Liverpool have endured a turbulent first-half of the season as they’re left fighting for their place in Europe, and may turn to the January transfer window for support
Arne Slot and Liverpool management are facing mounting pressure following a string of lacklustre performances. With ongoing issues surrounding Mohamed Salah and a concerning injury record among their defenders, questions are being raised about whether the Dutchman can continue to steer the Reds forward.
Antoine Semenyo, who was touted as a potential replacement for the Egyptian star, is edging closer to a move to Manchester City after completing a medical in the North West on Thursday. Despite Liverpool’s well-documented admiration for the Ghanaian international, it appears they will miss out on the attacker as their rivals swoop in to secure the Bournemouth star.
Liverpool also face competition from Pep Guardiola’s side for Marc Guehi. The Reds’ deadline day deal for the Crystal Palace captain fell through after the South London club decided against the transfer.
City, currently dealing with injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, are reportedly making progress in negotiations to sign the defender. With Guehi’s contract expiring in the summer, Palace find themselves in a tricky situation where they have only a few weeks left to recoup funds for the defender or risk losing him for nothing.
Here, the ECHO examines the biggest stories surrounding the Reds…
Liverpool reach agreement for defender
Liverpool have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign left-sided centre-back Mor Ndiaye, according to Fabrizio Romano. The ECHO recently revealed that Slot’s team were making headway in negotiations to bring the 17-year-old Senegalese defender on board.
Upon his arrival, Ndiaye will join Rob Page’s under-21s, while Amara Nallo could potentially be loaned out. Earlier this month, Liverpool bolstered their defence with the signing of 19-year-old Noah Adekoya from Burnley, who will also be part of Page’s defensive line-up, reports the Mirror.
Romano has also reported that Ifeanyi Ndukwe has signed for Liverpool following an agreement with Austria Wien last week. The ECHO confirmed that the move will officially take place in the summer.
Arsenal join race to rival Liverpool for Guehi
Meanwhile, Arsenal have entered the race to compete with Liverpool for Guehi, according to John Cross from The Mirror. Man City are currently leading the pack to secure Guehi, but now face competition from not just Liverpool, but also Arsenal.
However, it remains uncertain whether Mikel Arteta’s side will hold off until the summer or seize the opportunity for a discounted deal this month. Arsenal already boast a strong defensive line-up after recent acquisitions, including Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera last summer.
The duo have stepped up in the heart of Arsenal’s defence due to injuries to William Saliba and Gabriel. Yet, Arsenal remain keen admirers, undeterred by their already robust defensive line-up.
As City grapple with their own injury woes, Palace are aware they can command a fee close to £40million, the offer initially accepted by Liverpool. Oliver Glasner is under intense scrutiny regarding his future at Selhurst Park amid rumours he could depart in the summer for Manchester United.
Palace also face interest in their captain as they pursue European qualification this season, alongside campaigns in the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

