Liverpool are heading into the January transfer window with questions everywhere and answers still hidden.
The season has slipped into a worrying pattern, and fans are wondering if fresh faces can shift the momentum. The Reds sit mid-table, and the pressure is starting to show on and off the pitch.
But here’s where the curiosity kicks in: the club reportedly has a list of five names they believe can reshape the second half of the season — and one of those names might surprise many.
Another could raise eyebrows. And one more might just bring a smile to fans who enjoy a little football pun with their morning coffee.
While big spending is not guaranteed, Liverpool are apparently preparing for a decisive winter window. The squad has gaps. The form has dipped. And the chase for top four or even stability needs a spark.
These five players are reportedly among the top options being discussed, and each one brings a different solution to the table.
Below is a quick snapshot before we dive deeper.
Liverpool’s potential top five transfer targets in January
| Player | Age | Position | Goals (2025/26) | Assists (2025/26) | Notable Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elliot Anderson | 23 | Attacking Midfielder | 1 | 1 | Creativity and Dribbling |
| Antoine Semenyo | 25 | Forward/Winger | 6 | 3 | Physicality and Finishing |
| Alessandro Bastoni | 26 | Centre-Back | 1 | 4 | Ball-playing Defender |
| Marc Guehi | 25 | Centre-Back | 1 | 3 | Composure and Positioning |
| Yankuba Minteh | 21 | Winger | 1 | 3 | Speed and Cutting Inside |
Elliot Anderson
Liverpool’s midfield has struggled for control this season. Alexis Mac Allister has been inconsistent. Dominik Szoboszlai has shifted positions. Florian Wirtz is still settling. And Ryan Gravenberch often looks isolated.
This is where Elliot Anderson comes in. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is reportedly attracting interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool. He brings energy, close control, and the kind of grit fans at Anfield love.
The issue? Forest are believed to want a huge fee — around £100m to £120m. That price tag makes this deal unlikely, but not impossible. Anderson would offer sharpness in midfield, but the Reds must decide if he is worth breaking the bank.
Pun for fans: If Liverpool do sign Anderson, Forest might need a new tree to lean on.
Antoine Semenyo
Liverpool have missed a direct winger all season. Mohamed Salah has had a slow start. Luis Diaz is long gone. And without pace on the wings, the team often feels stuck.
Antoine Semenyo could be the antidote. The Bournemouth forward has six goals and three assists this season, including a brace against Liverpool on opening day. He is powerful, fast, and direct — exactly the kind of outlet Arne Slot’s side has lacked.
Reports claim his release clause might give Liverpool a chance, although the price could reach £75m. If Semenyo arrives, he could offer the spark the attack desperately needs.
Pun for fans: Semenyo could help Liverpool go from “stuck in the box” to “out of the box.”
What Liverpool really want in this January transfer window
There is quiet talk behind the scenes that Liverpool want stability at the back above all else. Injuries, inconsistency, and uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s future have pushed center-back targets to the front of the queue.
This is where the next two names enter the story.
Alessandro Bastoni
The Inter Milan defender is one of Europe’s most impressive ball-playing centre-backs. With Giovanni Leoni out long-term and Konate potentially leaving next summer, Bastoni is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar.
Inter value him highly, and Liverpool would likely need to offer at least £88m. Giorgio Chiellini once called Bastoni “one of the best defenders” in the world, and his calm presence could transform Liverpool’s defense.
His passing ability would also suit Slot’s style, helping Liverpool build attacks from deep with more confidence.
Marc Guehi
If Liverpool cannot secure Bastoni, Marc Guehi remains a strong alternative. The Crystal Palace defender almost joined Liverpool in the summer before Palace pulled out of the deal at the last minute.
Guehi’s contract situation now makes him available on a free in the summer, but several giants including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are watching closely. Liverpool may need to act early in January to avoid losing him again.
He brings composure, smart positioning, and reliability, qualities Liverpool desperately need right now.
Yankuba Minteh
And then comes the wildcard. The Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is reportedly seen as a possible long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. His pace, direct dribbling, and ability to cut inside have caught Liverpool’s attention.
Arne Slot worked with Minteh at Feyenoord, which fuels the speculation. Reports suggest Brighton want £60m to £70m, and they are reluctant to sell.
Minteh may not arrive this winter, but Liverpool are tracking him closely as they plan for the future.
Pun for fans: Minteh could mint a new chapter on the right wing someday.