Liverpool’s successful track record in the January transfer window could give Arne Slot and Richard Hughes reason for optimism as the year draws to a close. Despite January often being seen as a seller’s market, where quality comes at a premium, Liverpool have managed to secure several top-tier players midway through recent seasons.

Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge are prime examples, along with Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. However, it’s Luis Suarez and Virgil van Dijk who truly exemplify Liverpool‘s January success, particularly current captain Van Dijk, whose contribution from 2019 to 2025 was instrumental.

Despite a summer spending spree nearing half a billion, the Liverpool Echo claim that a quieter January window for the Reds is likely to take place. While Anfield executives haven’t ruled out some activity, the club’s policy is to only act if a ‘market opportunity’ arises.

Attention has inevitably turned to Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, whose £65million release clause has linked him with virtually every major English club. The Ghanaian international previously turned down an approach from Tottenham and was on Manchester United‘s radar last summer.

Following an impressive first half of the season at the Vitality Stadium, where he netted nine goals, a record only surpassed by Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Manchester City‘s Erling Haaland, Liverpool are among several clubs reportedly interested in the player.

Sunday evening saw numerous national media outlets suggesting that Liverpool could join the race for the player, who was signed by Bournemouth from Bristol Rovers in 2023 for a fee of just £10m under sporting director Hughes.

Hughes’ presence at Anfield means Liverpool have detailed knowledge of the clauses in Semenyo’s contract, potentially giving them an edge in the pursuit of the promising winger. However, it is widely expected that Semenyo will end up at Manchester City.

Insiders at both Anfield and Bournemouth believe the 25-year-old forward will sign for Pep Guardiola‘s side early next month. With his £65m release clause only active until the 10th of next month, City are reportedly ready to secure his services as soon as possible, with proceedings already in motion.

Those familiar with Bournemouth’s internal affairs claim that the champions’ name has rarely been mentioned in discussions about Semenyo’s future.

The specifics of the release clause and Hughes’s intimate knowledge of the details could still allow for a dramatic last-minute bid as long as the winger stays on the south coast. However, it increasingly seems like a lost cause for those eager to secure his signature.

Another player likely to be at the centre of much speculation is Marc Guehi, who is entering the final six months of his contract at Crystal Palace. The Eagles’ captain was undergoing a medical in London on September 1 when Palace abruptly cancelled a £35m agreement between the clubs.

Head coach Oliver Glasner, who led the London team to their first major trophy with the FA Cup in May, has denied threatening to resign over the potential sale of his captain. However, the Austrian has consistently voiced his belief that Palace need to be more proactive and ambitious in their approach to transfers.

The departure of the club captain on transfer deadline day would certainly have conflicted with this viewpoint.

As it stands, Guehi is set to leave Selhurst Park as a free agent. While Liverpool may feel they are in a strong position, given that the England international underwent part of a medical just a few months ago, the 25-year-old’s status as a free agent will undoubtedly attract more competition.

Newcastle had three offers turned down in the summer of 2024, but Marc Guehi is expected to attract more international attention this summer, with football giants such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan reportedly interested.

Crystal Palace are almost certain to keep hold of the defender next month, believing his value to their team outweighs any potential transfer fee, especially as they embark on an exciting campaign under Glasner in the Europa Conference League.

The future of Harvey Elliott, currently on loan at Aston Villa, is also uncertain. The midfielder has made only a few appearances for Unai Emery’s side, and with 10 needed to activate the £35m agreement between the clubs, it seems likely that the 22-year-old will remain on the sidelines until the end of the season.

Aston Villa’s impressive run of eleven consecutive victories under Emery has them flying high as they head into the New Year. With attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers emerging as one of the Premier League’s standout performers in recent months, Elliott’s chances of significant game time appear slim, particularly as Villa remain cautious about their position regarding the Profit and Sustainability Rules.

From Villa’s perspective, paying £35m for a player who is not a regular starter seems unlikely. The Midlands club would need to approach Liverpool to initiate discussions about recalling Elliott, although Slot dismissed rumours of a return earlier this month.

Elliott’s versatility and skill could be a boon for Liverpool, especially given their limited forward options. However, even before the club brought in Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, Elliott only started two Premier League games under Slot, both after the title was secured in late April.

Despite featuring in the thrilling 3-2 victory over Newcastle in August, the England Under-21 star is ineligible to play for another team this season, effectively leaving him in limbo until summer. A return to Anfield hasn’t been entirely dismissed, but it would likely entail financial penalties for Villa, something they’d understandably be hesitant to trigger at this point.