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.
Arne Slot
January 2026
Arne Slot criticised refereeing after Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Leeds, arguing Hugo Ekitike was denied a penalty because he stayed on his feet. Slot said Liverpool must keep their identity while pointing to what he views as a pattern of softer penalties being given against them. Slot cited multiple incidents this season where Liverpool did not receive spot-kicks after contact, while conceding penalties for minimal contact. He argued this dynamic influences players to stay upright, making it harder for referees and VAR to award penalties.
Liverpool
December 2025
Liverpool have removed first-team set-piece coach Aaron Briggs as concern grows over repeated problems defending and attacking dead-ball situations. The issue has directly influenced recent matches despite otherwise strong spells. Liverpool have conceded 12 non-penalty goals from set pieces in the league, with corners a major weakness, and their attacking output from set plays has also lagged. Set-piece concessions against Tottenham and Wolves shifted momentum in matches Liverpool led 2-0, forcing difficult finishes.
Goncalo Ramos
December 2025
Liverpool are exploring a six-month loan move for PSG striker Goncalo Ramos as they seek immediate cover for record signing Alexander Isak, whose serious injury has left Arne Slot short of centre-forward options at a crucial stage in the Premier League title race. Reports claim Ramos, who has nine goals this season, fits Liverpool’s pressing demands and penalty-box profile, offering a ready-made stopgap that would bolster depth alongside in-form Hugo Ekitike without forcing another huge permanent outlay so soon after their £125 million Isak investment.
Cristian Romero
December 2025
Cristian Romero has been charged by the FA following his red card against Liverpool, where he was dismissed for two bookings in a chaotic match that also saw Xavi Simons sent off and Alexander Isak suffer a fractured leg after a challenge from Micky van de Ven. Simons’ studs-down challenge on Virgil van Dijk was upgraded to red by VAR, Liverpool then led through Isak and Hugo Ekitike before Romero collected yellow cards for dissent and a kick at Konate, with Van de Ven later revealing he texted Isak to apologise for the accidental injury.
Micky van de Ven
December 2025
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank moved to defend Micky van de Ven after Arne Slot branded the defender’s tackle on Alexander Isak “reckless”. Isak scored Liverpool’s opener in north London but suffered an ankle injury with a fibula fracture in the same incident. Van de Ven’s attempt to block Florian Wirtz’s through ball left Isak’s leg trapped at an awkward angle, forcing the striker off despite walking without a stretcher. Liverpool later confirmed surgery and a long absence, while Frank argued it was a committed last-ditch challenge rather than malicious play.
