Eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, six wins out of six in the Champions League, another Carabao Cup semi-final… and yet January is likely to be dominated by stomach-churning stories for Liverpool fans.
The Big Three – Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk – are out of contract this summer, as you may have heard, and could agree a deal to join a foreign club from New Year's Day.
It was a bomb attack in January 12 months ago that coincided with the derailment of Liverpool's title, when Jurgen Klopp announced he was quitting. But Arne Slot's Liverpool are at a very different pace – and his completely calm nature could see them through another shock announcement if one of the signing trio signs elsewhere.
There is also another top-flight title to win, which would equal Manchester United's record of twenty, while they are bookmakers' favorites to win a seventh European Cup. So reinforcements may be needed.
Here, as part of our series on Premier League clubs' plans for January, our Liverpool expert Lewis Steele answers the club's five biggest questions.
What does Liverpool need?
Liverpool are not clamoring for specific positions, having lost just once in all competitions under Slot.
But another midfield player would be top of the shopping list. They tried hard to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer, but the Spaniard turned them down.
They may want to strengthen the entire defense in the summer, but much of their future planning depends on whether their stars remain out of contract or not.
Do they have money to spend?
Yes, they do, but Liverpool won't spend money there. They weren't upset by the outside noise in the summer, when they made just one signing, and won't change course here.
The Reds will act if an opportunity presents itself this month – and it would be interesting if Zubimendi reverses his decision to stay in the Basque Country.
But don't expect much exercise.
Which players are they interested in?
There are currently no concrete targets for this month, but if a deal is reached, these could shift.
There have been rumors about the likes of Lyon winger Rayan Cherki, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush and Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong, but all of that is unlikely.
Andy Robertson is on the wrong side of 30 and the club may look to strengthen at left-back, but this is more likely before the summer. Fulham's Antonee Robinson, Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez and Alphonso Davies – who will be available for free in the summer when his Bayern Munich contract expires – are possible options.
Young Sheffield United striker Ryan One has been named as a target but is believed to be a non-starter.
Who can leave?
Not much movement is expected here either.
Many say Wataru Endo is not suited to Slot's style and several clubs in England and beyond have been eyeing him, but he is needed for midfield cover.
Young midfielder Tyler Morton is in a similar boat and was not allowed to leave last summer when Bayer Leverkusen put a promising loan offer on the table. The club demanded a fee of over £20 million to let him leave.
Striker Jayden Danns, 18, and midfielder James McConnell, 20, could be loaned out. That will depend on whether the right move comes along and whether the current squad is not hampered by injuries in the coming weeks. Liverpool certainly think both are ready to play regular football.
Derby have been mentioned as a potential destination for Danns, while Blackburn had their eye on McConnell in the summer and could reignite their interest in January – although both could get minutes against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup next weekend, so it's unlikely that decisions will be made. be made until then.
Winger Kaide Gordon, 20, has barely featured for Championship Norwich City and could be recalled this month.
What unexpected moves should fans keep an eye on?
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was certainly a target in the summer as Liverpool considered strengthening their defense – especially with Joe Gomez open to leaving – but this deal was complicated.
The Merseyside neighbors are now in a better financial position following their takeover by The Friedkin Group and will not be bullied into selling Branthwaite, especially this month.
Real Madrid are increasingly confident they can sign Alexander-Arnold for free, but the chance of them paying a transfer fee this month is virtually non-existent.
Ben Doak is impressing on loan at Middlesbrough and Mail Sport has been told that a number of higher-ranked clubs are monitoring his situation with a desire to get him out of Liverpool – but nothing concrete has happened on that front.
Liverpool will likely spend the coming months preparing their summer moves and keeping their nerves in check for the foreseeable future.
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