Liverpool are heading into a January transfer window that many expected to be quiet, but inside Anfield something big is developing. The club rarely makes winter signings unless there is a major reason—either a threat from rivals or an opportunity too good to ignore. Gone are the days of rushed, last-minute moves; Liverpool now operate with planning, precision and secrecy. When they act in January, it’s usually because another major club is circling a target, and Liverpool refuse to lose out.
Fans still remember how Liverpool swooped for Cody Gakpo to block Manchester United, and how they hijacked Tottenham’s move for Luis Díaz. Those moments showed Liverpool’s ability to move fast and decisively. But this January feels different. The club is in transition, rebuilding under Arne Slot, searching for the missing piece in an otherwise strong squad.
One of the biggest frustrations of the summer was the collapse of Marc Guehi’s transfer. A fee was agreed, personal terms were settled, everything was ready—until Crystal Palace pulled out at the last moment. Liverpool believed he was the ideal long-term partner for the post-van Dijk era, but the opportunity suddenly disappeared.
After that, most expected Liverpool to wait until summer when Guehi could leave for free. But now reports claim Liverpool are preparing a fresh January move. On the surface it seems illogical—why pay now when he could arrive for nothing? The answer: competition. If Guehi becomes a free agent in June, almost every major club will get involved—United, Chelsea, Bayern, Juventus, even Manchester City. Liverpool want to avoid a chaotic bidding war where the outcome is uncertain.
Crystal Palace also have motivation to sell. January is their last chance to earn a fee. If Liverpool present a serious offer, Palace will be under pressure to accept, and Guehi will have to make a quick decision. Liverpool were his preferred destination in the summer, and now the question is whether that preference remains.
But nothing is guaranteed. Players hear offers from elsewhere, agents push for bigger deals, and a free transfer in summer could bring Guehi a huge signing-on bonus. Financially, waiting makes sense. But from a football perspective, Liverpool is the project where he fits, where he can become a central figure rather than just another signing. Slot values him highly, Richard Hughes sees him as a long-term cornerstone, and with van Dijk approaching the end of his career, Liverpool need their next defensive leader.
This is why Liverpool may act now. Waiting is cheaper but more dangerous. Moving early secures the player before rivals intensify their interest. It also gives Liverpool the leadership they are currently missing—a defender who is vocal, composed and ready for big games immediately.
Some fans may argue for patience or question priorities, but Liverpool have learned that waiting can cost them top targets. Elite teams are built on strong defensive foundations, and Guehi offers stability for years to come.
If Liverpool succeed in January, the signing will be more than a transfer—it will be a statement. It will show ambition, send a message to rivals and assure fans that the club is serious about its future. Rumours will grow, rivals will pretend to be uninterested, Palace will act calm, and fans will speculate—but Liverpool are preparing something significant.
There is always risk, but when Liverpool identify the right player, they act. It’s how Díaz arrived. It’s how Gakpo arrived. And it may be how Marc Guehi finally walks into Anfield.
If that happens, the surprise will be gone—and the football world will realise that Liverpool are still awake, still aggressive and still building something big.
