Sources reveal: Liverpool now consider a January signing a critical must — with their leading transfer target already identified.

Liverpool’s upcoming January transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most crucial in years, as Arne Slot and the club’s board prepare for a major overhaul to rescue their struggling campaign. Their recent home defeat to Nottingham Forest has dropped them into the bottom half of the Premier League table for the first time this season.

 

Now sitting 11th, Liverpool’s title defense is collapsing in dramatic fashion.

 

Following repeated defensive mistakes, the club has identified a top-class centre-back as their absolute priority for the winter window, sources close to the agency scene told CaughtOffside. Under the leadership of sporting director Richard Hughes, Liverpool have assembled a shortlist of high-profile defensive options.

 

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has emerged as the leading candidate. The 25-year-old England defender has been a standout performer for Palace and was strongly linked with Liverpool during the summer.

 

But he is far from the only option on the list.

 

Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is another key name being tracked closely. His mix of tactical intelligence, physical presence and leadership has impressed Liverpool’s scouting department, and Dortmund are said to be open to letting him go for the right price.

 

Benfica’s Antonio Silva is also a major target. At just 22, he is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders and a long-term investment capable of commanding Liverpool’s backline for years. However, with interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, competition for his signature will be intense.

 

Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio is also high on Liverpool’s radar. The 24-year-old left-footed defender perfectly fits the modern style of a ball-playing centre-back, comfortable with possession and effective in building play from deep.

 

Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano has additionally become an opportunistic option, with his contract situation making a potential move increasingly realistic.

 

Fixing the defense has become Liverpool’s top priority after conceding 20 goals in their first 12 league matches — a clear sign of their biggest weakness.

 

Both Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk have struggled, while Joe Gomez remains the only reliable backup, prompting the urgent need for reinforcements.

 

At this stage, Marc Guehi appears to be the most attainable signing due to Liverpool’s long-standing admiration and his favourable contract position at Crystal Palace.