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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dom Smith

Liverpool January transfer window guide: Cut-price deal an option as Arne Slot targets forward

January could be a big month for Liverpool - (Getty Images)

Liverpool’s £446million summer spending was the most ever spent by a British club in a single transfer window, but they might need to go again in January.

Arne Slot is down to the bare bones in attack, with Alexander Isak ruled out for a few months with his broken leg and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Liverpool can still spend after recouping over £200m from player sales.

January is often a difficult market but it does present an opportunity for the Reds to strengthen as they bid to build on their recent upturn in form.

Top priority

A new forward.

After losing Isak, Liverpool could turn to the transfer market to bolster their forward line.

Liverpool have been left short in attack after Alexander Isak’s injury (AFP via Getty Images)

Even before Isak was injured, the inconsistent form of Salah, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz presented a strong case for buying a versatile and reliable attacker in January.

Aston Villa, Chelsea and Manchester United have all scored more league goals than Liverpool, who could do with some added firepower.

What else they need

Centre-back is another key area that needs looking at after Liverpool failed in their move to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in the summer.

Ibrahima Konate is out of contact at the end of the season and has been linked with a summer exit.

With Giovanni Leoni out for the rest of the season, Slot needs more depth there.

Right-back has another problem position this season, particularly because of the injury issues to Jeremie Frimpong.

Possible ins

Antoine Semenyo, who has a release clause of £65m, is an option but Manchester City appear to be in pole position to sign him.

Liverpool have also been linked with Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, as well as Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi in a cut-price deal.

Liverpool have been linked with Michael Olise (Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth has also been linked with a move to Anfield.

There is reported interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Possible outs

Salah looked set to leave Liverpool after claiming the club had “thrown” him “under the bus” in an extraordinary interview in early December.

Saudi Pro League executives are keen for him to join one of their clubs. Al Hilal are among those interested.

But Liverpool were not planning for the 33-year-old to leave in January, and Isak’s injury will only reinforce that, as they cannot afford to reduce their attacking options further.

Harvey Elliott’s loan to Aston Villa has not gone to plan as he has barely played. He could return and be moved on elsewhere.

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