Could January be a crucial month for Liverpool?
The January transfer window has officially opened, allowing Europe’s elite clubs to reinforce their squads for the second half of the season. Historically, this window has seen significant signings, such as Chelsea’s high-profile acquisitions of Enzo Fernández and Mykhaylo Mudryk for a combined €191 million in 2023, or Liverpool’s landmark purchase of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for €84.65 million in 2018. Van Dijk went on to secure both the Champions League and Premier League titles with the Reds in just two years.
The traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs have had varied starts this season, with Arsenal leading the table while Tottenham sits in 13th place. Defending champions Liverpool are grappling with a disappointing title defense, trailing league leaders by 14 points. Nonetheless, all ‘Big Six’ clubs seem to have areas in need of improvement this January. As the transfer window opens, where should each club focus its efforts?
Liverpool – Areas to Address: Centre-back and Winger
This season, Liverpool has struggled significantly under manager Arne Slot after previously clinching the title in his debut year. They’ve missed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity, while Mohamed Salah hasn’t quite recaptured his top form. However, defense has been their biggest concern, with frequent goals conceded. Van Dijk is showing signs of age, and Ibrahima Konaté’s inconsistencies have compounded the issue; hence, the need for center-back reinforcements is urgent. The loss of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich has also created a gap, highlighting the requirement for another skillful winger.
Potential Targets
Liverpool came close to signing Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi on deadline day in the summer transfer window. While interest remains in the young defender, they will face competition as Guéhi can now sign a pre-contract with clubs abroad. In terms of wingers, Liverpool has shown some interest in PSG’s Bradley Barcola and Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız, though a January move for either player appears unlikely.
Manchester City – Focus: Antoine Semenyo and Defensive Reinforcement
The anticipated signing of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is on track, pending a medical, with the Ghanaian set to join City for €74 million. This addition will enhance their offensive options, although it may necessitate the departure of another winger, like Savinho or Oscar Bobb. Additionally, with injuries to Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol joining John Stones on the sidelines, City might need to pursue another center-back.
Potential Targets
Reports indicate that Manchester City may enter the race for Guéhi due to their growing injury crisis in defense. As first-choice target, Guéhi is likely, with Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck also being considered.
Tottenham – Key Areas: Winger and Left-back
Tottenham is having an uninspiring season, currently sitting 13th, with an underwhelming style of play. Under new manager Thomas Frank, reinforcements are critical. With Mohammed Kudus injured and the sale of Brennan Johnson, Spurs desperately need a right-winger. Additionally, with Destiny Udogie’s frequent injuries, finding a reliable left-back has become crucial.
Potential Targets
Tottenham is reportedly set to make a renewed offer to Santos for 19-year-old left-back Souza after their initial bid of €9.2 million was rejected. They face competition from other European clubs keen on the Brazilian. For winger positions, names such as RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, Manchester City’s Savinho, and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye have been mentioned.
Manchester United – Needs: Central Midfielder
Manchester United’s year started chaotically with the sacking of manager Rúben Amorim just days in. Although the team has shown some improvement, they still lack consistency. Following Amorim’s departure, the squad may revert to a four-man defense, benefiting young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, but there is an urgent need for reinforcements in central midfield, especially with the aging Casemiro and uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte’s performance.
Potential Targets
United were linked with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba over the summer but were put off by the price. However, after a dip in form, the Seagulls could be more accommodating this January. Another name mentioned is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, whose ability to distribute could be a game-changer for United.
Arsenal – Focus: Young Midfielder
Arsenal boasts a deep squad, exemplified by their recent match against Bournemouth where a host of talents were benched, including Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. While there isn’t an immediate need for reinforcements, a long-term vision may lead them to pursue a young midfielder to bolster the ranks for the future and provide backup for Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi.
Potential Targets
Arsenal has shown interest in Elche’s 20-year-old Rodrigo Mendoza, valued at €15 million. Other young midfielders, like Konstantinos Karetsas from Genk and Aleksandar Stanković from Club Brugge, are also under consideration. Additionally, they are linked with Blackburn’s young striker Igor Tyjon and AC Milan’s Davide Bartesaghi, a left-back.
Chelsea – Priority: Experienced Centre-back
Despite a spending spree exceeding €1.5 billion under Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s squad still shows weaknesses, particularly in defense. The absence of Levi Colwill has highlighted the need for experience, as their oldest player this season is only 28. An experienced center-back is essential to guide the youthful talent in the squad.
Potential Targets
Guéhi remains a target for Chelsea, though competition for his services is intense. Another potential candidate is Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, while they are also rumored to be exploring young Rennes center-back Jérémy Jacquet.
