Report suggests Liverpool duo remain potential January exits amid injury-hit squad
Liverpool may still be prepared to approve player departures during the January transfer window, even with Arne Slot’s squad currently stretched thin by injuries.
Premier Injuries data suggests the Reds could be missing up to six players for Saturday’s clash with Wolves, a tally that excludes Mohamed Salah, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Dominik Szoboszlai, who is suspended.
Extended absences for Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak have further reduced options in defence and attack. Despite that lack of depth, a trusted report indicates Liverpool could still allow players from both areas to leave Anfield next month.
Liverpool youngsters linked with January moves
The latest Transfer DealSheet from The Athletic, published on Boxing Day, has highlighted two Liverpool youngsters as possible January departures.
The report describes the winter window as an ideal time for Trent Kone-Doherty to secure a loan move, with multiple clubs continuing to monitor the 19-year-old winger’s development.
Meanwhile, Rhys Williams is expected to attract renewed interest in the coming weeks after failing to arrange a temporary exit during the summer window.
Limited opportunities despite squad shortages
Even with Liverpool operating with a depleted squad over the festive period, it would not be surprising to see the club sanction January exits for both players.
Although Kone-Doherty could offer wide cover from the bench, the club may deem a loan move more beneficial for a player who has made just two brief substitute appearances in domestic cup competitions this season. A spell in the EFL, where regular minutes are more likely, could significantly aid his development.
Williams, meanwhile, has remained on the fringes despite Liverpool’s shortage of centre-backs following Leoni’s ACL injury. The 24-year-old has not featured in a matchday squad since being an unused substitute in September’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
While he played a key role alongside Nat Phillips during the 2020/21 campaign as Liverpool secured Champions League qualification, it is clear he does not feature prominently in Slot’s plans.
An EFL club could look to secure Williams on a short-term loan before his contract expires next summer, with a permanent move potentially following if the spell proves successful.
With first-team opportunities unlikely under Slot during the second half of the season, both players could reasonably be loaned out in January in the hope of gaining valuable senior experience in the early months of 2026.
