Liverpool Eyes Major January 2026 Signings: The Reds' Dream Transfer Targets Revealed
Liverpool shattered the global transfer spending record for a single window last summer, yet they find themselves further away from achieving success than before their massive financial commitment.
A chaotic campaign has intensified pressure on Arne Slot and his squad as the Reds fail to match last season's displays, with their wave of summer acquisitions—excluding Hugo Ekitiké—proving unable to deliver meaningful contributions.
Following contemporary trends, Liverpool are anticipated to return to the transfer market to address their problems, though whether additional spending occurs in January or the following summer remains uncertain. Despite their remarkable expenditure last summer, they retain the financial power to make substantial purchases.
Multiple positions clearly require strengthening and enhancement for Liverpool, while the Mohamed Salah situation threatens to overshadow the winter transfer period. January could prove hectic for Slot and his scouting team.
Below are the positions Liverpool must bolster during winter and potential targets they might pursue in their hour of need.
Mohamed Salah Replacement
A remarkable outburst following three consecutive omissions has cast doubt over Salah's future. The Liverpool legend criticized the club and manager after the 3–3 stalemate with Leeds United where he remained on the bench, stating he felt "thrown under the bus" and suggesting a possible departure soon.
Despite agreeing to a two-year contract extension in April, Salah's eight-and-a-half year tenure with the Reds might end acrimoniously. Saudi Pro League teams are monitoring the situation, while Major League Soccer interest has been reported.
Any exit would prove complex and leave Liverpool lacking natural right-wing options—a position where they're already thin. They currently possess no other traditional right-wing choices, with players like Federico Chiesa, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and, somewhat, Hugo Ekitiké all preferring the left flank.
Jeremie Frimpong and Dominik Szoboszlai represent makeshift solutions, but Liverpool require a right-wing specialist irrespective of Salah's status. His departure would compel the Reds to quickly find a replacement for their Egyptian superstar, though they need a long-term heir even if the current dispute resolves.
Primary Targets
Elite right-wingers aren't plentiful in the market, but Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo represents perhaps the most logical Salah replacement. The adaptable attacker began the 2025–26 campaign brilliantly, including netting twice at Anfield in his season opener, and has been consistently connected with Premier League giants.
Liverpool feature among clubs showing interest and could activate the Ghana international's £65 million buyout clause before Jan. 10. The 25-year-old possesses the strength, determination and ability to serve as an excellent substitute.
More prominent options exist too, including Real Madrid's Rodrygo, who may be permitted to depart in January after a severely underwhelming period. Michael Olise would represent an extremely ambitious pursuit at Bayern Munich and appears nearly impossible despite rumored Liverpool attention.
Central Defender
Liverpool's terrible defensive statistics have damaged their standing this campaign. Ibrahima Konaté has performed poorly overall, the Frenchman possibly distracted by previous Real Madrid interest, while typically dependable Virgil van Dijk has displayed concerning signs of rapid deterioration after also signing a two-year extension in April.
The injury-susceptible Joe Gomez has provided better coverage at right-back than center-back, while young summer signing Giovanni Leoni sadly suffered an ACL injury during his Liverpool debut in September and will miss the remainder of the season.
Liverpool's choice to approve Jarell Quansah's departure and failure to secure an experienced replacement during summer has proved expensive. This area desperately requires attention and should represent the top priority in the upcoming window.
Primary Targets
Crystal Palace have significantly contributed to Liverpool's struggles. Beyond defeating the Reds three times this season, including the Community Shield and Carabao Cup, their last-minute withdrawal from Marc Guéhi's transfer to Liverpool on deadline day left the Reds without suitable depth.
The England defender had already passed his Liverpool medical before the deal collapsed and is anticipated to remain a target for the Reds either this winter or next summer when his contract expires.
Should Liverpool seek alternatives, they'll likely consider Nottingham Forest's Murillo and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, while RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba has been previously associated with the Reds and shows tremendous promise at only 22 years old.
Holding Midfielder
Liverpool barely attempted to recruit a holding midfielder during summer despite requiring someone capable of supporting Ryan Gravenberch. Wataru Endo remains the club's sole other natural defensive midfielder but is rarely viewed as a credible option by Slot.
Gravenberch, who earned the Premier League's 2024–25 Young Player of the Season award, has been among those to falter occasionally this year. The Dutchman hasn't been terrible, but he's lacked the same vitality and confidence as last season. He's been overused and is experiencing the consequences.
Liverpool chose against adding another holding midfielder to their squad and are now suffering the consequences, with Alexis Mac Allister, Gravenberch's midfield partner, also battling fatigue this campaign. Curtis Jones and Szoboszlai are more attack-minded players and prove far less effective when playing the No.6 role.
Simply stated, Gravenberch requires assistance.
Primary Targets
Multiple Premier League players would represent outstanding acquisitions for Liverpool. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba all present viable possibilities for the Reds, though the latter is arguably the only true holding midfielder among the three.
All three would represent extremely costly additions, however, with Liverpool potentially considering more affordable continental options. Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller's reputation continues rising, while Atalanta's Ederson has been suggested as a possible Anfield arrival in previous transfer windows.