Liverpool want to sign a defensive midfielder and a left sided centre back in January

Liverpool’s search for solutions is intensifying as the January transfer window approaches, and the club’s recruitment team has now locked onto two key priorities. The Reds want a defensive midfielder and a left sided centre back, but their wider strategy seems to be pointing toward something even bigger the search for a new version of Luis Diaz. And according to multiple reports, that search has brought them directly to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

The mood around Anfield has been volatile. After a brief resurgence against Aston Villa, Arne Slot dared to believe the worst stretch of the season was behind him. But Manchester City dragged Liverpool straight back to reality with a brutal reminder of how far this squad has fallen. Slot’s side were second best everywhere on the pitch outworked, outpaced, and outthought at every turn.

The tactical imbalance has been evident for weeks. Liverpool look nothing like the ruthless machine that tore through the league last season. Their pressing is disjointed, transitions are slow, and there is a gaping hole where Luis Diaz’s explosiveness used to be. Watching Diaz shine at Bayern Munich this season only makes it worse. His intensity, width, and relentless running are exactly what this current Liverpool side lacks.

Florian Wirtz was expected to fill that void after his record breaking £116m move, but adapting to Premier League physicality has exposed him. He’s undeniably talented, but right now talent is not enough. Liverpool need a winger who can deliver impact immediately, and the club believes they’ve identified a target capable of doing exactly that.

Reports from Spain claim sporting director Richard Hughes has formally registered Liverpool’s interest in Rodrygo. The Brazilian star has slipped down Real Madrid’s hierarchy under Xabi Alonso, making him an increasingly realistic target for a January move. Arsenal and Chelsea are circling too, while Manchester City explored him during the summer according to Fabrizio Romano. Liverpool will not be alone in this race.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is demanding €90m (£79m), but Liverpool are expected to negotiate aggressively given Rodrygo’s reduced playing time. His career has stalled at Madrid, yet the underlying talent is undeniable. Two years ago he was regarded as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide forwards. His decline has more to do with lack of minutes than lack of ability.

This season he has started just three matches across La Liga and the Champions League. No goals, two assists. Not great numbers on paper, but context matters. Alonso has shifted the team’s structure and Rodrygo is one of the sacrifices. The player knows it. Madrid know it. And Liverpool see opportunity.

Slot hoped to integrate young Rio Ngumoha this season, which is why Diaz was never directly replaced. That gamble has failed. The teenager is not ready, and the team is suffering for it. Rodrygo, however, brings maturity, Champions League pedigree, and elite experience. He would immediately compete with Wirtz and Cody Gakpo, and likely claim the starting role on the left wing.

His statistics last season looked underwhelming six goals and six assists but that hides the bigger picture: he only started 12 league matches. His chance conversion remained sharp, and he missed just one big opportunity across the campaign. His efficiency never disappeared even if his minutes did.

More importantly, his profile mirrors Diaz in several key areas. Pace. Aggression. Direct running. Ball carrying. Creative output. Over the past 12 months, Rodrygo has actually outperformed Diaz in several metrics including progressive carries, take ons, shot creation, and passing accuracy. Diaz’s defensive output is higher, but Rodrygo’s offensive dynamism is superior.

With Liverpool desperately needing width, unpredictability, and someone capable of turning defenders inside out, Rodrygo fits the requirements almost perfectly. It is clear that Xabi Alonso doesn’t see him as part of Madrid’s long term project, and Liverpool need exactly the kind of profile he offers.

Whether Liverpool can pull off a deal is another question entirely. Premier League rivals want him. Madrid will resist anything below their valuation. FSG must be decisive for once, because this season is slipping fast and the squad still looks incomplete. A defensive midfielder and left sided centre back remain critical priorities, but replacing Diaz might be the difference between a salvageable season and total disappointment.

Rodrygo is available. Liverpool need him. Now it comes down to whether the club is willing to act boldly before another giant swoops in and steals him.

If you want the tone sharper, more ruthless, or more dramatic, tell me and I’ll tighten the screws even harder.