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Arne Slot and Richard Hughes ‘Had Massive Clash’ Over Liverpool Ace
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, over the summer, was reportedly involved in a tense stand-off with Richard Hughes, the sporting director of the Reds, over the future of Rio Ngumoha.
After replacing Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024, Slot became the first Dutchman – and just the fifth manager in their maiden season – to win the Premier League title, but things have started a bit differently in 2025/26. They sit fourth after 20 matches.
That’s even after a summer of over-the-top spending, which included bringing in Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz from Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Arne Slot became the manager with the most wins in his first 50 matches (36) in the history of Liverpool Football Club in April 2025, surpassing legends like Kenny Dalglish and Joe Fagan.
Regressing from being the primary title challengers to being in the race for top four credentials was not on the agenda of anyone associated with the Anfield-based outfit, and it could be attributed to a significant falling out behind the scenes between Slot and the higher-ups.
Slot and Hughes in ‘Civil War’ Over Ngumoha Disagreement

The issues at Anfield, though, run far deeper than what fans are seeing on the pitch as ex-Feyenoord chief Slot, who is widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football, reportedly ‘ignited a civil war’ over Liverpool’s transfer policy.
Anfield Watch have confirmed in a report that Slot was keen to bolster his options on the left flank after Luis Diaz left for Bayern Munich. In what has been described as a ‘heated clash’, Hughes refused to give into the Dutchman’s demands.
Instead, Hughes informed the Liverpool boss that 17-year-old Ngumoha deserved a chance to play following a promising pre-season campaign, which saw him notch five goal contributions in the same number of matches.
Related
Rio Ngumoha Has Only Signed a Three-Year Contract at Liverpool – Here’s Why
By Daniel Hepburn
As a result, the sporting director wanted Ngumoha – and Trey Nyoni, who also impressed in their pre-season – to be given more of a chance to impress at a senior level.
Under the guidance of Klopp, young and up-and-coming hotshots would have benefitted from a decent pre-season, but that is not the same under Slot, who is clearly not of the same mindset given that he wanted to loan Ngumoha out after Diaz departed.
Instead of keeping the teenage sensation in his squad, Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain was mooted as the perfect Diaz replacement – and Slot wanted to offload Ngumoha on loan to boost their pursuit of the tricky Frenchman.

Anfield Watch has reported there has been a ‘source of contention’ between Liverpool’s boardroom bosses and Slot ever since.
The powers that be on the red half of Merseyside have made it clear they expect a clear pathway for academy players into senior proceedings, but Slot is adamant he requires those who are able to make an immediate impact. He has little interest in working with the club’s academy stars nor to try and develop them.
Liverpool Staff Have Made ‘Numerous Attempts’ To Convince Slot to Integrate Youngsters

