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Liverpool's promising start to the campaign has deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, with Arne Slot desperately seeking answers to the fundamental issues plaguing his squad.
The Reds began the Premier League season with five consecutive victories, though performances were unconvincing throughout. A disastrous run of form has since materialized, with six losses in seven fixtures sparking serious alarm amongst supporters. This decline comes despite Liverpool's summer spending spree of around $600 million, which saw numerous high-profile arrivals intended to strengthen a squad that lifted the title last term.
Nothing appears to be clicking for Slot at present, from a defense looking more vulnerable than anticipated, to a midfield losing the physical battles, and forwards struggling to find their rhythm - the entire system requires significant refinement.
Despite the substantial summer investment, reports suggest that club chiefs are prepared to sanction even greater expenditure during the January transfer window in an attempt to address the team's current difficulties.
Sky Sports Germany reports that Liverpool has identified three positions requiring reinforcement to enhance its prospects of remaining competitive this season.
The club is reportedly pursuing a winger capable of delivering an "immediate impact," with Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo strongly linked with a January switch to Anfield.
The 25-year-old has been in scintillating form this season, netting six goals and providing three assists in 11 Premier League matches, while his ambidextrous scoring ability poses a significant threat to opponents.
However, that's not the end of it, as the report suggests that a striker with "favorable market conditions" is also being considered for a January transfer. This comes as Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak have had difficulty forming a successful partnership, leaving Slot with numerous decisions about who should play and where.
Given the substantial fees paid for both players, it might be somewhat surprising that another forward is being considered, although it's yet to be seen who could make the shortlist.
Since joining Liverpool in the summer, Isak has only found the back of the net once, with his lack of preseason fitness identified as a clear problem. On the other hand, Ekitike, despite being in and out of the team, has scored six goals in all competitions.
Unsurprisingly, the final position under consideration is center-back, with Marc Guehi remaining a key target ahead of the January window.
Liverpool attempted a last-minute move for Guehi in the summer, but were unsuccessful as Crystal Palace stood firm against letting its club captain depart in the closing hours of the transfer window.
With his contract set to expire in the summer, reigniting interest in January seems logical, especially given the defensive challenges the Reds are currently facing. The ACL injury to Giovanni Leoni has left Liverpool short of options beyond Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in that position, creating a clear problem.
Neither defender has been at their best this season, often being left vulnerable to opposition onslaughts - the limited alternatives have made rotation difficult. Overall, it suggests Liverpool is preparing for another significant transfer outlay as it aims to address the challenges currently faced by the manager.
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