Arne Slot has played down expectations of Liverpool being active in the January transfer window, making it clear that he is comfortable with the squad currently at his disposal. Despite ongoing speculation linking the club with new signings, the Liverpool head coach insists there is no urgent need to add fresh faces this month.
Liverpool were big spenders during the summer, investing a record-breaking £446 million — the highest amount ever spent by a Premier League club in a single transfer window.
However, that heavy investment did not immediately translate into consistent performances. For a significant portion of the first half of the season, the Reds struggled to find their rhythm and fell behind in the title race. Although results have improved in recent weeks and Liverpool have climbed back into the top four, they now appear set to surrender the league title to Arsenal.
Injuries have also complicated matters for Slot. Key attacking players Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are currently sidelined, while Mohamed Salah is away representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations. Even so, the Dutchman remains confident that the existing squad is strong enough to cope, insisting that the club’s recruitment work in the summer has already addressed long-term needs.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming clash with Arsenal, Slot stressed that there is alignment between himself, sporting director Richard Hughes, and the club’s ownership regarding transfers.
He explained that while injuries are never helpful, they do not change his overall belief in the squad. According to Slot, much of the criticism surrounding Liverpool’s summer spending ignored the fact that the club was largely replacing outgoing players rather than simply adding numbers. He believes that this context is only now beginning to be understood.
Slot highlighted the quality of the players brought in, pointing to the impact made by substitutes in recent matches. He cited Jeremie Frimpong’s contribution off the bench, including a crucial assist, as evidence of the squad’s depth. In his view, Liverpool are well stocked with top-level footballers and are in a strong position both in the short term and looking further into the future — provided the team can get everyone fit and available.
Defence is one area where Liverpool could potentially look to strengthen, as they are currently short of options at centre-back. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been mentioned as a possible target, with Liverpool having failed to secure his signing on deadline day last September.
There is speculation that the Reds could move for him in January, especially with Manchester City also reportedly monitoring the situation. However, Slot refused to be drawn into any discussion about Guehi or any other players outside his squad, reiterating his policy of not speaking publicly about transfer targets.
Slot also addressed questions regarding Harvey Elliott, confirming that Liverpool are unable to recall the midfielder from his loan spell at Aston Villa.
Villa manager Unai Emery has already stated that the club has no plans to make Elliott’s move permanent, which partly explains why the youngster has struggled for regular starts.
Slot made it clear that any further questions about Elliott’s situation should be directed to Emery, as Liverpool do not hold a recall option in the loan agreement.
