Liverpool have been urged to make one of the most shocking and daring transfer moves of the season by going after an Arsenal star that many would never expect to be available, let alone linked with a move to Anfield. As the January transfer window approaches and the Premier League table begins to take shape, former Liverpool defender and Champions League winner Stephen Warnock has delivered a bold message to new Reds boss Arne Slot. If Liverpool want to climb back to the very top and protect their status as champions, Warnock believes they must think big, think brave, and think differently.
Liverpool entered the 2025–26 season as defending Premier League champions after winning the title with relative ease the year before. Arne Slot achieved something very few managers have ever done by lifting the Premier League trophy in his first season in English football. Only legendary names like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Manuel Pellegrini, and Antonio Conte had managed such a feat before him. Expectations were sky-high, belief was strong, and the club responded by spending huge money in the summer
More than £400 million was invested in new players, with high-profile arrivals expected to push Liverpool even further ahead of their rivals. Names like Alexander and Florian Wirtz were meant to take the team to another level, adding creativity, goals, and control. However, football does not always follow the script. Adapting to the Premier League, the pressure of Anfield, and the expectations that come with being champions has proved difficult for several of the new signings.
After 18 league matches, Liverpool have won only ten. They currently sit fourth in the table, looking up at teams they expected to dominate. While the season is far from over, there is a growing feeling that something is missing. That something, according to Stephen Warnock, lies in defence.
Warnock knows Liverpool well. He wore the shirt for seven years, made 67 appearances for the club, and understands what is required to succeed at Anfield. Speaking ahead of the January window, he believes Arne Slot must strengthen two key positions if Liverpool are to mount a serious title defence. Those positions are centre-back and right-back.
The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold still hangs heavily over the club. The England international ended his long Liverpool journey by joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, a move that shocked many fans and left a huge hole on the right side of defence. Trent was not just a defender. He was a playmaker, a leader, and a symbol of Liverpool’s modern era. Replacing him was never going to be easy.
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Liverpool tried to solve the problem by bringing in Jeremie Frimpong, while also relying on Joe Gomez and young Conor Bradley. On paper, the options looked reasonable. In reality, it has not worked as hoped. Injuries have disrupted consistency, and none of the options have shown they can be relied on week after week at the highest level.
Warnock believes this lack of reliability is a major issue. In his view, Liverpool must move away from players who are constantly unavailable or unable to cope with the physical demands of playing every three days. For him, durability matters just as much as talent. A title-winning defence needs players who can be trusted to start game after game, especially during the intense winter period.
He also dismissed the idea of using midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai out of position to solve defensive problems. For Warnock, that approach is a sign of weakness rather than a solution. Liverpool need a natural right-back, someone who understands the role and thrives in it.
This is where the shock suggestion comes in. Warnock believes that in an ideal world, Liverpool should try to sign Jurrien Timber from Arsenal. The Dutch defender joined Arsenal from Ajax in the summer of 2023 and has since grown into one of the most complete defenders in the Premier League.
Warnock described Timber as brilliant and went as far as calling him the best right-back in the league. That is high praise, especially given the quality of defenders currently playing in England. Timber’s strength lies in his versatility, intelligence, and ability in one-on-one situations. He is calm on the ball, aggressive without being reckless, and tactically sharp.
After suffering a serious ACL injury earlier in his Arsenal career, Timber has shown remarkable strength to return and perform at an elite level. For Warnock, this comeback only adds to his value. It proves his mentality, robustness, and professionalism.
At just 24 years old, Timber has already made 75 appearances for Arsenal and has become a key part of what many consider the best defensive unit in the league. His ability to play as a right-back, centre-back, or even step into midfield gives managers tactical flexibility, something Arne Slot values highly.
On the surface, the idea of Arsenal selling Timber to Liverpool feels unrealistic. The two clubs are fierce rivals, and Timber is central to Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans. But Warnock believes Liverpool would benefit hugely from even attempting such a move. For him, Timber’s skill set perfectly matches what Liverpool are missing since Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
Statistics support Warnock’s view. Timber has played far more minutes than Liverpool’s current right-back options this season. He has contributed goals and assists, boasts a higher pass success rate, and makes more tackles per game. His overall rating comfortably beats Bradley, Gomez, and Frimpong, highlighting his consistency and impact.
Beyond numbers, Timber brings control. He reads the game well, positions himself intelligently, and rarely panics. These are qualities Liverpool need, especially in big matches where fine margins decide outcomes.
Warnock did not stop at right-back. He also believes Liverpool must address their centre-back situation urgently. While Virgil van Dijk remains a leader and presence, the level around him has dropped. Ibrahima Konate, once seen as the long-term partner for Van Dijk, is no longer performing at the required standard according to Warnock.
To fix this, he pointed towards Crystal Palace. Two names stood out to him. The first is Marc Guehi. Palace’s captain has grown into a leader at both club and international level. Whenever he has been called up for England, Guehi has delivered strong performances, showing maturity beyond his years.
Warnock praised Guehi’s reading of the game, leadership, and comfort on the ball. While he may not be the tallest defender, he uses his physicality and intelligence to compensate. He positions himself well, wins duels, and brings calmness to the back line. For Liverpool, he would offer stability and authority.
The second name Warnock mentioned was Maxence Lacroix, another Crystal Palace defender who has impressed with his pace and physical power. Lacroix’s speed allows him to recover quickly, cover space, and go man for man against fast attackers. Warnock believes pairing Lacroix with Van Dijk would give Liverpool a powerful and balanced defensive partnership.
Both defenders, in Warnock’s view, would represent smart business. They are proven in the Premier League, entering their prime years, and capable of stepping into a title-challenging side without needing long adaptation periods.
Warnock’s message to Liverpool is clear. If the club wants to move forward, it must be bold. Safe signings will not be enough. The Premier League is too competitive, and rivals are improving every season. Arsenal are strong, Manchester City remain dangerous, and others are closing the gap.
Liverpool’s struggles this season are not about a lack of quality overall. They are about balance, reliability, and defensive control. Spending big money does not guarantee success if the squad lacks the right profile of players in key areas.
Arne Slot has already shown he is capable of delivering success quickly. Winning the league in his first season proved his methods work. But sustaining success is even harder than achieving it. That is where experience, tough decisions, and sometimes controversial moves come into play.
Trying to sign an Arsenal star like Jurrien Timber would send a message. It would show Liverpool are not afraid to challenge rivals directly. Even if the move does not happen, the intent matters. It reflects ambition.
Similarly, strengthening at centre-back with players like Guehi or Lacroix would address clear weaknesses and protect the team during the demanding second half of the season.
The January transfer window is not just about reacting to problems. It is about anticipating challenges and staying ahead. Warnock believes Liverpool must act now rather than wait until the summer, when options may be fewer and competition fiercer.
Liverpool fans are watching closely. Expectations remain high, but patience is not unlimited. The club has set a standard by winning the league, and that standard must be defended.
Whether Arne Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy follow Warnock’s advice remains to be seen. But one thing is clear. To stay at the top, Liverpool cannot stand still. They must be brave, decisive, and ready to shock the football world once again.
