Liverpool transfer stance on January additions after Jeremie Frimpong setback

Liverpool lost another defender to injury as Jeremie Frimpong limped off early on against Qarabag in the Champions League, though Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate could soon return

Jeremie Frimpong limps off during Liverpool's win over Qarabag in the Champions League.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)

Arne Slot has hinted that Liverpool won't dip into the transfer market before Monday's deadline, with Jeremie Frimpong the latest player to pick up an injury.

Frimpong, who was signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, lasted just a couple of minutes before he pulled up in the Champions League. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are already out for the season, while Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate have been missing of late.

Though Marc Guehi has moved to Manchester City and Liverpool is looking light of numbers at the back, it is seemingly more likely to wait until the summer to make another signing.

Gomez could be back this weekend as the Reds host Newcastle United in the Premier League. Konate, meanwhile, has been out after the death of his father.

"We as a club always make decisions that we, at least, think [are] smart decisions," Slot said after his side had beaten Qarabag. "So, we not only look at the short term, we also look at the long term, longer term.

"That's why we sign young players as well, very good players but young ones that can still develop. Now we can see this development with a few.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Liverpool FC and Qarabag FK at Anfield on January 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

"And it always depends on are there players available that we think can help us? And if they are, can we afford them? And does this also be helpful for the longer-term future because our players come back from injury as well?

"I just said we don't have a squad where we have four right-backs and 12 midfielders and three or four No.9s — that's not how it works over here.

"So, we have to do the smart things for the near future but also for the longer future. Let's first see how Jeremie [Frimpong] is. Maybe he's not able to play Saturday but maybe he's able to play one or two days later.

"We now go into a schedule with one game a week, so that would usually mean less injuries but you're never sure."

As Sky Sports reports, Liverpool tends to avoid reactive moves in the market. Unless a long-term target becomes available, movement is unlikely.

Slot is likely to be asked about transfers in his pre-Newcastle press conference on Friday, which is scheduled for 9am (UK time). He will also offer an update on Curtis Jones, who missed the Qarabag game through illness.

Liverpool.com says: Not adding another body to the squad this winter is absolutely a risk. It could easily backfire for Liverpool.

However, the argument is simple: signing someone now could stop the Reds from getting who they really want in a few months. The problem is if Slot's men miss out on the Champions League spots, that will have a major impact moving forward.