Key Points
- Liverpool made no immediate signings in the January transfer window, opting instead for long-term deals.
- The club’s only move was signing £60m centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who arrives in summer.
- Reigning champions sit sixth, outside Champions League places, heightening pressure on manager Arne Slot.
- Slot must rely on existing squad to salvage an underwhelming season amid long-term rebuild strategy.
Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 4, 2026 – Liverpool’s decision to forgo short-term reinforcements in the January transfer window has left manager Arne Slot vulnerable as the club prioritises a long-term squad rebuild.
With the reigning champions languishing in sixth place and outside the Champions League qualification spots, the lack of immediate arrivals underscores a high-stakes gamble on internal solutions for the season’s remainder. Sky Sports reports that the sole incoming deal is for Jeremy Jacquet, a £60m centre-back set to join in summer, signalling commitment to future planning over present needs.
Why has Liverpool avoided January reinforcements?
The club’s strategy focuses on constructing the next successful team from a position of strength, according to Sky Sports analysis. Summer acquisitions like Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez were framed as long-term investments, with Kerkez positioned as Andy Robertson’s eventual successor. This approach persists despite the current slump, with decision-makers betting on youth and patience.
As reported by Sky Sports writers, Arne Slot emphasised making ‘smart’ decisions in the transfer market. Slot stated on the eve of deadline day: “We are trying to strengthen the squad, not trying to weaken it.” The window closed without bolstering the squad for the second half of the campaign.
What does this mean for Arne Slot’s position?
Slot faces intense scrutiny, with his future potentially hinging on results in the coming months. Sky Sports notes that while Liverpool could still win the Champions League or secure qualification, failure to do so might end his tenure. The directive to “find solutions from within” places immediate responsibility on the Dutch manager amid an underwhelming season.
Can Slot turn the squad around without new arrivals?
Optimism surrounds Jacquet’s potential to partner Virgil van Dijk as early as August, per Sky Sports, but such prospects offer no aid now. Thisisanfield.com confirms minimal activity, listing two summer signings, including Noah Adekoya, and three loans, but no immediate impact players. Slot’s tactical flexibility will be tested as Liverpool navigates domestic and European pressures.
What are the risks of Liverpool’s long-term approach?
The gamble risks derailing the season if results falter, potentially costing Champions League revenue and Slot’s job. Sky Sports highlights that for all transfer talk, success must come from on-pitch performances. Richard Hughes and the recruitment team remain confident their vision will pay off in time, but the immediate balance tilts precariously.
Liverpool’s transfer restraint reflects a calculated bet on sustainability over short-term fixes, as detailed across multiple reports.
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