Reigning champions Liverpool began the season armed with £446m investment in the transfer market and a real sense that they could win a successive PL title for the first time in their history. Although their campaign started brightly enough, over the past three months, the Reds have struggled to find form.
Once priced at 10/11 for the title, the Reds are now, at the time of writing, available as long as 50/1. Still, even if the championship might be out of their grasp, they still have the opportunity to turn things around and finish the season with some sense of satisfaction if they follow the points below.
January Transfer Window Activity
The January transfer window represents Liverpool’s most immediate opportunity to address their problems. Defensive depth has been severely tested following Giovanni Leoni’s long-term injury, leaving the squad short at centre-back. A reliable, experienced central defender should be the club’s top priority, ideally one that can compete with the error-prone Konate.
Marc Guehi, who Liverpool were so close to signing in the summer, remains the dream target, but prizing him away from south London in January could be tricky. Other options exist, but with Guehi having just six months left on his contract, nobody else of his talent is available so cheaply.
In attack, there is a need to provide some form of cover for the injured Alexander Isak, who is unlikely to return any sooner than late March. His absence, combined with Mo Salah’s poor form (and possible departure), leaves the Reds a little short on quality attacking options. The club were reportedly looking at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, but the versatile forward appears Man City-bound.
In a completely ideal world, Liverpool would also reinforce midfield with a specialist defensive midfielder. Someone capable of screening the defence and controlling transitions, a type of player they have not had since Fabinho departed. However, this feels unlikely without major outgoings.
Sort Out Set Piece
🚨𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 – @_pauljoyce: Liverpool set piece coach Aaron Briggs is to leave the club. pic.twitter.com/3tIovY2len
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) December 30, 2025
Liverpool have just parted ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, with responsibility for set pieces now falling across the remaining coaching staff. The decision comes after the club conceded 12 goals from set pieces in the league, accounting for 46% of their total goals against. No other Premier League side has shipped in more goals from set pieces. If this was not bad enough already, only Wolves have scored fewer set-piece goals than the Reds. With such a dismal set-piece record, something simply had to change.
Briggs has been at the club since 2024 and is a respected figure, known internally for his strong work ethic, but he is not a specialist set-piece coach. He took on the role because the club were unable to find a suitable candidate when advertising for the role. By trade, he is an individual development coach and a former analyst, rather than a dedicated dead-ball expert.
As things cannot get worse in this area, his departure should help address some of the issues that have plagued Liverpool at both ends of the pitch from set plays. Even a modest improvement could have a significant impact on results, such is the huge room for improvement.
Let Wirtz Flourish
One of the more positive developments in recent weeks has been the emergence of Florian Wirtz as a genuine creative force. After a slow adaptation period, his confidence is growing, and his influence on games is becoming clearer. His movement between the lines and ability to pick out a pass offer something different to Liverpool’s attack.
With other attackers returning from injury and international duty, competition for places will intensify. Even so, Wirtz should remain a regular starter. His ceiling is extremely high, and sustained minutes are crucial for his development. Having now opened his goal account, he looks poised to become a key figure rather than a rotation option.
Be Brave With Big Names
One of the toughest challenges for any manager is handling established stars during a downturn in form. Salah’s season has been well below his usual standards, with declines across most attacking metrics. Per 90 minutes, he is down on goals, expected goals, assists, expected assists, and successful dribbles. While his reputation and past achievements are undeniable, selection decisions should be based on current performance rather than status, even if this leads to another outburst.
Arne Slot should also be open to dropping Konate, should Liverpool bring in a new centre-back. While sidelining a player whose contract expires in 2026 risks scuppering extension talks, results on the pitch must take priority. Given the Frenchman’s lapses in concentration this season, upgrading on him in January is a realistic possibility, and any such signing should not be made to wait for their opportunity.
Focus On Cup Competitions
With the league title no longer realistic, Liverpool’s primary league objective should be to qualify for the Champions League next season, via a top four/five finish. This is something Liverpool should be able to manage fairly comfortably without having to sacrifice results in other competitions. A strong Champions League run would carry significant weight given the prestige of the competition, while an FA Cup win would also be particularly welcome. The Reds have lifted England’s top domestic cup just once since 2006, making it a realistic and meaningful target.