams, it would offer clarity and a chance to revive momentum.

With neither Trent Kone-Doherty nor Rhys Williams likely to feature prominently in the second half of the season, January loans appear a pragmatic solution. Even amid an injury crisis, Liverpool remain focused on long term planning rather than short term fixes.