rewrite this title Arne Slot and Liverpool begin preparations over a defensive raid in January – Soccer News

Guiding Liverpool to a history-making 20th domestic crown in what was his maiden campaign at Anfield, Arne Slot couldn’t have dreamed of a better start to life in the red half Merseyside.

Storming their way to the Premier League title last season and holding a commanding 10-point buffer over the chasing pack, Liverpool also embarked on a record-breaking summer spend.

Spending a staggering £446million during the summer transfer window – the most spent by a Premier League club in a single window – it has been suggested that Slot is already putting plans together ahead of January.

Watching academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold complete a controversial free transfer to Real Madrid back in May, it has been heavily reported that another one of Liverpool’s defensive stars could be heading to the Spanish capital on a free transfer.

With Ibrahima Konate rejecting several contract extension offers, the French international has also reportedly made it clear to the Liverpool hierarchy he is keen on completing his own respective move to the Bernabeu.

Watching a deal for Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi spectacularly fall apart on Deadline Day, Slot is reportedly eyeing two new defensive targets.

Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich

Missing the final two months of the 2025/26 campaign after picking up another knee issue, there was serious speculation over the summer regarding Dayot Upamecano’s long-term future at the Allianz.

However, although there might have been some suggestions that Vincent Kompany would be willing to cash in on the French ace if they received an acceptable approach, Upamecano has cemented his spot as a key part of Bayern’s squad.

While Jonathan Tah might have arrived from domestic foes Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer during the summer window, it appears that the 26-year-old has established his spot as Kompany’s number one pick at the heart of his defence.

Now starting in seven of Bayern’s previous eight showdowns against top-flight opposition across all competitions, it has also been heavily suggested that Kompany’s men are keen on handing the ex-RB Leipzig star a new deal at the Allianz.

Although it might have been reported earlier in the week that getting Upamecano’s extension completed as a ‘top priority’, Bayern could have a major battle on their hands.

Alongside reported interest from the likes of PSG and Real Madrid, it has also been reported over the past couple of weeks that Liverpool are keeping a close look on proceedings and have identified the 32-cap international as a key long-term target.

: Liverpool are the latest club to show an interest in Dayot Upamecano. They are considering him as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konaté.

— @BILD pic.twitter.com/bVh2DfO1Q8

— The Touchline | (@TouchlineX) September 25, 2025

Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton

Despite continued links over a potential swoop for Upamecano, it has been once again suggested that both Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy could have their sights set on a move for someone who is far closer to home.

Although Everton might have continued to shine since David Moyes’ emotional return to the blue half of Merseyside back in January, the Toffees have been unable to call upon their defensive talisman across any front so far this season.

Picking up yet another injury setback during Everton’s summer preparations, Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the sidelines with a hamstring issue and the 23-year-old is still waiting to make his maiden Premier League appearance.

However, despite undergoing surgery last summer on a groin issue and already gaining a reputation for his inability to stay fit for an extended period of time, Branthwaite still finds his stock at a real high.

With many believing that the former Blackburn loanee could be one of England’s first-choice central defenders over the next decade, Branthwaite will still be dreaming of the chance to book his spot as part of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad for next year.

However, although Everton might have reportedly made it clear that they are unwilling to part ways with their defensive starlet, Slot remains a huge admirer of the England international and Liverpool could be tempted to test their arch-rivals resolve.

🆕Man Utd and Liverpool set for £65m transfer collision as duo both eye move for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite

✍️|@CrossyDailyStar https://t.co/6vvH0EWxth pic.twitter.com/e9Unk3m8Wc

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) September 27, 2025