Liverpool are urgently exploring options to bolster their defense in the January transfer window, aiming to address critical vulnerabilities that have derailed their season, according to insights from a senior source. The reigning Premier League champions harbor reservations about securing Marc Guehi, prompting a swift pivot toward an alternative signing to deliver instant stability.
Despite a blistering start with seven consecutive victories across all competitions, Arne Slot’s squad has faltered dramatically. Now trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points after just 11 Premier League matches, the Reds have endured a dismal run, losing five of their last six league encounters and shipping 17 goals in those outings.
While the underperformance of key attackers like Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak has drawn scrutiny, Liverpool’s defensive frailties have emerged as a “deadly weakness.” Virgil van Dijk, typically a commanding presence, has appeared uncharacteristically vulnerable, while Ibrahima Konate’s recent errors and dip in form have compounded the issues at the Fenway Sports Group-owned club.
The long-term knee injury to summer 2025 recruit Giovanni Leoni has been a stroke of misfortune, and the failure to land Marc Guehi in the previous window lingers as a regret. A deal with Crystal Palace for the England international was on the brink, with Guehi completing a medical and expressing keen interest in the Anfield switch on deadline day.
However, Palace—fresh off their FA Cup triumph last season—withdrew at the last moment after unsuccessful efforts to recruit Igor Julio as Guehi’s replacement at Selhurst Park.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner has stated publicly that Guehi is unlikely to extend his contract, positioning the 25-year-old as Liverpool’s primary center-back target for 2026. Yet, a mid-season sale from Palace seems improbable, especially with interest from powerhouses like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, all eyeing his potential free-agent status next summer.
In light of these challenges, Liverpool are now contemplating a stopgap solution to inject immediate resilience into their backline. A senior source disclosed: “Obviously, they have been hoping to sign Marc Guehi after failing to land him in the summer, but there are some doubts about that happening, especially in January, and I have heard they might yet consider finding someone to bridge the gap and help them in the second half of the season.
“They would only do it for the right player, but, from what I understand, they are open-minded about the prospect of finding an experienced figure to come in and give them a new sense of resilience in defence.
“It’s not something that is completely decided at this stage, but I do think that there is a realisation they could do with another player to come in because they are vulnerable in defence.
“I don’t know exactly where they are at in terms of identifying the ideal new defensive option, but there are some early indications that they could move for an attainable player.
“That could be someone with an expiring contract, or someone who is on the fringes somewhere else, who might fancy the challenge of coming in and making an impact.”
This proactive approach underscores Liverpool’s determination to rectify their “loophole” without delay, potentially salvaging a campaign that has veered off course. As the January window approaches, all eyes will be on Anfield to see if this immediate contract materializes and reignites their title defense.