Reports claim Liverpool have made a January reinforcement an urgent requirement, and their preferred target has been revealed
Liverpool’s upcoming January transfer window is set to be one of the most pivotal in years, with Arne Slot and the club’s leadership preparing for major changes in an effort to steady a season that is rapidly slipping away.
Their latest setback — a home defeat to Nottingham Forest — has dragged them into the bottom half of the Premier League for the first time this campaign.
Now 11th in the table, the champions’ title defence is collapsing in dramatic fashion.
Following repeated defensive errors, Liverpool have made it clear that securing a top-class centre-back is their absolute priority for the winter window, according to sources within the agency sector speaking to CaughtOffside.
Liverpool line up key defensive targets
Sporting director Richard Hughes and his recruitment team have drawn up a list of high-profile centre-backs, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi currently leading the race.
The 25-year-old England defender has been a standout performer for Palace and was heavily linked with Liverpool over the summer.
But he is far from the only name under consideration.
Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is also firmly on Liverpool’s radar. His combination of composure, tactical intelligence and leadership makes him a strong candidate — and Dortmund may be willing to do business for the right fee.
Benfica’s Antonio Silva is another major target. At just 22, he is viewed as a long-term cornerstone for any defence and has attracted interest from major clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United. Securing him, however, would require beating fierce competition.
Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio also features high on the list. The left-footed centre-back is highly regarded for his ball-playing ability and comfort in possession, traits that fit Liverpool’s modern defensive profile.
Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich has additionally been mentioned as a possible opportunity signing, with his contract situation opening the door for potential negotiations.
Anfield’s backline urgently needs reinforcements
Stability at the back has become Liverpool’s biggest issue. After conceding 20 goals in just 12 league games, the defensive unit has been exposed repeatedly.
Both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté have struggled, while Joe Gomez remains the only reliable backup — a key reason Liverpool are prioritising another centre-half to add quality and depth.
Given his admirers within the club and the feasibility of a deal due to his situation at Palace, Guehi currently appears to be the most realistic target for a January move.
