In the high-stakes chess match of the 2026 January transfer window, the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United has just reached a boiling point. With the deadline looming, a explosive narrative is unfolding at Anfield, where Arne Slot is reportedly fuming over what he perceives as a “backroom betrayal” by the Red Devils.
The Hijack: “Behind Our Back”
The tension stems from Liverpool’s pursuit of a top-tier defensive target—widely believed to be Ousmane Diomande or the versatile Denzel Dumfries—to fix a mounting injury crisis.
Reports suggest that while Liverpool had been meticulously laying the groundwork for a deal, Manchester United—now under the guidance of Michael Carrick—swooped in at the eleventh hour. Rumors from the AXA Training Centre claim Slot is “unhappy” and bewildered by United’s aggressive tactics.
> “We approach Him first, but Man United have gone behind our back to agree personal terms with Him. There’s no way I will watch and see this transfer happen today.” — An alleged source close to the Liverpool camp.
>
Why the Drama?
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both clubs. As of January 31, 2026:
* Liverpool’s Crisis: With Jeremie Frimpong recently sidelined by a hamstring injury and Conor Bradley also out, Slot is desperate for defensive reinforcements to save their title defense.
* United’s Resurgence: After a disastrous 2025, United have climbed back into the top four. Snatching a target from their fiercest rivals would not only bolster their squad but serve as a massive psychological blow to Liverpool.
The Deadline Day Standoff
As the clock ticks toward Monday’s deadline, the football world is watching to see if Liverpool can hijack the hijack.
| Feature | Liverpool’s Position | Man United’s Position |
|—|—|—|
| Manager/Coach | Arne Slot | Michael Carrick (Interim) |
| Current Need | Critical (Right-Back/Center-Back) | Strengthening for Top 4 push |
| Tactical Leverage | Long-term project stability | Recent “upturn in form” momentum |
The “Smart” Move or Panic?
Slot has publicly stated that Liverpool will only make “smart” decisions, but the prospect of losing a priority target to Old Trafford might force a rare “knee-jerk” reaction from the Anfield board. Whether it’s a late-night counter-offer or a dramatic phone call to the player’s agent, the next few hours will determine who wins this recruitment war.
About The Author