Anfield Watch’s report also understands the club have made in-roads behind the scenes in order to convince Slot to utilise the academy at his disposal. They’ve tried to coordinate U21 sessions to take place simultaneously with the first-team and, last month, the club organised an academy showcase designed for Slot and his first-team coaching staff.
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Despite it being primarily organised for his assessment, Slot did not personally attend the showcase, but there were some first-team coaches present.
Elsewhere, Luiz Fernando Iubel was hired as an individual coach in the summer and the Brazilian’s arrival is a bit of an attempt to compensate for Slot’s reluctance to work with younger players. Iubel’s role at the moment is focused on working with young players.
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By Daniel Hepburn
Hughes and Michael Edwards, FSG’s Chief Executive of Football, are of the belief that a Liverpool boss not only has to yield success but working closely with academy products is also a key factor behind what they would consider ‘success’. Whether the 47-year-old will continue in the dugout, though, does remain to be seen.
Featured
Here’s the latest confirmed list of Liverpool’s January (2026) signings and transfer activity so far (updates as of 9 January 2026):
✅ Confirmed Liverpool Signings (January 2026)
Noah Adekoya – 19-year-old centre-back signed from Burnley and has joined the club, likely initially with the U21s. �
The Liverpool Offside
Mor Talla Ndiaye (sometimes reported as *Mor Ndiaye/Talla Ndiaye) – 18-year-old Senegalese centre-back agreed to join Liverpool, expected to feature with the youth/U21 side initially. �
The Liverpool Offside +1
Ifеanyi Ndukwe – 17-year-old Austrian centre-back with a deal agreed; he’ll join Liverpool when eligible (typically summer 2026 or once administrative conditions are met for youth moves). �
Football Transfers +1
👉 These moves are mostly youth defensive signings as Liverpool look to bolster long-term depth — especially at centre-back. They are not senior first-team stars but promising young prospects. �
TEAMtalk
🔄 Other January Transfer Activity
Owen Beck returned from his loan at Derby to Liverpool — this is a return from loan rather than a fresh signing. �
ESPN.com
James Norris left Liverpool permanently, joining Shelbourne. �
ESPN.com
⚠️ Rumours & Targets (Not Confirmed Yet)
Liverpool have been linked with or are said to be interested in various players but none are officially signed yet:
Joel Ordóñez – Belgian centre-back (linked but unconfirmed). �
Harvey Elliott – linked with a return from Aston Villa (rumour). �
Attacking targets like Yan Diomande, Michael Olise, Yankuba Minteh have been mentioned as potential January targets, though nothing is confirmed. �
This Is Anfield
Federico Chiesa is reportedly attracting interest from Juventus away from Liverpool — not a confirmed exit yet. �
Black & White & Read All Over
📊 Summary Table
Category
Player
Type
Status
In
Noah Adekoya
CB
Confirmed
In
Mor Talla Ndiaye
CB
Agreed / Pending
In
Ifeanyi Ndukwe
CB
Agreed / Youth
Return
Owen Beck
LB
Returned from loan
Out
James Norris
LB
Permanent move
(CB = Centre Back, LB = Left Back)
If you want, I can also list every Premier League January transfer done so far (not just Liverpool). Just let me know!
As of today there is no confirmed transfer that Liverpool have signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
There are only ongoing transfer rumours and interest reports — but no official confirmation that the move has happened. �
Sky Sports +1
📌 Current Situation
Marc Guehi is still a Crystal Palace player and is expected to continue there this season — Palace boss Oliver Glasner has said he believes Guehi will remain at Selhurst Park this January. �
Sky Sports
His contract expires at the end of the season and he refused a new deal, so he’s likely to leave when that contract ends. �
Sky Sports
Liverpool remain interested, but according to reliable sources they are not planning to complete the transfer now; they may wait for Guehi to move as a free agent in summer 2026. �
Goal
🚨 Rumours (but not confirmed)
Liverpool had a bid in the past, and discussions have taken place, but Crystal Palace blocked the deal previously because they couldn’t secure a replacement. �
Goal
Other clubs (e.g., Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid) have also shown interest. �
Football365
✅ Official stance: No, Liverpool have not confirmed the signing of Marc Guehi.
If you want the latest verified update (e.g., around live transfer window changes), let me know and I can pull that for you.
Featured
Arsenal completes their first ever January transfer signing as £65m Winger who scored 15goals this season so far joins Arsenal on a 5yr deal with option for further season,player was on stand to watch Arsenal game last night
Arsenal transfer news: Ethan Nwaneri reaches exit decision as £80m agreement eyed
Mirror Football brings you a round-up of the latest transfer news surrounding Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is hoping his Arsenal team can go all the way this season
Arsenal may be in the midst of a title race but they are still working quietly behind the scenes on transfers. Mikel Arteta has already admitted the club is willing to spend in January should the opportunity arise.
Heading into the Premier League clash with Liverpool on Thursday night, the Gunners hold a five-point advantage over rivals Manchester City, with an opportunity to stretch that to eight points after 21 games with a win over the title holders.

Arteta’s stacked squad, thanks to a summer of heavy expenditure on quality players, ensured they came out of an injury-riddled past four months unscathed, as some key players recently made their return to fitness.
Yet, in a division as tough as this and with four trophies to fight for, there is always room for squad improvement. Here, Mirror Football brings you two of the latest transfer developments involving the north London club.
Read more

Arsenal transfer news: Windfall boost expected from contract clause and tug-of-war with rivals


Arsenal can prove Liverpool star wrong and put Man City to bed along with bottlers label

Ethan Nwaneri makes exit decision
Ethan Nwaneri reportedly wants to stay and fight for his place in the Arsenal team for the remainder of the season. The 18-year-old has attracted attention from Bournemouth this month, with the Premier League side eager to sign him on loan until the end of this campaign following the sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City.
There is a sense that a temporary move would benefit Nwaneri given his lack of playing time this season. The Hale End academy product has been left out of the last few matchday squads after seeing his playing time decrease drastically compared to last season. He has made only six Premier League appearances since scoring four league goals in 26 matches last term.
Ethan Nwaneri has been less involved this season(Getty Images)
With the likes of Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and now injury returnee Kai Havertz ahead of the youngster in the pecking order, some believe Nwaneri needs a move to continue his progression. However, Arsenal do not want to sell the player due to his obvious talent.
The Independent reports Nwaneri feels he can learn more by being part of a serious title challenge, meaning he is happy to remain patient and assess his situation at the end of the season, when he may well have a league trophy to his name.
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