Liverpool are preparing for selective activity in the January 2026 transfer window, focusing primarily on defensive reinforcements and potentially a winger replacement following their massive £449 million summer spending spree that included Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike. The Premier League champions are prioritizing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who nearly joined the club in a £35 million deal on deadline day in summer 2025, with Palace now reportedly willing to negotiate in January rather than lose him for free when his contract expires in June 2026. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as the leading candidate to bolster Liverpool’s attacking options, with the 25-year-old Ghanaian winger having a £65 million release clause that becomes active in January 2026, and reports indicating he has chosen Liverpool as his preferred destination. Mohamed Salah signed a two-year contract extension in April 2025, keeping him at Anfield until 2027, ending months of uncertainty though recent reports suggest tensions with manager Arne Slot could still lead to a January departure. As of December 2025, sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to pursue a disciplined approach in the transfer market, avoiding panic purchases while remaining opportunistic for exceptional value deals.
Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy for January 2026
Liverpool’s approach to the January 2026 transfer window represents a significant shift from their aggressive summer spending, which saw approximately £449 million invested in attacking talent. Following the most substantial squad reshuffle in ten years at Anfield, the club does not plan to pursue new signings at the accelerated pace seen during summer 2025. Instead, Richard Hughes and the recruitment team are focusing on targeted reinforcements in specific positions where depth or quality remains insufficient.
The departure of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich in summer 2025 for a substantial fee, combined with other player sales totaling £260 million, has left Liverpool with considerable financial flexibility. This strong cash position means the club can compete with rivals like Manchester City for priority targets without financial constraints limiting their ambitions. However, the philosophy under Hughes emphasizes strategic spending rather than simply deploying available funds.
Defensive Priorities Take Center Stage
Defense has been identified as Liverpool’s primary concern heading into 2026, despite significant investment in attacking players during summer 2025. The club’s center-back situation requires attention, particularly with Ibrahima Konaté entering the final six months of his contract on January 1, 2026. While Joe Gomez remains part of the squad, he is not viewed as a starter in either the Premier League or Champions League, leaving Virgil van Dijk and Konaté as the only trusted pairing.
The long-term injury to summer signing Giovanni Leoni has further exposed the lack of defensive depth at Anfield. Leoni was expected to provide cover and eventual succession planning for the aging Van Dijk, but his unavailability has forced manager Arne Slot to rely heavily on his first-choice partnership. Any injury to Van Dijk or Konaté would leave Liverpool dangerously thin at the back during a crucial period of the season.
Marc Guehi: The Primary Defensive Target
Marc Guehi remains Liverpool’s top defensive target heading into the January 2026 transfer window, continuing interest that nearly resulted in a transfer during summer 2025. The Crystal Palace center-back and England international came remarkably close to joining Liverpool on deadline day, with a £35 million fee plus 10 percent sell-on clause agreed between the clubs. Guehi even underwent a medical with Liverpool, and the deal appeared finalized before Crystal Palace pulled out at the last moment.
Despite the summer disappointment, Liverpool’s interest has not waned. The 25-year-old defender has produced stellar performances for Palace during the 2025-26 season, justifying Liverpool’s continued pursuit. His leadership qualities, technical abilities, and Premier League experience make him an ideal addition to Slot’s defensive setup, particularly as Van Dijk approaches the twilight of his career.
Contract Situation Creating Opportunity
Guehi’s contract with Crystal Palace expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, creating a complex situation that could work in Liverpool’s favor. As of January 1, 2026, Guehi becomes eligible to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs, allowing European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona to secure his services for free in summer 2026. This looming deadline puts pressure on Crystal Palace to accept a January bid or risk losing their captain for nothing.
Sky Sports reports that Crystal Palace anticipates Liverpool will be the only club likely to make a January bid for Guehi, with his other suitors preferring to wait and sign him as a free agent in summer 2026. Interestingly, despite pulling out of the deadline day agreement, Palace may now be more willing to sell in January rather than lose him for free. The fee would likely be lower than the £35 million agreed in summer, given his contract situation.
