Mohamed Salah
January 2026
Salah’s latest league start ended in defeat, leaving him on the losing side in seven of his last eight Premier League starts, matching a negative Liverpool record previously associated with Kuyt. Salah returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and started immediately, but Liverpool lost again as their domestic form continued to slide, worsening pressure on Slot’s title defence.
Xabi Alonso
January 2026
A report says Liverpool have made a first approach to Alonso as they consider future managerial options, with Slot still in charge but under scrutiny during an inconsistent title defence. The claim is that Liverpool sounded out Alonso’s interest, with the coach currently available after leaving Real Madrid. Despite a short spell in Madrid, his reputation remains strong from his Leverkusen success, and the report suggests Liverpool view him as a near-future option, possibly for 2026-27.
Virgil van Dijk
January 2026
Van Dijk was blamed for Bournemouth’s opener after misplaying a long ball, as Liverpool’s defensive chaos and a delayed substitution after Gomez collided with Alisson contributed to a 3-2 defeat despite a brief comeback. Scott collected Van Dijk’s mistake and crossed for Evanilson. Gomez went off injured, but Endo’s entry was delayed and Liverpool played short-handed, conceding again. Liverpool rallied through Van Dijk and Szoboszlai, but Bournemouth’s late winner sealed it.
Arne Slot
January 2026
Slot said he expects no major January arrivals, with Liverpool only moving if a clear market opportunity appears, despite depth concerns and a Champions League qualification push. Slot referenced a major summer spend and acknowledged the impact of long-term absences, including Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, but said the squad can still compete if fitness stabilises.
Steven Gerrard
January 2026
Gerrard criticised Slot for repeatedly pointing to low blocks as the reason for Liverpool’s inconsistency, saying this is a normal reality in the Premier League and Liverpool must solve it rather than talk about it. Slot argued Liverpool look better in open games and struggle when opponents sit deep, citing the contrast between a 3-0 win over Marseille and a 1-1 draw with Burnley. Gerrard’s message is to adapt personnel and approach to break compact defences.
Federico Chiesa
January 2026
Chiesa’s former mentor questioned Slot’s limited use of the winger as reports suggest Chiesa is negotiating a return to Juventus. Romei says Slot’s selection choices are hard to understand given Chiesa’s profile for English football, noting he has had limited starts despite multiple appearances this season.
Conor Bradley
January 2026
Liverpool confirmed Bradley has significant bone and ligament damage in his left knee. ACL fears eased, but he is expected to miss the rest of the 2025-26 domestic season. He was stretchered off at the Emirates, scans showed major structural damage, and Liverpool will send him for surgery followed by rehab at the AXA Training Centre with no return date set.
Florian Wirtz
January 2026
Florian Wirtz said he was convinced his goal would be ruled offside after a long VAR check in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Fulham. The match swung late when Harrison Reed scored in stoppage time to deny Liverpool victory. Wirtz did not celebrate because he expected an offside call, while commentary later focused on the Premier League’s tolerance band within semi-automated offside, which can allow marginal decisions to stand. Carragher questioned how the goal was given.
Harvey Elliott
January 2026
Harvey Elliott is unlikely to play for Aston Villa again, with Unai Emery indicating the call on his future was made months ago. The Liverpool loanee has barely featured and a permanent move now looks off. Elliott arrived with expectations of meaningful minutes and a potential permanent switch, but Villa have not used him. With the direction already decided internally, his situation now points toward a return to Liverpool and a reassessment of his next step.
Joel Ordonez
January 2026
Liverpool are close to finalising a £43m deal for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez as they look to reinforce a defence that has underperformed this season. The move follows a wider focus on fixing set-piece issues. Liverpool’s form collapsed after a strong start, with defensive problems and set-piece concessions a key theme. The club has already parted ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, while Virgil van Dijk has pointed to second-phase defending as a major cause of goals conceded.
