As of late January 2026, the primary focus of Liverpool transfer news is the potential return of Kostas Tsimikas from his loan at Roma to facilitate Andy Robertson’s proposed move to Tottenham Hotspur. While the club spent a record-breaking £450 million last summer on stars like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the January window has been significantly quieter, focusing on squad depth and contractual stability. Liverpool has officially confirmed the signing of 17-year-old Austrian defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe for the summer of 2026, while rumors continue to swirl around Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. With the transfer deadline of February 2, 2026, approaching, Arne Slot is balancing a heavy injury list with the need to maintain a title-challenging squad.
January 2026: Confirmed Signings and Outgoings
The winter window of 2026 has seen Liverpool operate with a “one-in, one-out” mentality to manage their substantial wage bill.
Incoming Transfers
Liverpool’s most significant move of the month is the deal for Ifeanyi Ndukwe. The 17-year-old center-back from Austria Vienna has agreed to join the Reds in July 2026 in a deal orchestrated by Fabrizio Romano’s “Here We Go” confirmation. Additionally, Owen Beck has been recalled from his loan spell at Derby County to provide emergency cover at left-back, a move that hints at more departures in that position before the deadline.
Outgoing Transfers
The club confirmed its first permanent sale of the window on January 1st with the departure of James Norris to Irish side Shelbourne. More high-profile exits are being debated, with Andy Robertson in advanced talks with Tottenham for a fee rumored to be around £5 million to £6 million. The Scotland captain, who has slipped behind Milos Kerkez in the hierarchy, is reportedly seeking a fresh challenge ahead of the 1998 World Cup cycle.
The Left-Back Dilemma: Robertson vs. Tsimikas
The biggest story of the 2026 winter window involves a complex shuffle in the defensive department.
The Tottenham-Robertson Link
Andy Robertson’s legendary eight-year stint at Anfield appears to be nearing its conclusion. Having started only four Premier League matches this season, Robertson is eager for the regular football offered by Ange Postecoglou at Spurs. However, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reportedly “pulled the plug” on the deal multiple times this week, fearing a lack of depth as the club chases Champions League glory.
Recalling the “Greek Scouser”
To sanction Robertson’s exit, Liverpool must first navigate the return of Kostas Tsimikas. Currently on a season-long loan at AS Roma, Tsimikas has no formal recall clause in his contract. Roma’s director, Frederic Massara, has confirmed “evolving dialogue” with Liverpool, but the Italian side is hesitant to lose a regular starter without a replacement like Yannick Carrasco lined up.
Summer 2026 Targets: Planning Ahead
Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Richard Hughes, is already laying the groundwork for a massive 2026 summer overhaul.
Adam Wharton: The Midfield Priority
Reports on January 26, 2026, suggest that Liverpool has moved ahead of Real Madrid in the race for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. The 21-year-old has allegedly agreed to a five-year contract in principle to join the Reds in July. Known for his elite reading of the game and ball-playing ability, Wharton is seen as the long-term successor to the holding midfield role at Anfield.
Defensive Rebuild: Schlotterbeck and Ndukwe
With Ibrahima Konaté rumored to be considering a move to PSG and Virgil van Dijk turning 35 this July, defensive reinforcements are essential. Liverpool is reportedly weighing a £56 million move for Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. When combined with the arrival of Ndukwe, the Reds hope to secure a youthful, high-speed backline for the 2026/27 campaign.
Contract Situations: The Big Three
The futures of Liverpool’s “untouchables”—Salah, Van Dijk, and the potential return of a prodigal son—dominate the headlines.
Mohamed Salah’s Saudi Links
Despite being nearly 34, Mohamed Salah remains the subject of intense interest from the Saudi Pro League. While Liverpool has blocked any January move, the club is braced for a world-record offer in the summer of 2026. Salah’s current relationship with Arne Slot is described as “professional but strained,” leading many to believe this is his final season on Merseyside.
The “Bring Trent Home” Movement
In a shocking twist, rumors have emerged that Trent Alexander-Arnold is “fed up” with his nightmare spell at Real Madrid. Having left Liverpool on a free transfer last summer, the right-back has struggled to adapt to the La Liga lifestyle. Speculation is rife that Richard Hughes is exploring a sensational return for the homegrown star, though his £280k-per-week wages remain a significant hurdle.
Practical Information and Fan Guide
For fans following the transfer deadline or visiting Anfield in 2026, here is the essential logistical information.
- Transfer Deadline Day: Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 PM GMT.
- Anfield Stadium Tours: Available daily (except match days) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Ticket Prices: Premier League Category A games start at £60 for adults in 2026.
- How to get there: The 917 bus from Liverpool City Centre is the most direct transport to the stadium.
- What to expect: Expect heightened security and digital-only ticketing at Anfield for the remainder of the 25/26 season.
2026/27 Squad Projection: The New Look
The 2026/27 season is expected to be a transition year where the “old guard” of the Jurgen Klopp era fully integrates with the “new elite” of the Arne Slot/Richard Hughes era.
Defensive Overhaul
With Virgil van Dijk turning 35 in July 2026 and Ibrahima Konaté’s contract talks reportedly stalling, the center-back position is the top priority. Giovanni Leoni, the 19-year-old Italian sensation, is expected to be fit for the start of the 2026/27 season to partner a potential new arrival like Nico Schlotterbeck or Marc Guehi. The left-back slot will likely be occupied by Milos Kerkez, with Owen Beck serving as a reliable homegrown deputy.