Guehi’s Preference for Liverpool
Sources indicate Marc Guehi has his “heart set on a move to Anfield,” viewing Liverpool as his preferred destination despite interest from European giants. This preference stems from his near-transfer experience in summer 2025, when he committed fully to the move before Palace’s last-minute withdrawal. Having mentally prepared for the switch and undergone medical examinations, Guehi reportedly remains determined to complete the transfer at the earliest opportunity.
Liverpool are expected to receive a “clear run” at signing Guehi in January, as competing English clubs cannot approach him until his contract expires, while foreign clubs appear content to wait for a free transfer. This favorable competitive landscape increases Liverpool’s chances of securing their primary defensive target at a reasonable price, potentially as low as £25-30 million given his contract situation.
Antoine Semenyo: Attacking Reinforcement
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has emerged as Liverpool’s leading attacking target for the January 2026 transfer window, identified as a potential solution to the team’s left-wing challenges following Luis Díaz’s departure to Bayern Munich. The 25-year-old Ghanaian international has impressed significantly during the 2025-26 season, scoring 10 goals with 6 assists across all competitions and demonstrating the explosive pace, strength, and versatility that Liverpool value.
Semenyo signed a new long-term contract with Bournemouth that includes a £65 million release clause becoming active in January 2026. This clause provides a clear pathway for Liverpool to secure his services without protracted negotiations, though the fee represents substantial investment in a player without top-six experience. Reports suggest Liverpool are prepared to activate this clause, viewing Semenyo as a high-potential addition capable of playing multiple attacking positions.
Richard Hughes Connection Facilitating Transfer
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes previously worked at Bournemouth before joining the Reds, creating existing relationships that could facilitate negotiations for Semenyo. Hughes is reportedly in direct contact with his former employers and using these connections to attempt completing a deal. This familiarity with Bournemouth’s internal structure and decision-makers potentially makes negotiations easier compared to dealing with unknown entities.
Multiple reports indicate Semenyo has chosen Liverpool as his preferred destination, placing the Reds in a favorable position despite interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United. His preference for Anfield, combined with Liverpool’s financial flexibility and Hughes’s Bournemouth connections, makes the transfer increasingly likely if Liverpool decide to proceed with the £65 million investment.
Bournemouth Preparing for Departure
Bournemouth appear to be anticipating Semenyo’s departure, with reports suggesting they have identified potential replacements including Philip Otele and are stepping up preparations for life without their star winger. Manager Andoni Iraola has been diplomatic when asked about transfer speculation, stating in November 2025 that “it is November and Antoine is our player and will continue to be,” but adding that in January “people can ask about the transfer market.”
Bournemouth are not under financial pressure to sell, as Semenyo remains under contract until 2029, but the £65 million release clause removes their ability to refuse that offer. The club values him highly and will require full payment of the release clause, with no indication they would accept a reduced fee or player-plus-cash arrangements. Liverpool’s strong financial position means meeting the full £65 million presents no obstacle if they decide Semenyo represents appropriate value.
Mohamed Salah Contract Situation
Mohamed Salah signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April 2025, ending months of uncertainty about his future and committing him to Anfield until the end of the 2026-27 season. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward had repeatedly suggested during the 2024-25 season that it could be his final year at Liverpool, with his previous contract set to expire in summer 2025. Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad had made a £150 million offer in 2023 that Liverpool rejected.
Salah remains Liverpool’s highest-paid player on the new contract, with reports suggesting he did not take a pay cut to extend his stay, contrary to some speculation. The two-year deal represents a significant commitment from Liverpool to their most productive attacker, who scored 32 goals in 45 appearances during the 2024-25 season, including 27 Premier League goals that helped drive Liverpool’s title challenge.
