Liverpool's season has hit a rough patch, and things aren't getting any easier. The Reds are dealing with a defensive crisis that would give any manager sleepless nights. With the January transfer window ticking away, Arne Slot needs solutions fast.
The defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday was another blow. Liverpool slipped out of the Champions League spots after Manchester United beat Arsenal. Pressure is mounting on Slot, with whispers about Xabi Alonso potentially waiting in the wings getting louder by the day.
The defensive situation is genuinely concerning right now. Joe Gomez is injured and Ibrahima Konate is dealing with a family matter. That leaves Virgil van Dijk as basically the only recognized center-back available. For a team with title ambitions, that's nowhere near enough depth.
Liverpool Join Race for French Defender Jacquet
There's some positive news on the transfer front though. Liverpool are pushing hard to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The 20-year-old Frenchman is one of Europe's hottest defensive prospects right now.
But it won't be easy. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also in the hunt for Jacquet's signature. Chelsea have already made serious progress on personal terms with the player, though they haven't agreed anything with Rennes yet.
Here's the catch: Rennes want to keep Jacquet until the summer. Liverpool and Chelsea are both trying to get the deal done in January, but the French club are playing hardball. Bayern are happy to wait until summer, viewing Jacquet as a replacement for Kim Min-Jae who could leave at the end of the season.
For Liverpool fans and bettors watching the club's fortunes, landing Jacquet this month could be huge. The defensive reinforcement would strengthen their odds of climbing back into the top four and making a serious Champions League run.
Robertson Staying Put After Tottenham Interest
On the outgoing front, Slot has confirmed Andy Robertson will be staying at Anfield. Tottenham had been sniffing around the Scottish left-back, but those talks have been shelved for now.
Robertson is out of contract in the summer and has seen his playing time reduced since Milos Kerkez arrived. But Slot made it clear he expects Robertson to stay through January at least. "Robbo is part of the team and he has been part of this squad for many years," the Dutch manager said.
Liverpool are also set to say goodbye to young goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek. The 22-year-old Pole is close to joining MLS side FC Cincinnati on loan with an obligation to buy. After six years at Liverpool, mostly with the under-21s, he'll get his chance to be a regular starter in America.
