Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Liverpool may be forced to rethink their transfer approach as their growing injury problems continue to mount.
Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Liverpool may be forced to reassess their January transfer plans following another damaging injury setback for Arne Slot’s squad.
The Reds were already stretched defensively heading into last night’s clash with Qarabag, with Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez all unavailable — and Leoni and Bradley ruled out for the remainder of the season. Matters worsened almost immediately when Jeremie Frimpong was forced off inside the opening five minutes with a suspected hamstring injury.
When questioned after the match about the possibility of a short-term signing or loan deal before Monday’s deadline, Slot played down the idea of reacting hastily, stressing that the club would not make impulsive decisions purely based on the recent spate of injuries.
Romano: Liverpool may yet move for a right-back
However, speaking on his YouTube channel in the early hours of Thursday, Romano suggested that Liverpool’s position could still shift, particularly if Frimpong’s injury proves more serious than first feared.
The Italian journalist explained that Liverpool had already explored the right-back market earlier in the window after Conor Bradley was injured against Arsenal, but ultimately decided against making a move.
“At that time, Liverpool felt there were no right-backs available in January who met the level required,” Romano said. “That’s why they didn’t advance with any talks or open negotiations.
“Now, after Frimpong’s injury, we’ll see. If Liverpool identify the right solution, they could enter the market. They had already assessed the options and didn’t feel there was a Liverpool-level player available, but this is now a different kind of emergency. Everything depends on how long Frimpong will be out.”
Defensive options wearing thin
If Frimpong is only sidelined briefly, Liverpool may opt against signing another right-back, especially with three players already on the books in that position and an eye on long-term squad planning.
But should the Dutchman — who has already missed over two months of the season due to separate hamstring issues — face an extended absence, failing to at least explore a replacement would be a huge gamble, even if it’s only a temporary fix until the summer.
As things stand, Slot’s realistic options at right-back are limited to Calvin Ramsay, who has shown promise but lacks senior experience, or reshuffling midfielders out of position — something Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo have all been asked to do in recent weeks.
That workaround might suffice for a game or two, but it’s clearly not a viable solution for the remainder of the campaign. With just four days left before the window slams shut, Frimpong’s injury has intensified the pressure on Liverpool’s hierarchy.
In an ideal world, logic says Liverpool should be doing everything possible to secure a versatile defensive reinforcement before Monday. In reality, it’s far more complicated — particularly when selling clubs are well aware of Liverpool’s predicament and can inflate their demands accordingly.
One thing is clear: the coming days represent a huge test for sporting director Richard Hughes.
