Carragher urges Liverpool to strengthen in January
Jamie Carragher has called on Liverpool to enter the January transfer market, warning that the defending champions risk falling short of their top-four ambitions unless reinforcements arrive. The Reds, who spent nearly £450 million last summer on Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, remain ten points adrift of leaders Arsenal despite a recent upturn in form.
Carragher believes the squad lacks depth in key areas, particularly at centre-back and in attack. He pointed to Manchester City’s mid-season spending spree last year as proof of how January investment can revive a campaign, noting that Pep Guardiola’s side added four players and climbed back to third place.
Liverpool’s title defence has faltered, with Arne Slot’s men enduring an inconsistent autumn before stringing together three straight wins over Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves. Victory against Wolves this weekend would lift them into the top four, but Carragher insists that momentum alone will not be enough to sustain a challenge.
The atmosphere at Anfield is expected to be buoyant against Wolves, with supporters sensing an opportunity to climb the table. Florian Wirtz has added creativity in midfield, while Virgil van Dijk continues to marshal the defence. Yet the absence of Isak, sidelined with a fractured ankle, leaves a glaring hole in attack.
Key incidents in recent weeks underline the fragility of the squad. The failed deadline-day move for Marc Guehi exposed Liverpool’s lack of defensive cover, while Antoine Semenyo’s likely switch to Manchester City has left them scrambling for alternatives up front.
Isak’s injury against Tottenham was a turning point. His goal had secured a 2-1 win, but the subsequent setback highlighted Liverpool’s reliance on his presence. Without him, Marcus Thuram and Ekitike must shoulder the burden, though neither has matched the Argentine’s consistency.
The second half of the season will demand tactical adjustments. Slot has leaned on Wirtz to unlock defences, while Konaté’s fitness remains a concern. Carragher argues that without fresh signings, Liverpool risk being exposed in high-pressure fixtures against Arsenal, City and United.
Late drama in the transfer market could define their campaign. Guehi remains a target, though competition from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid complicates matters. A forward signing is equally urgent, with Semenyo slipping away and few proven options available.
For Liverpool, the Wolves fixture offers a chance to consolidate their recovery, but Carragher’s warning is clear. January must bring reinforcements if the Reds are to salvage their season and mount a serious challenge for Champions League qualification. The next few weeks could prove decisive in shaping their future.
