Liverpool’s position on two midfielders reveals Arne Slot’s January transfer focus

Liverpool can further strengthen their title prospects in January.

It seems that bolstering the defence will be Arne Slot’s main focus next month as his Liverpool team aim to maintain their momentum in the Premier League. Sunday’s 0-5 victory over west Ham United temporarily placed them 8 points clear at the top, with the Dutch coach continuing to impress in his first season in England.

This success has come despite a quiet summer transfer window, with only Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joining on a permanent deal before being loaned back to Valencia for the season.

Liverpool did activate a release clause for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard chose to decline the move.

The club had been expected to revisit their interest in Zubimendi in January, with Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton both tipped for departures to free up funds. However, according to The Athletic, Slot is not willing to part with either player.

Endo, who has made just seven league appearances this season, has struggled to establish himself since his move from Stuttgart ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Marseille made an offer just below £12million for him in the summer, but it was turned down, and Liverpool are reportedly not planning a discounted sale in January.

Meanwhile, Morton has seen little playing time since returning from his loan spell at Hull City six months ago. Liverpool is reportedly not considering sending him out on loan again, and they won’t entertain permanent offers below £20million.

Bayer Leverkusen has recently been linked with the 22-year-old, but their interest appears to have cooled due to Liverpool’s stance. With both Endo and Morton likely to remain at Anfield, and Slot satisfied with his existing squad, Liverpool will likely focus on adding defensive reinforcements.

Both Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are currently sidelined due to injury, and Andy Robertson’s performances continue to be under scrutiny after his latest mistake against Leicester. While Virgil van Dijk remains a key figure, his contract, which expires in June, has not yet been extended.

Doubts are also growing over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future, as, like Van Dijk, he will be free to leave in the summer and can start negotiating with overseas clubs in January.

Liverpool have already been linked with players such as Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, and Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, although the latter is likely a summer target when his contract expires.

Slot will be eager to deepen his squad, having seen Liverpool’s title rivals suffer from a series of injuries. He has publicly cautioned his players about Manchester City’s current struggles, with their form having dipped due to key players being sidelined.