Three centre-backs have been linked with solving key problem for Liverpool during the January window

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The biggest need for Liverpool during the January transfer window has been clear ever since the summer’s deadline day in September.Had the Reds pushed a deal for Marc Guehi over the line as expected, they may well have still found themselves in a Premier League title race.Instead, Liverpool failed in their attempt to sign the Crystal Palace captain, and after seeing Giovanni Leoni succumb to a serious knee injury, they have paid dearly for their mistake.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Who has been Liverpool’s best player in 2025?

Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say There is a chance that Liverpool do not look to rectify their error and will attempt to make it through the season with only three senior centre-backs.But it does feel as though the Reds need to bring a new defender in if they are to rescue the campaign at all. Having come so close to signing him only four months ago, there is a chance Liverpool try to sign Guehi in January.The 25-year-old will be available for nothing at the end of the season, and he will have plenty of options for his next move.Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Oliver Glasner predicts where Liverpool target Marc Guehi will be playing at the end of the January windowLiverpool may back themselves to win the race for Guehi regardless of who else tries to get him, but they may be better off paying the money and securing him in the New Year.Guehi himself may have other plans, but Liverpool have to try and atone for a mistake which proved to be so very costly.Nico SchlotterbeckWhile Guehi may have been Liverpool’s top choice over the summer, they should not be afraid to pivot if they have to.Should they decide to look elsewhere for their January centre-back addition, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck could be one to watch.

Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images 👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Reports have claimed that Schlotterbeck will not sign a new contract with Dortmund, and though his agreement runs until 2027, there is a feeling he could leave in 2026.The fee would likely be a little larger than the one needed to take Guehi to Anfield, but still only 26 and with his best years ahead of him, Schlotterbeck would be an exciting arrival.Joel OrdonezIf Guehi and Schlotterbeck represent defenders in more or less the prime of their careers, then Liverpool also have a slightly more wildcard option in Joel Ordonez.As Rousing The Kop exclusively revealed in October, Ordonez could leave Club Brugge during the January window, and Liverpool will be in the mix should that happen.The 21-year-old has admirers right the way across Europe, but the Reds will be placed to snap him up.Still young, Ordonez would not necessarily be the immediate competition for Ibrahima Konate Liverpool supporters are hoping for, but he would give Arne Slot another viable option.Liverpool could spring a surprise and buy someone out of the blue, but if there is to be a centre-back arrival this New Year, we’d bank on it being one of these three.