How Liverpool chiefs feel internally about squad depth after shutdown of January transfer window

Liverpool Chiefs Confident in Squad Depth After Quiet January Window

Liverpool's leadership remains satisfied with the club's defensive squad depth heading into the final stretch of the 2025-26 season, despite a subdued January transfer window and ongoing injury challenges.[4]

The Reds, under head coach Arne Slot, opted against immediate first-team signings amid a defensive injury crisis, including season-ending injuries to Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, and current absences like Jeremie Frimpong's groin issue.[4] Instead, they secured a deal for promising Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, who will join in the summer after helping his current club chase European qualification. Liverpool views this as a strategic move, believing Jacquet will be "worth the wait."[4]

Optimism stems from imminent returns: Ibrahima Konate made an emotional comeback against Newcastle following his father's passing, Joe Gomez is nearing recovery from a hip injury for the Manchester City clash, and Frimpong's problem is not deemed serious.[4] Slot has relied on midfielders for emergency defensive roles, such as Ryan Gravenberch partnering Virgil van Dijk centrally against Qarabag and Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back versus Newcastle—a trend likely to continue short-term.[4]

This approach aligns with Slot's pre-window stance of trusting existing depth rather than panicking. He highlighted bench impact, like Frimpong's recent assist, as evidence of squad strength amid speculation.[5] Recent team news confirms Konate's return and right-back experiments, with Gomez's availability boosting options.[6]

Overall, Liverpool chiefs feel equipped to manage until May, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning in a congested schedule including Premier League, cups, and Europe.[4]

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