Liverpool News: Arne Slot Slammed for 'Stupid' Transfer Decision as Star Eyed for Exit

Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces mounting criticism for his handling of the January transfer window amid squad injury woes and poor form. Despite a title-winning previous season, the Reds are 10 points behind leaders in 2025/26, prompting calls for reinforcements[2][3]. Slot's summer spending spree—totaling over £400 million on signings like Hugo Ekitiké (£69m), Alexander Isak (£125m), and Giovanni Leoni (£26m)—has not delivered, with Isak sidelined by a broken leg for two months and Diogo Jota's tragic passing leaving attacking depth thin[3][5]. Sales of Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for £8.5m further reshaped the squad, but results have faltered[3][5].

Fans and pundits slam Slot's "stupid" decision to block an early January deal for a centre-back, leaving only three senior options after Leoni's injury and amid doubts over Ibrahima Konaté's future[6]. A failed summer bid for Marc Guehi exacerbated the issue, forcing reliance on youth like Rio Ngumoha, who hasn't featured in the Premier League since November[3][6]. Slot dismissed recalling loanee Harvey Elliott, citing distrust from their shared time, and prioritized upcoming fixtures against Wolves and Leeds over transfers[3].

However, Slot left the door ajar for opportunism: "If there’s a chance, this club always brings someone in," he said, despite being "very happy" with the squad bar Joe Gomez's absence[1]. Hints point to needing pacey forwards after Díaz's exit, with Jeremie Frimpong impressing on the wing[4]. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old star is eyed for exit, with £100m valuations floated amid public disagreements and performance dips—potentially linked to Mohamed Salah's AFCON focus or others like Dominik Szoboszlai[2][8]. Federico Chiesa remains the only recent addition, but Cody Gakpo's return offers relief[1][3].

As the window nears, Slot's process—emphasizing "homework" on targets like Isak and Guehi—faces scrutiny, with Liverpool eyeing fixes for consistency[4][7]. Critics argue his conservatism risks the season.

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