Liverpool manager Arne Slot is facing mounting pressure to enter the January transfer window, as a growing injury list threatens to derail the club's season. The situation has become particularly acute in defence following a significant new blow.
Defensive Crisis Forces Liverpool into Market
Conor Bradley's campaign is over after the defender suffered a serious knee injury during last week's goalless draw with Arsenal. The right-back has since undergone surgery, leaving a significant gap in Slot's squad.
Bradley is not the only long-term absentee. Centre-back Geovanni Leoni is also ruled out for the majority of the season with an ACL injury. This double blow has left Liverpool desperately short of defensive options, compounding existing issues in attack.
The forward line is also depleted, with £125 million striker Alexander Isak sidelined and Mohamed Salah still competing at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. Even recent signing Hugo Ekitike has been managing a minor injury, further stretching resources.
Borussia Dortmund's Ryerson Emerges as Primary Target
In response to the emergency at right-back, Liverpool have identified Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson as a potential solution, according to reports emerging from Germany. The 28-year-old Norwegian international has been in impressive form this season, registering six assists in 22 appearances.
Ryerson's versatility is seen as a major asset. While primarily a right-back, he is also capable of playing on the left side of defence or even as a centre-back, which directly addresses another area of concern for Slot.
However, a deal may not be straightforward. Dortmund may demand a substantial fee to sell a key player midway through their own season. Furthermore, Slot may need to convince Ryerson he will receive sufficient game time, with Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong also able to cover the right-back position.
Koumas Open to Extended Birmingham Stay
Meanwhile, Liverpool are in discussions regarding the future of young midfielder Lewis Koumas, who is currently on loan at Championship side Birmingham City. The 20-year-old has expressed happiness with his stint at St Andrew's, where he has recently enjoyed a run in the first team.
Koumas, who scored against Coventry City and impressed in the FA Cup win over Cambridge United, is playing in his favoured left-wing position due to an injury to Demarai Gray. "Getting a goal, especially against a team like Coventry, boosts your confidence instantly," Koumas told BirminghamLive.
Despite starting only five of his 21 league appearances for Birmingham, the player is keen to stay if his playing time is assured. "We've obviously had conversations [with Liverpool] but I'm keeping my head down, working hard and we'll see what happens," he added. Both the player and his parent club will likely seek guarantees from Birmingham manager Chris Davies about his role once Gray returns.
The coming weeks will be critical for Liverpool as Slot balances the immediate need for reinforcements with the long-term development of his squad, all while navigating an unforgiving fixture schedule with a patched-up side.