The Midfield of the Future
Liverpool’s midfield is evolving into a more technical, possession-oriented unit. A projected 2026/27 trio would feature Ryan Gravenberch in the deep-lying role, flanked by Dominic Szoboszlai and the potential summer signing Adam Wharton. This setup allows Florian Wirtz to operate as a “free ten” or a creative winger, providing the flair that the team occasionally lacked during the mid-season slump of 2025.
Scouting the South American Pipeline
Under Sporting Director Richard Hughes, Liverpool has significantly expanded its scouting network in South America, looking to find the “next Luis Díaz” before their price tags skyrocket.
The “Independiente” Connection
Liverpool is currently leading the race for 16-year-old Deinner Ordonez, a center-back at Independiente del Valle. Scouts have described Ordonez as the best player of his age group on the continent, following in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo. While he cannot move to Europe until he turns 18, a “pre-agreement” similar to the one Chelsea signed for Kendry Páez is reportedly being discussed for 2027.
Argentine Wonderkids: Ian Subiabre
The Reds have also intensified their interest in Ian Subiabre, the 18-year-old River Plate forward who starred in the Under-20 World Cup. Known for his maturity and intelligent positioning, Subiabre is being monitored by Manchester City and Real Madrid, but Liverpool’s “solid long-term project” is said to have impressed the player’s representatives.
Replacing the Irreplaceable: Post-Salah Plans
The departure of Mohamed Salah, likely in the summer of 2026, represents the biggest challenge for the recruitment team.
Yan Diomande: The €100m Target
Liverpool is reportedly preparing a concrete €100 million (£87 million) bid for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old winger has already registered double-digit goal contributions in the Bundesliga this season and is seen as the explosive replacement for Salah. His pace and directness fit the traditional Liverpool “heavy metal” style while adding the tactical discipline required by the new coaching staff.
The Rodrygo Silva Option
If a move for Diomande fails, Liverpool remains linked with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. With Xabi Alonso potentially leaving Madrid (or moving to Anfield), Rodrygo’s future at the Bernabéu is uncertain. Fabrizio Romano has touted him as a “dream” replacement for Salah due to his versatility across the front line and his experience at the highest level of European football.
FAQs
Who is Ian Subiabre?
An 18-year-old River Plate forward nicknamed the “next Julian Alvarez” who Liverpool is scouting for a 2026 move.
Is Xabi Alonso coming to Liverpool in 2026?
Rumors have intensified following Arne Slot’s difficult winter period, with some reports claiming “first contact” has been made for an Alonso return in the summer of 2026.
What happened to Diogo Jota?
In a tragic event that shocked the football world, Diogo Jota passed away in July 2025, leading to the retirement of his number 20 shirt.
Will Alisson Becker leave in 2026?
While he remains the number one, the signing of Mamardashvili suggests 2026/27 could be Alisson’s final season before a potential move to Saudi Arabia or a return to Brazil.
Who is Mor Talla Ndiaye?
A young Senegalese left-sided center-back signed by Liverpool in January 2026 for £1 million from Amitie FC.
Is Federico Chiesa leaving in January?
Reports suggest he could leave on loan or permanently if a significant offer arrives from Serie A, as he has struggled to find consistent minutes.
How much did Alexander Isak cost?
Liverpool broke the British transfer record in 2025 by signing Isak from Newcastle for £125 million.
Is Joe Gomez still at Liverpool?
Yes, but his injury history and the arrival of new defenders mean the club is open to offers for him in the summer of 2026.
What is the “Homegrown” player situation?
Following the exits of Trent and Kelleher in 2025, Liverpool is prioritizing HG players like Adam Wharton and Marc Guehi to meet Premier League quotas.
Who is Rio Ngumoha?
The club’s youngest-ever goalscorer (at 16), who is expected to be a permanent fixture in the first-team squad by the 2026/27 season.
Who is Liverpool’s newest signing in 2026?
The most recent confirmed deal is for Ifeanyi Ndukwe, a 17-year-old Austrian defender who will join in July 2026.
Is Andy Robertson leaving Liverpool?
As of late January, he is in advanced talks with Tottenham, but the deal depends on Liverpool finding a replacement.
Has Mohamed Salah signed a new contract?
No, his current deal is nearing its end, with a move to the Saudi Pro League likely in the summer of 2026.
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Liverpool?
Rumors suggest he is unhappy at Real Madrid, but no official bid has been made for a 2026 return.
What is Liverpool’s transfer budget for 2026?
After spending £446m last summer, the January budget is limited, but a £150m+ war chest is expected for Summer 2026.
Who is the most expensive Liverpool signing?
In the 2025 summer window, Alexander Isak joined for a club-record fee of £125 million.
Is Kostas Tsimikas coming back?
Liverpool is in talks with AS Roma to terminate his loan early to cover the left-back position.
Who is Adam Wharton?
He is a Crystal Palace midfielder who has reportedly agreed to join Liverpool in the summer of 2026.
Is Arne Slot being sacked?
Despite recent defeats to Bournemouth and Arsenal, the board remains publicly supportive of Arne Slot as of January 2026.
When does the 2026 January transfer window close?
The window closes on Monday, February 2, 2026.
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