Liverpool Given Differing Transfer Priorities Amid Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi Links

Liverpool FC faces contrasting transfer priorities in the January window, balancing defensive reinforcements with attacking options amid ongoing struggles this season, despite a dominant 2024-25 Premier League title win under Arne Slot[1][2][3].

After a transformative 2025 summer window—boasting over £200m net spend—the Reds added stars like Florian Wirtz (£116m record fee), Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, while offloading Trent Alexander-Arnold (to Real Madrid), Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich), Darwin Núñez (Al-Hilal), and Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford)[1][2][4]. These moves signaled Slot's ambition to build a dynasty, with Wirtz's arrival as a statement of intent[2].

Now, with Mohamed Salah's future uncertain amid Saudi interest and his AFCON absence, plus injuries like Isak's, plans for a centre-back, winger, and central midfielder are accelerating[3]. Marc Guehi tops the defensive list: Liverpool nearly signed the Crystal Palace star for £35m last summer (medical completed), but Palace withdrew. With his contract nearing expiry, Anfield remains keen, especially as Ibrahima Konaté's renewal talks stall amid Real Madrid links—though Slot prioritizes wage structure[3].

On the attack, Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) emerges as a background target to bolster wings, sharing load with Ekitiké, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Rio Ngumoha post-Díaz[2][3]. A holding midfielder hunt paused after Ryan Gravenberch's No. 6 success (Zubimendi snubbed previously), but could resume[3].

Sporting director Richard Hughes eyes value deals, avoiding overpayment for Guehi. Slot downplays Salah rift post-interview, but his potential exit heightens urgency. Liverpool's summer success—upgrading attack and fullbacks—sets high bar; January tests squad depth amid title defense[1][2].

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