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Liverpool's dream January transfer window: Guehi IN, Salah OUT?
Robin Bairner
- 21 Dec 2025 10:12 CST
- 4 min read
Analysis
Liverpool could be set for their most pivotal January transfer window in recent history amid the club’s poor start to the season and the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah.
The champions remain some way off the Premier League summit having endured a disastrous run of form that saw nine losses in 12 matches across all competitions, which piled the pressure on manager Arne Slot.
While Liverpool have recovered from their worst run of form, they have yet to hit the strides of last season and still have glaring issues around the team, such as the future of Salah after a recent bust up with Slot.
Liverpool will certainly require some investment in January to try and close the gap at the top of the table and that could also involve some key players being sold.
FootballTransfers takes a look at what the perfect January transfer window could look like for Slot’s side.
IN: Marc Guehi
Arguably the most crucial issue for Liverpool to solve is in defence, where they have struggled for depth and consistency amid some poor displays from the likes of Ibrahima Konate, who appears to have let his contract situation affect his performances.
Having seen a move collapse in the final minutes of the summer window, Liverpool will be determined to try and go back in for Marc Guehi and convince Crystal Palace to sell their captain in January in order to avoid a scramble to sign the England defender on a free when his contract expires in June.
The signing of a centre-back is imperative to Liverpool’s success and a cut-price deal for Guehi would represent the best way to bolster their quality and ensure they do not suffer more of an injury crisis in the backline for the second half of the campaign.
IN: Antoine Semenyo
Regardless of what happens with Salah, Liverpool have needed extra quality in their wide areas in part due to the Egyptian’s inconsistent form and absence during the African Cup of Nations.
The signing of Antoine Semenyo seems a no brainer, with the Bournemouth star having a £65 million (€74m) release clause and allegedly preferring a switch to Anfield over moves to Manchester United and Manchester City.
Having provided more than 25 goal contributions in the Premier League since the start of last season, Semenyo would ensure Liverpool have a succession plan for Salah and some much-needed reliability in attack after their lacklustre start to the season.
OUT: Wataru Endo
While Liverpool may be reluctant to lower their squad depth mid-season, Wataru Endo has played just 44 minutes of league action and is surplus enough to requirements that his sale could help finance any January moves.
Current ETV
Wataru Endo
DM, M (C)
Liverpool
Wataru Endo
DM, M (C)
Liverpool
ETV Range
€6.1M - €8.3M
The Japanese international has been a serviceable stop gap since his arrival in 2023 and, with his contract expiring in 2027, his departure is something that will happen sooner rather than later.
Liverpool may consider negotiating Harvey Elliot’s return from his unsuccessful loan at Aston Villa to cover for any squad depth but, even if they don’t, Endo’s sale should be digestible enough to help boost Slot’s transfer kitty in the winter.
KEEP: Mohamed Salah
It’s simple – the best version of Liverpool involves Salah, even if the club legend is uncomfortable with taking a reduced role, and the best outcome for all parties would be an amicable farewell at the end of the season rather than a sad exit in January.
Salah’s move to the Saudi Pro League appears a foregone conclusion and Liverpool may be tempted to cash in on the forward in January if a big offer comes in, particularly if they are to pursue a big money move for Semenyo.
However, with Alexander Isak facing a significant spell on the sidelines, Liverpool just cannot afford to lose more quality in depth for the rest of the season and any successes could come down keeping Salah content to see out the campaign instead of cashing in at the first opportunity.
