Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool to bolster their squad in the January transfer window, specifically targeting the center-back position as an area of concern. Despite a significant £446 million spending spree last summer, the former Liverpool defender believes that the Reds are currently lacking in depth and quality at the back, which could potentially derail their season.
Carragher's comments come amidst Liverpool's inconsistent start to the 2025/26 Premier League season. After 11 games, they sit eighth in the table, already eight points behind league leaders Arsenal. They have lost five of their last six games, a stark contrast to their title-winning form last season. Their defensive record has also been a cause for concern, with the team having the seventh-worst defensive record in the Premier League.
Speaking on Sky Sports' documentary "Inside: Liverpool," Carragher stated, "Liverpool need to spend in January, they need to buy a centre-back, they should have bought a centre-back in the summer". He further emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that Liverpool are "probably one injury away at centre-back from really derailing the season".
Liverpool's current senior center-back options include Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez. However, with Konate's contract expiring at the end of the season and Gomez attracting interest from other clubs last summer, the Reds' depth in that position could be further depleted. The situation was exacerbated by a season-ending ACL injury to youngster Giovanni Leoni, who had impressed in a Carabao Cup appearance. Liverpool's attempt to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace was blocked late in the summer transfer window, further compounding their need for reinforcements.
Carragher also questioned Liverpool's transfer strategy last summer, particularly the acquisition of multiple players in similar positions. The signings of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, both forwards, raised eyebrows, especially considering the presence of other attacking options within the squad. Carragher noted that such transfer business "doesn't feel very Liverpool-like," deviating from their more targeted approach in recent years.
Looking ahead to the January window, potential targets for Liverpool could include Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who has a £60 million release clause. Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, a target in the summer, could also be an option, with other interested European clubs potentially waiting until next summer to try and sign him on a free transfer.
Carragher's assessment underscores the importance of strategic recruitment in January to address Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities and ensure they can compete for a Champions League spot. Failure to strengthen the center-back position could have significant consequences for their season, potentially derailing their aspirations in both domestic and European competitions.
