Slot Reveals Liverpool's January Transfer Strategy as Isak Injury Sparks Market Speculation
Liverpool boss Arne Slot dismissed suggestions of bringing back Harvey Elliott to address the gap created by Alexander Isak's significant injury setback.
Even after the most expensive spending spree in football history, the Reds remain lacking in attacking options. The departures of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz came after the unfortunate loss of Diogo Jota during the summer transfer period.
A massive £415 million ($560.6 million) investment brought Hugo Ekitiké and Isak to Liverpool's forward line, though this still left one position unfilled. Isak's leg fracture will sideline the big-money signing for a minimum of two months, further limiting Slot's tactical choices. With the January transfer window approaching, the budget-friendly possibility of recalling Elliott from his troubled Aston Villa loan has been suggested.
The England prospect has suffered through a difficult four-month period in the Midlands. Loaned with a mandatory purchase clause valued at £35 million if he reaches 10 Premier League appearances, Elliott has managed just three outings, with his most recent coming in September.
This month, Villa manager Unai Emery confirmed the club is in talks with Elliott to resolve this complicated situation. "He is currently on loan with us, but he isn't contributing toward a permanent deal," the Spanish coach explained.
"We hope to find what's best for him and what's best for us. I have respect for him both as a footballer and as an individual. He's working hard in training, but we face a particular situation with him. We hope to find a resolution that allows him to play regularly and advance his career, whether with us or elsewhere."
Liverpool allegedly inserted resale and repurchase provisions in Elliott's transfer, but there's believed to be no mechanism to force his immediate return. Slot certainly played down such speculation this week.
"Harvey belongs to Aston Villa," the Liverpool coach emphasized. "He's meant to spend the full season there. Any inquiries about him should be directed to Villa."
Slot had always shown skepticism toward Elliott during their time together at Anfield. The creative midfielder wasn't given a single Premier League start until the championship was mathematically confirmed in April. Even then, Slot granted Elliott just two starts, both resulting in Liverpool defeats.
Slot Not Worried About Liverpool's Attacking Depth
When pressed about January transfer activity, Slot focused entirely on Liverpool's remaining 2025 fixtures. "My complete attention is on our next two matches," the Dutch manager stated, referencing Saturday's encounter with bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers and a New Year's Day home fixture against Leeds United.
"Both are challenging games and both at Anfield, which is excellent. It's time for our available squad members to do what they've accomplished repeatedly - work hard and for supporters to back us in the best way possible to achieve our desired outcomes."
Cody Gakpo is anticipated to be among those available players. The tall winger is poised to return this weekend after missing Liverpool's previous three games due to a muscle problem. Slot also noted that Federico Chiesa and Florian Wirtz can operate on the left flank. Nevertheless, there will be a vacancy on the right wing against Wolves as Dominik Szobozlai faces suspension and Mohamed Salah is representing Egypt at AFCON.
Rio Ngumoha might fill that position. The talented youngster started the season with a dramatic late winner against Newcastle United and featured in both of Liverpool's Carabao Cup matches. Yet Ngumoha hasn't been selected for a Premier League starting lineup and hasn't appeared as a substitute since November. Slot remains confident about his progress.
"Considering his age, I believe he has more playing time than any other 17-year-old in the Premier League," the Dutch manager accurately stated. "This shows how much game time he receives and how remarkable that is for someone his age. It also demonstrates his ability because it's unusual for a 17-year-old to get as many minutes as he has.
"This reflects the squad situation in those positions, but for the weekend, that area isn't my primary worry. Hopefully Cody returns to fitness, and Federico and Florian can cover that role."