Liverpool Looking at Signing Two Young Players After Another Devastating Injury Blow

Liverpool FC are accelerating their pursuit of two promising young talents in the January 2026 transfer window following a devastating knee injury to right-back Conor Bradley during a match against Arsenal. The injury has left manager Arne Slot's squad critically short in defense, prompting urgent action despite a record-breaking £446.5m summer spend.[4]

Bradley joins a growing list of defensive absentees, exacerbating Liverpool's struggles in their Premier League title defense. After dominating in 2024-25, the Reds are off the pace this season, making reinforcements essential for a top-four push.[4][1]

Confirmed January Moves

Liverpool have already secured Mor Talla Ndiaye, a £1m left-sided center-back from Senegal's Amitie FC, who impressed at the recent U-17 Cup in Qatar. Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed a verbal agreement. Full-back Owen Beck has also returned from a loan at Derby County to aid rehabilitation.[3][4]

Key Young Targets

• Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion): An orthodox defensive midfielder eyed to bolster the engine room.[1][4]
• Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig, 22): A highly-rated center-back previously linked with the Reds, offering enormous potential.[1]
• Other prospects include Nottingham Forest's Murillo, Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, and Premier League midfielders like Elliot Anderson (Forest) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).[1]

Rumors also swirl around Tottenham's Micky van de Ven for defense, while outgoing interest targets Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate. With net spend at £1m so far, Liverpool's focus remains on youth to inject energy amid their injury crisis.[4]

The club aims to finalize deals swiftly, eyeing these additions as long-term solutions post-Bradley's blow. Fans await confirmation as Slot reshapes the squad for silverware.[1][3][4]

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