Man City leaves Liverpool red-faced with four transfers as FSG stands its ground

Liverpool appear to be outplayed in the January transfer window by rivals Manchester City, despite being 12 points ahead of their Premier League rivals. The Reds have suffered a slight dip in form this month, winning just once in four league and cup matches following Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forrest.

And with Arne Slot's team currently hampered by injury problems, fans have called on owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to strengthen the team for the title race.

However, FSG have previously spoken about the difficulties of completing deals mid-season and are reportedly prepared to resist bidding for players until the summer.

This is despite the Reds reportedly needing a new left-back, with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas both struggling to find fitness. While Slot had already expressed the need for a new “No. 6”, Liverpool had been tipped to turn to a midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch appearing tired in recent matches.

In the meantime, City's management has actively tried to remedy the club's poor form. Pep Guardiola's side are currently sixth in the table and will have to fight to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Premier League champions appear to be closing in on the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush. The clubs have reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a fee of £59million for the Egyptian striker, who has scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga this season.

Brazilian teenager Vitor Reis has also flown to England and is expected to sign a permanent deal after passing a medical. The Palmeiras man was initially expected to stay in South America until after this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, but City pushed for an immediate deal.

Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov is also set to join the Etihad from Lens. City are expected to pay £33.6million for the 20-year-old centre-back, who has impressed in his 31 appearances for the club.

And they might not happen there. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, City have now made contact with Juventus over a possible move for Andrea Cambiaso.

The pursuit of the Italy international appears to be a reaction to developments surrounding Kyle Walker, with Guardiola confirming the right-back has asked to leave the club. City's decisive action will only further anger Liverpool fans, already disillusioned by the lack of support for Slot.

Although the Dutchman has overseen tremendous form both domestically and in Europe, new signings have not been forthcoming. Only Federico Chiesa arrived this summer for the 2024/25 campaign from Juventus, but has struggled to contribute due to form and fitness issues.

Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili signed a permanent contract, but was then immediately loaned to Valencia. He is now expected to arrive on Merseyside at the end of the season.

FSG have protested that January deals are difficult to complete, but City are proving that may not be the case after all.