John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Liverpool’s Winter Window Inactivity Leaves Gaping Squad Holes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 11:37 AM ET

Liverpool is taking a massive risk by failing to address glaring weak points during the winter transfer window.

Now that the window has slammed shut, the Reds will push through the remaining months of the 2025-26 season with the same unbalanced squad that lacks cover in key areas.

Though supporters will be excited about the capture of £55 million center-back Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes, the highly-rated 20-year-old won’t arrive at Anfield until July.

Liverpool will have to persevere with captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez as the only experienced center-backs available for selection. Given Gomez’s history of injuries, the Reds are seriously short of depth at a key position.

Injuries, absences and a lack of reinforcements meant that 19-year-old center-back Amara Nallo was called into last Wednesday’s Champions League squad to face Qarabağ.

Nallo would also fall victim to injury. He captained the Liverpool under-19 team on Tuesday and went off injured as the Reds were defeated by MSK Zilina.

With teenager Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the remainder of the season, midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endō have been occasionally asked to perform as stand-in central defenders.

Liverpool Look Short of Depth at Center-Back, Right-Back

Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong dejected after going off injured during the UEFA Champions League, league phase match at Anfield, Liverpool. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images

Center-back isn’t the only area of concern. The Reds refused to add help at right-back, which has been another problem position.

A knee injury ended Conor Bradley’s season, and first-choice right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been troubled by recurrent hamstring injuries. Oft-injured Calvin Ramsay has made one total appearance for Liverpool, having appeared in the EFL Cup defeat to Crystal Palace in October.

After last season’s unexpected Premier League title-winning campaign, Liverpool currently occupies sixth place in the league table. Rivals Manchester United and Chelsea have had new life breathed into them by their respective new managers, Michael Carrick and Liam Rosenior.

It’s a bit of a headscratcher why Liverpool stood pat by not adding any depth signings to strengthen their push for the top four while also competing in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.

It sure feels like the Reds were content to take a huge risk, given that they're competing on three fronts with very limited defensive options. Any significant injury to the back four could throw Liverpool's season into chaos.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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