Arne Slot has made it clear that Liverpool cannot guarantee their current squad will remain completely intact by the time the transfer window shuts, stressing that the club will always remain open to the right kind of proposal. While the Premier League champions are not actively looking to offload players, the head coach acknowledged that Liverpool’s long-standing operating model means they would consider serious offers if they align with the club’s broader strategy.

Slot admitted that his squad is currently feeling the strain, particularly in defensive areas and in attack. Season-ending injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley have reduced options at the back, while Alexander Isak’s absence until at least March has further complicated matters going forward. Despite those setbacks, Slot was keen to emphasize that Liverpool will not be drawn into reactive decision-making. Rather than rushing into signings, the club will only move for players who fit their long-term vision and recruitment plans.

Although the Dutchman did not rule out entering the market if the injury situation deteriorates further, he revealed that Liverpool’s structure also means they are prepared to listen if other clubs express interest in their players. This balanced approach, he explained, applies equally to buying and selling. Recent speculation has linked Federico Chiesa with potential moves back to Italy, with Juventus and Napoli both reportedly monitoring the winger’s situation. At the same time, Mohamed Salah’s future became a major talking point following a candid and controversial interview last month that raised questions about his long-term plans at Anfield.

Since then, Salah has returned to action, featuring against Brighton in December, and discussions are ongoing regarding his availability for upcoming fixtures. Slot confirmed that conversations are taking place to determine whether the Egyptian forward will be ready to face Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday or Bournemouth in the Premier League next Saturday. With Salah also set to return from the Africa Cup of Nations next week, Slot expressed confidence and positivity about reintegrating him into the squad.

Explaining Liverpool’s stance on transfers, Slot underlined that the club has never taken an absolute position against selling players, just as it has never acted recklessly when buying. He pointed out that any major decision involves collective agreement between himself, the sporting directors, and the club’s ownership. If an offer is deemed fair and beneficial to all parties, Liverpool would be prepared to act. For now, however, the focus remains firmly on working with the players already at his disposal.

Slot also addressed perceptions surrounding Liverpool’s spending power, noting that while much attention was paid to the club’s reported £450 million outlay last summer, far less was made of the fact that player sales generated around £300 million in return. He suggested this imbalance in perception is understandable, but also highlighted how unusual Liverpool’s model is within the Premier League. Many clubs operate primarily as buyers, whereas Liverpool have consistently demonstrated an ability to compete at the highest level while maintaining financial sustainability. Slot described this as a testament to how effectively the club is run and how that stability has underpinned their success in recent seasons.

Turning to January plans, Slot insisted there is complete alignment across the club regarding whether or not to strengthen during the window. With just six senior defenders currently available and memories still fresh of a failed deadline-day move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in the summer, the need for reinforcements is an ongoing discussion. However, Slot reiterated that Liverpool’s recruitment process is deliberate and exhaustive, often taking place over months rather than weeks.

He explained that the club’s approach is rooted in patience and precision, acting only when the timing and the target are right. That philosophy does not change simply because of short-term pressure. Nonetheless, Slot acknowledged that circumstances can evolve. Should a genuine opportunity arise in the market, or if injuries further deplete the squad, Liverpool are prepared to reassess their position.

Slot was keen to stress that waiting does not mean inactivity. Liverpool, he said, have always avoided operating from a position of desperation, preferring instead to make calculated decisions at the appropriate moment. Drawing a comparison to previous seasons, he noted that his predecessor had also faced defensive challenges but remained committed to the same measured approach.

Ultimately, Slot made it clear that Liverpool’s willingness to act is not tied to any single area of the pitch. If the right player becomes available, whether in defence, midfield, or attack, and the move makes sense on multiple levels, the club will not hesitate. If such an opportunity does not present itself, Slot is content to place his trust in the squad he currently has, confident that collective discipline and long-term planning will serve Liverpool better than short-term fixes.