Liverpool tipped for January double transfer after Virgil van Dijk comments

Liverpool have been plagued with a number of defensive injuries this season, and former Reds star Didi Hamann believes Arne Slot could make two new acquisitions in the January transfer window

Didi Hamann has urged Arne Slot to dip into the transfer market in January to address Liverpool’s defensive woes. The Reds were hit hard when Giovanni Leoni sustained an ACL injury against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

As a result of having surgery to address the issue, he will be sidelined until 2026. Crystal Palace, who are set to face Liverpool in the next round of the same competition, meanwhile, called off a deadline day deal for Marc Guehi to make the move to Merseyside.

Consequently, Liverpool are left short of options in that area, with only Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez available to step in alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk. There are possibilities for players like Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to slot back into the position if needed.

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However, this season, Liverpool’s defence has been lacklustre, with their issues at the back laid bare during their four-match losing streak which saw Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea and Manchester United all claim victory over the Reds.

There have been additional defensive concerns with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley both battling injury woes, the Dutch summer signing is the most recent casualty after being sidelined for several weeks with the hamstring problem he picked up during Wednesday’s victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Hamann believes that Liverpool may need to return to the transfer market in January to bring in reinforcements. He also thinks there could be two new arrivals when the window reopens.

Speaking to Esports News, Hamann said: “Liverpool might need to sign a centre-back in January. That could be Marc Guehi but it depends on whether Crystal Palace will sell and what their asking price would be.

“The injury to Giovanni Leoni, who looked promising before his crucial ligament injury, is another blow that Liverpool cannot address until the transfer window reopens.

“I think if they remain in contention for the league title, I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to bring in one or two players in January.”

He added: “Virgil van Dijk is absolutely vital to the team. I don’t even want to think about what would happen if he missed a number of games. At the moment, he’s probably the only one who keeps everything together.”

It comes as Liverpool will hope to build on momentum from their midweek 5-1 drubbing of Frankfurt when they return to Premier League action to face Brentford on Saturday evening.

The defending Premier League champions currently sit fourth in the table with five wins and three losses from their opening eight. Brentford, meanwhile, head into the fray at a lowly 15th, as they continue to adapt to life without Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.

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