Recent Tensions With Arne Slot
Despite signing a contract extension just eight months ago, recent reports have suggested tensions between Salah and manager Arne Slot could potentially lead to a January departure. If Salah and Slot “cannot find a way to mend their relationship,” a January sale of the 33-year-old looks possible, according to some outlets, though this would represent a dramatic reversal given his recent contract extension and importance to the team.
The nature of the reported tensions has not been specified in public reporting, and Liverpool have not commented on these rumors. However, the speculation has intensified interest in potential Salah replacements, with Semenyo frequently mentioned as a candidate who could fill the void if Liverpool’s all-time third-highest scorer were to depart unexpectedly. Most observers view a January Salah sale as unlikely given his contract situation and Liverpool’s title ambitions.
Other Potential January Targets
Beyond Guehi and Semenyo, Liverpool have been linked with several other potential January targets, though these appear secondary to the two primary objectives. Galatasaray defender Wilfried Singo has emerged in recent reports, with Liverpool allegedly serious about tabling a bid worth up to $50 million for the 24-year-old Ivory Coast international. The club has reportedly begun initial negotiations with Galatasaray, though this interest appears speculative.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande represents another potential Salah replacement option, with Liverpool scouts reportedly watching the 19-year-old prospect. His youth and potential fit the club’s preference for developing talent rather than purchasing finished products, though any move would likely be structured with future development in mind rather than immediate first-team impact.
Midfield Reinforcements Being Considered
Liverpool are preparing for midfield reinforcements with targets including Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Atalanta’s Éderson being mentioned in reports. Barcelona and Liverpool are described as being at the front of the queue for Éderson, with an offer worth €55 million required to secure the 26-year-old Brazilian. Atalanta would prefer to sell in summer but could be convinced to allow his departure in January when he enters the final 18 months of his contract.
The plan reportedly includes signing “two elite midfielders,” with Wharton specifically name-dropped by insider sources as a target. However, most reporting suggests these midfield additions are being planned for summer 2026 rather than the January window, with Liverpool preferring to assess options thoroughly before committing significant resources to central midfield upgrades.
Potential January Departures
Liverpool may see several departures during the January 2026 transfer window as players seek more regular playing time or the club looks to generate funds and clear squad space. Federico Chiesa has impressed in limited appearances since joining from Juventus, but manager Arne Slot has been reluctant to use the Italian winger regularly. As a result, a return to Serie A has been widely discussed, with several clubs eyeing a potential January swoop for the 28-year-old.
Wataru Endo represents another potential departure, with the Japanese midfielder falling down the pecking order under Slot’s management. Rhys Williams, the young defender, could also leave on loan or permanently to secure regular first-team football. Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation entering its final six months could theoretically make him available if he refuses to sign an extension, though Liverpool would prefer to retain him.
Mohamed Salah Departure Scenario
While highly unlikely given his April 2025 contract extension, some reports have suggested Mohamed Salah could potentially leave in January if tensions with Arne Slot cannot be resolved. This scenario remains speculative, with most observers viewing it as media-driven speculation rather than realistic possibility. If Salah were to depart, Liverpool would almost certainly activate their pursuit of Semenyo and potentially other attacking targets to fill the massive void.
The club’s preparation for eventual Salah succession planning explains their interest in younger wingers like Semenyo and Diomande, even with Salah contracted through 2027. Liverpool learned from past mistakes of failing to adequately replace departing stars and are proactively identifying candidates who can eventually step into Salah’s role when he does eventually leave or decline.
Contract Extension Priorities
Beyond incoming transfers, Liverpool are focusing significant attention on securing contract extensions for key players to avoid future uncertainty. Preliminary discussions have begun regarding extending Dominik Szoboszlai’s contract, with similar conversations anticipated with Ryan Gravenberch. Both midfielders have impressed since joining Liverpool and securing them to long-term deals represents smart business.
Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation requires urgent attention as he enters the final six months of his current deal in January 2026. Liverpool would strongly prefer to extend his contract rather than risk losing him on a free transfer or being forced to sell at reduced prices. Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming weeks to resolve his situation before foreign clubs can approach with pre-contract offers.
Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold Situations
While not specifically mentioned in recent reporting, the contract situations of Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain important considerations for Liverpool’s planning. Van Dijk’s age and declining pace make his contract terms crucial to Liverpool’s defensive planning, while Alexander-Arnold’s potential availability has attracted interest from Real Madrid and other European giants. Securing both to extensions would provide stability while allowing Liverpool to plan succession gradually.
Financial Position and Spending Capacity
Liverpool’s strong financial stewardship in previous years enabled the massive £449 million summer 2025 investment in attacking talent, and the club retains significant spending capacity for January if appropriate opportunities arise. Player sales totaling £260 million in summer 2025, combined with Premier League prize money and commercial revenues, have left Liverpool with one of the strongest balance sheets in English football.
This financial strength means Liverpool can compete with Manchester City, Chelsea, and other big spenders for priority targets without concern about Financial Fair Play or Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules. The club’s ability to activate Semenyo’s £65 million release clause while simultaneously pursuing Guehi for £25-30 million demonstrates their capacity for multiple significant signings if deemed necessary.
Hughes’s Disciplined Approach
Despite financial capacity for major spending, sporting director Richard Hughes has demonstrated preference for disciplined transfer strategy rather than wasteful expenditure. His approach emphasizes securing targets at appropriate values rather than overpaying due to urgency or competitive pressure. This philosophy suggests Liverpool will not panic-buy in January but will act decisively when opportunities arise at prices reflecting genuine value.
The club’s willingness to walk away from deals or wait for better terms was demonstrated when they allowed the Guehi deal to collapse on deadline day rather than meeting Crystal Palace’s elevated demands. This patience often results in better eventual outcomes, as the Guehi situation now illustrates with Palace potentially willing to accept lower fees in January.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Needs
Manager Arne Slot’s tactical preferences influence Liverpool’s transfer priorities, with the Dutch coach favoring specific player profiles for different positions. His system demands center-backs comfortable in possession with good passing range, qualities Marc Guehi possesses in abundance. The emphasis on building from the back and maintaining possession makes technically gifted defenders essential rather than merely physical stoppers.
In attacking positions, Slot values versatility, with players capable of operating across multiple positions providing tactical flexibility. Semenyo’s ability to play left wing, right wing, or centrally as a striker makes him attractive within Slot’s system. The manager is also keen to assess players already at the club, particularly Jeremie Frimpong’s potential on the right flank following injury recovery, before determining whether additional attacking reinforcements are necessary.
Youth Development Considerations
Slot has shown willingness to integrate young players, with Liverpool cautious about blocking Rio Ngumoha’s development path through unnecessary signings. The 16-year-old winger is viewed as a significant prospect, and the club wants to ensure he receives appropriate opportunities rather than being buried behind excessive senior competition. This consideration explains why Liverpool would only pursue additional attackers if they represent exceptional market opportunities or fill genuinely vacant positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Liverpool’s main transfer priorities for January 2026?
Liverpool’s primary January 2026 priorities are defensive reinforcements, particularly Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi, and potentially Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo to add attacking depth following Luis Díaz’s departure. The club is taking a selective approach after spending £449 million in summer 2025 on Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike.
Will Liverpool sign Marc Guehi in January 2026?
Liverpool are expected to make a bid for Marc Guehi in January 2026, with Crystal Palace reportedly willing to negotiate rather than lose him for free when his contract expires in June 2026. Sky Sports reports Liverpool will likely get a clear run at signing him for potentially £25-30 million, lower than the £35 million agreed in summer 2025.
Who is Antoine Semenyo and why does Liverpool want him?
