Liverpool manager Arne Slot is preparing for a potentially busy January transfer window, with the focus likely to be on outgoings rather than major new signings. Despite a summer of significant spending, the Reds' Premier League title defence has not gone to plan, leaving them in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification.
Injury woes and transfer targets
The situation at Anfield is complicated by key absences. Star forward Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while striker Alexander Isak is expected to be out for at least two months following surgery on a leg fracture. In terms of potential incomings, Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo has been linked, but the £65million-rated star is understood to favour a move to Manchester City.
Furthermore, a deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, which was close in the summer, may now have to wait until the end of the season when his contract expires. This has shifted the attention towards managing the current squad, with a particular emphasis on developing young talent through loan spells.
The seven players who could leave on loan
According to reports from The Athletic, as many as seven Liverpool players could be allowed to depart on temporary deals in January to gain valuable first-team experience. However, manager Arne Slot faces a dilemma with each case, balancing squad needs with player development.
Trey Nyoni
The 18-year-old midfielder has impressed, making his Premier League debut in the recent win at Tottenham and starting both of Liverpool's EFL Cup matches. Slot has praised his ability, but a loan move to accelerate his development is a strong possibility, potentially after an FA Cup appearance against Barnsley.
Calvin Ramsay
Ramsay's time at Liverpool has been hampered by injuries and loans since his 2022 arrival. A January exit seemed likely, but injuries to Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni in defence have complicated matters, meaning the Scot may be needed as cover.
Jayden Danns
The teenage striker, who has three senior goals for the club, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since September. As he nears a return, the club must decide if he is better served regaining fitness with the U21s or going out on loan.
Stefan Bajcetic
Bajcetic's progress has stalled due to persistent injury problems. After two loan spells last season, the Spain U21 international is currently recovering from hamstring surgery and is not expected to be rushed into a move until he regains full fitness.
Will Wright
Liverpool's six-figure signing from Salford, who turns 18 on New Year's Day, has also been injured since September. His situation mirrors that of Danns, with a decision on his immediate future pending a full assessment of his recovery.
Trent Kone-Doherty
The 19-year-old Irish winger made his debut in the Carabao Cup this season and has impressed in the UEFA Youth League. His performances have reportedly attracted loan interest from unnamed clubs.
Rhys Williams
Now 24, the centre-back has struggled for minutes this season after a loan at Morecambe last term. There could be a market for him in the EFL in January, depending on the needs of clubs in the Championship or League One.
Strategic decisions for the second half of the season
Arne Slot's primary challenge is to navigate a congested fixture list while managing a squad affected by injury and international duty. The potential loan exits are part of a broader strategy to ensure promising players get regular football, while also trimming a bloated squad. The recall of Harvey Elliott from his loan at Aston Villa is considered unlikely due to regulations preventing him from playing for a third club this season.
With the Premier League's financial rules and the need for sustainable squad building, these calculated loan moves could be crucial for Liverpool's long-term planning, even as they seek to salvage their current campaign.
