Liverpool transfer agreement reached before January as Arne Slot should have two priorities

By the time Liverpool plays next, the January transfer window will be open, and Arne Slot and his sporting director, Richard Hughes, will be able to purchase more stars

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool just about got over the line against Wolves in the Premier League, but Arne Slot's men still have work to do before they get back to a fully convincing level.

Florian Wirtz appears to be clicking into gear and Hugo Ekitike was strong in the final third again, but there are more adjustments required to get back to the very top, where the Reds are aiming to be.

In three days' time, Liverpool will be able to dip into the market again. But what should Slot and his sporting director, Richard Hughes, be looking to do? Some of our writers have had their say.

No panic buys - Matt Addison

Liverpool is not averse to doing business mid-season if the right players become available, but that remains the big question for me at this stage, regardless of the early-season struggles and lengthy absence list.

Quite simply, Liverpool will not sanction any moves for the sake of it. Marc Guehi would be an obvious addition, but there is a strong chance that Crystal Palace will be desperate to keep him for another six months, if not for silly money.

A winger would be a priority for me, to inject a bit more pace into the team. I've never been that convinced on Antoine Semenyo, but there are others out there who could potentially fit the bill — if available.

Antoine Semenyo looks likely to be on the move in the January transfer window(Image: Getty Images)

But in most positions across the Liverpool team, there are multiple options when everyone is fit. If the right center-back (Guehi or someone else) or high-output forward becomes available, go for it. Otherwise, I'd expect things to remain fairly stable.

There have been times when Liverpool has gone for a short-term fix (Ozan Kabak, Ben Davies), but it hasn't often worked. Things have turned around to enough of a level not to insist on spending at all costs.

Stopgap potentially required - Michael Plant

For most clubs, the January window tends to be quite straightforward. Either the squad is fine, or a few areas need improvement. Liverpool finds itself in the strange position of having an immensely talented group, but one that is lacking in several spots.

Fixing the majority of those issues will have to wait until the summer, and, as we know, there is a limit to what the club can spend after such a lavish outlay ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Another attacker would be a great addition in January, especially considering Alexander Isak’s injury, although Harvey Elliott’s return would probably help plug that gap. But it’s at center-back where the biggest concerns lie.

Harvey Elliott could return to Liverpool from his loan at Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)

The Reds have just two fit options at the heart of defense, and a maximum of three for the remainder of the campaign due to Giovanni Leoni’s unfortunate injury. I’m simply not buying into the thought of Wataru Endo or Ryan Gravenberch operating as makeshift center-backs, so a defensive addition in January is imperative.

Marc Guehi is the obvious name everyone will spring to, but prising him from Crystal Palace mid-season looks incredibly difficult. The ideal signing would young defender who can mature into a top-class center-back, but even a short-term stopgap would suffice.