Liverpool Plan January Move for Sporting Duo Amid Defensive Crisis
Liverpool are facing growing pressure after a difficult start to October, and reports suggest the club is preparing an aggressive response when the January transfer window opens. Following three straight defeats in all competitions and a series of defensive lapses, Arne Slot’s side is reportedly targeting reinforcements — with Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande and Anderlecht’s Zeno Debast emerging as top priorities.
According to talkSPORT, the Reds’ recruitment team has been closely monitoring both players as they look to stabilise a backline plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
Defensive Problems Mount
Liverpool’s season began brightly but has since unravelled. Virgil van Dijk has struggled to replicate his past dominance, while Ibrahima Konaté’s form has been disrupted by injuries. The situation worsened with Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury, which ruled the young defender out for nearly a year.
Slot’s tactical setup depends heavily on intelligent, mobile defenders — and with limited options available, January could prove decisive.
Diomande and Debast: The Targets
Ousmane Diomande, 21, has been a standout performer for Sporting Lisbon. The Ivorian centre-back combines strength, composure, and excellent ball-playing ability — traits that fit perfectly with Slot’s possession-based system. Sporting value him at around £39 million, and while he’s contracted until 2027, the Portuguese club may be open to negotiations if a strong offer arrives.
Zeno Debast, also 21, offers a different profile. The Belgian defender is known for his tactical awareness, calmness under pressure, and positional intelligence. Valued at £26 million, he could represent a more affordable option should talks for Diomande stall.
Liverpool’s Balancing Act
While Liverpool remain financially stable, Slot and the club’s hierarchy must weigh January spending carefully after significant summer investments. Historically, the Reds have avoided panic buys — but their current defensive frailty and mounting fixture list may force action.
Behind the scenes, sporting director Richard Hughes and the recruitment team are analysing every scenario — assessing how quickly potential signings could adapt to the Premier League’s demands.
Competition and Urgency
Sporting Lisbon expect growing interest in Diomande, with Chelsea and PSG also monitoring the situation. Liverpool’s urgency could give them an edge, but the club is wary of inflated prices. Meanwhile, Debast continues to impress in Belgium, drawing comparisons to Vincent Kompany for his maturity and composure.
The Bigger Picture
Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements also ties into the long-term future of Van Dijk, now in his mid-thirties. The club views Diomande as a potential successor — a young, athletic leader who could anchor the defence for years to come.
Slot has avoided public criticism of his players, focusing instead on refining the team’s defensive structure. But privately, the message is clear: Liverpool must act. The club’s ambitions — in both the Premier League and Europe — depend on greater depth and reliability at the back.
What Comes Next
Scouts will continue watching Diomande and Debast closely over the coming weeks, with a formal approach possible in December. Liverpool’s hierarchy understands that one more defensive injury could derail their season.
Whether it’s Diomande, Debast, or another target, the January window is shaping up to be crucial. As one insider reportedly put it:
“Liverpool don’t panic — they plan. But this time, they know the plan has to move faster.”
