Liverpool face major shake-up as £160m double transfer is sealed and tough call made on Alexander Isak

Liverpool are battling to drag themselves back into the Premier League title race after a disastrous start to their title defence. The champions have slumped to eighth place, suffering five defeats in their first 11 games, and now trail leaders Arsenal by eight points—leaving them with a huge uphill task in the months ahead.

 

A turbulent summer saw the Reds invest heavily in new signings, but several of those arrivals — including Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Alexander Isak — have yet to hit the levels expected. With results worsening, Arne Slot is under pressure to quickly find answers, though turning their season around is proving far from straightforward.

 

January could bring another flurry of activity, with Liverpool still needing reinforcements in key positions. A world-class defensive midfielder remains a priority, and long-term target Aurelien Tchouameni is viewed as the ideal solution. The Frenchman would add vital protection in front of the defence, an area that has caused repeated issues. But prising him from Real Madrid would likely take an offer upwards of £100m.

 

Liverpool may also strengthen in attack, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo — who has a £60m release clause — seen as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. Despite bringing in Hugo Ekitike and breaking the bank for Isak in the summer, the Swedish striker has struggled to justify his fee. Ekitike has been the more impressive of the two and currently deserves the starting role until Isak proves otherwise.

 

Isak, however, will be eager to rediscover his spark once he returns from injury, which could be as soon as this weekend’s clash against Nottingham Forest.