Journalist expects Liverpool to sign top transfer target in the summer

January is sort of right here, and Liverpool’s squad appears robust but uncovered. Arne Slot gained the Premier League title in his debut season, but the title defence has upset, with Liverpool sitting 4th within the Premier League. The stress level is centre-back.

Giovanni Leoni joined for £26m in the summertime, suffered an ACL damage on his debut in September, and is predicted to overlook the remainder of the season. Joe Gomez can also be struggling for health, which leaves Slot with simply Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as centre-back choices. Many followers desire a January signing merely to revive squad stability.

Credit score to David Lynch, chatting with Dave Davis for Anfield Index on the unique podcast, for specializing in what Liverpool can realistically do.

January centre-back market, danger versus readiness

“Is somebody like Joel Ordonez prepared to come back in and simply be dropped in for 10-15 video games? It’s loads to ask from a younger participant like that.”

For Liverpool, that query applies to most “one for the longer term” profiles. A January centre-back is requested to play rapidly, in huge moments, typically with house behind him. Slot desires defenders who can defend floor and construct assaults, so half-ready signings can change into costly issues.

“If Liverpool are to signal a centre-back in January it should be somebody who is able to go immediately and is a long-term choice for them.”

That narrows the listing, and it inflates the associated fee, which explains why Liverpool could hesitate.

Marc Guehi chatter and recruitment context

Marc Guehi has been talked about as a possible choice after his £35m transfer to Liverpool collapsed on deadline day in the summertime, however that transfer appears unlikely. However Lynch nonetheless expects Liverpool to land the defender, no matter qualifying for the Champions League or not.

“I’d additionally push again on the concept that Marc Guehi wouldn’t come if Liverpool don’t end within the prime 4 as a result of that hasn’t genuinely been the case.”

“Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch all got here when Liverpool solely made it into the Europa League.”

Liverpool’s pull can embody function readability, teaching, wages, and a pathway to trophies. The sensible query is whether or not any deal, Guehi or in any other case, exists in January at a wise price.

Slot’s second-half drawback to unravel

With van Dijk and Konate carrying the load, each tactical selection is constrained, line peak, full-back danger, and rotation. Depth impacts efficiency lengthy earlier than it reveals up as a headline.

“I can’t see Liverpool taking a danger on a participant who may not be prepared. Think about not making prime 4 and losing cash on a signing too. That’s the fact of it.”

That feels like Liverpool’s line. In the event that they purchase in January, it will likely be for certainty. If they don’t, Slot’s season could hinge on conserving his two centre-backs obtainable.