Antoine Semenyo is a 25-year-old Bournemouth winger who has scored 10 goals with 6 assists in the 2025-26 season, demonstrating explosive pace, strength, and versatility. Liverpool view him as a potential Luis Díaz replacement with a £65 million release clause becoming active in January 2026, and reports indicate he has chosen Liverpool as his preferred destination.
Did Mohamed Salah sign a new Liverpool contract?
Yes, Mohamed Salah signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April 2025, keeping him at Anfield until the end of the 2026-27 season. The 33-year-old remains Liverpool’s highest-paid player and scored 32 goals in 45 appearances during the 2024-25 season, though recent reports suggest potential tensions with manager Arne Slot.
Could Mohamed Salah leave Liverpool in January 2026?
While highly unlikely given his April 2025 contract extension, some reports suggest Mohamed Salah could potentially leave if tensions with Arne Slot cannot be resolved. Most observers view this as speculative, with Liverpool expected to retain their star forward through at least the end of the current season.
How much money does Liverpool have to spend in January?
Liverpool have significant financial flexibility after generating £260 million from player sales in summer 2025 and strong commercial revenues. The club can afford to activate Semenyo’s £65 million release clause while simultaneously pursuing Guehi without Financial Fair Play concerns, demonstrating substantial spending capacity for the right targets.
Who else is Liverpool targeting besides Guehi and Semenyo?
Liverpool have been linked with Galatasaray defender Wilfried Singo for up to $50 million, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a Salah replacement option, and midfielders Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace and Éderson from Atalanta. Most additional targets appear planned for summer 2026 rather than the January window.
Will Liverpool be active in the January 2026 transfer window?
Liverpool will take a selective approach in January 2026 rather than the aggressive spending seen in summer 2025. The club prioritizes Marc Guehi for defensive depth and potentially Antoine Semenyo for attacking reinforcements but will only pursue exceptional market opportunities rather than panic buying to fill squad positions.
What is Marc Guehi’s contract situation at Crystal Palace?
Marc Guehi’s contract with Crystal Palace expires in June 2026, meaning he can sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs starting January 1, 2026. Palace face losing him for free in summer or accepting a reduced transfer fee in January, with Liverpool expected to be the only club bidding mid-season.
Why did Liverpool spend £449 million in summer 2025?
Liverpool invested £449 million in summer 2025 on attackers Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike following their most substantial squad reshuffle in ten years. Strong financial stewardship in previous years enabled this spending, funded by £260 million in player sales and robust commercial revenues.
Could Federico Chiesa leave Liverpool in January?
Yes, Federico Chiesa could leave Liverpool in January 2026 despite impressing in limited appearances, as manager Arne Slot has been reluctant to use him regularly. Several Serie A clubs are eyeing a potential January swoop for the 28-year-old Italian winger who seeks more consistent playing time.
What is Antoine Semenyo’s release clause at Bournemouth?
Antoine Semenyo has a £65 million release clause in his Bournemouth contract that becomes active in January 2026. Liverpool are prepared to meet this clause to secure the 25-year-old Ghanaian winger, with sporting director Richard Hughes using his former Bournemouth connections to facilitate negotiations.
Is Liverpool interested in any midfielders for January?
Liverpool are considering midfield reinforcements including Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Atalanta’s Éderson, with plans to sign “two elite midfielders” according to reports. However, most midfield targets appear earmarked for summer 2026 rather than the January window as the club assesses current options.
Who are Liverpool’s potential departures in January 2026?
Potential Liverpool January 2026 departures include Federico Chiesa seeking regular playing time in Serie A, Wataru Endo who has fallen down the pecking order, Rhys Williams needing first-team football, and potentially Ibrahima Konaté if he refuses a contract extension entering his final six months.
How does Richard Hughes approach the transfer market?
Sporting director Richard Hughes emphasizes disciplined transfer strategy focused on securing appropriate value rather than panic buying or overpaying. His patient approach was demonstrated by walking away from the Marc Guehi deal on deadline day, often resulting in better eventual terms as the Guehi situation now illustrates.
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