Liverpool's dream January transfer window involves $98M star signing contract

Liverpool is looking to strengthen further in January following the signing of Mor Talla Ndiaye, with Arne Slot eyeing contract extensions and reinforcements after Conor Bradley's season-ending injury

Arne Slot could be busy in January(Image: Getty Images)

After a dismal run of form in the autumn, Arne Slot is eager to make amends and start winning again with Liverpool.

The Reds are currently on a 10-match unbeaten streak across all competitions and remain in contention for two trophies following the festive period. January has already seen one new arrival at Anfield, with 17-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye joining from Senegalese club Amitie. However, if the Reds are to reclaim their previous heights ASAP, they'll need more than just Ndiaye this month.

The season-ending injury to Conor Bradley has left a gap at right-back that may need filling sooner rather than later. But that's just one of several potential moves Liverpool could make to get back on track. Here are Liverpool's transfer priorities...

Cover for Bradley

Bradley's devastating knee injury against Arsenal has been confirmed as about as bad as it gets, with the player now preparing for knee surgery. Slot does have another right-back option in Jeremie Frimpong, but the summer recruit has so far seemed more comfortable in a more advanced wing role at Anfield.

However, there's another Dutch talent who could be an ideal fit, given Slot's familiarity with Givairo Read's abilities. Not only did he give the 19-year-old his Feyenoord debut back in 2024, but the player is also known to be a fan of Liverpool.

Personal preferences can frequently prove decisive in getting transfers across the line, and speculation linking Liverpool with Read is already intensifying following Bradley's injury.

The crucial factor is finding the right balance to avoid creating excessive expectations among players competing for similar positions once Bradley is fit again. However, considering Read's age and the possibility that Frimpong might be better suited as Mohamed Salah's replacement when the Egyptian eventually departs, securing Read's signature now could make perfect sense in any case.

$98M star signs deal

On the subject of sensible decisions, there's compelling reason to believe Liverpool would be wise to offer Dominik Szoboszlai fresh terms in the coming months. The set-piece specialist is approaching three years at Anfield and is proving himself to be well worth his reported £60 million ($80.8 million) price tag, with numerous supporters tipping him as a future club captain.

While any player under contract until 2028 might not appear an urgent priority, staying proactive with these types of agreements is exactly the sort of strategic planning that has garnered CEO Michael Edwards and director Richard Hughes such acclaim.

Keeping hold of Dominik Szoboszlai is a must(Image: Getty Images)

It's worth noting that Szoboszlai, currently valued at £73 million ($98.3 million) according to Transfermarkt, isn't the only one in Liverpool's midfield with a contract set to expire in 2028. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are in the same boat.

It would be nothing short of a crisis if all three key components of Liverpool's midfield were allowed to let their contracts run down. It would be more logical to stagger these expiration dates to avoid the risk of a mass departure, starting with the formidable Hungarian.

Szoboszlai will be 27 and presumably still in his prime when his current contract is due to end. Furthermore, considering his adeptness at filling in at right-back and other positions, offering him an extension at this early stage seems like a low-risk, high-reward move.

Konate replacement

A more pressing contract issue is Ibrahima Konate, who, as it stands, will depart Slot's team on a free transfer in June. While Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is the defender fans want, Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet is another option said to be on Liverpool's radar.

The Parisian may not offer the same Premier League-tested presence as Guehi, who will also be available on a free transfer this summer. But the France U21 international has been a consistent figure in Rennes' defence during his first full season in Ligue 1.

Securing Jacquet, who celebrates his 21st birthday in July, won't be a walk in the park, given his high rating and links with both Arsenal and Chelsea. The player extended his contract until 2029 last May, and it's not known if there's a release clause in his agreement.

Konate may still sign a new deal with Liverpool, but it would be wise for the Reds to start planning for life without him, just in case he decides to continue his career elsewhere.