Richard Hughes managed to avoid massive Liverpool transfer mistake in January

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes appears to have sidestepped a potential misstep in the January window after the club explored a move for Leeds United right-back Jayden Bogle, a pursuit that would have represented a puzzling departure from the Reds’ usual transfer philosophy.

Sources indicate that Liverpool made an enquiry for the 25-year-old Englishman, who has featured sporadically for Leeds this season without ever establishing himself as a top-tier performer. While Bogle has shown flashes of competence, analysts inside Anfield concluded he would offer, at best, a short-term patch rather than the long-term upgrade required to fortify a squad with serious Premier League and Champions League ambitions.

With the summer market still months away, Liverpool’s hierarchy have already begun reassessing right-back targets. The club’s willingness to repurpose midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones as emergency full-backs underlines both the squad’s versatility and the reluctance to commit to a sub-elite specialist. Although Geertruida and Bogle are no longer viewed as viable solutions, Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries has re-entered the conversation. The 29-year-old Dutch international is eager to leave Serie A and sees the Premier League as a final destination before his peak years elapse. Despite concerns over his age, Dumfries’ extensive Champions League experience and established rapport with Netherlands teammate Jeremie Frimpong could make him a valuable asset, allowing Frimpong to push further forward and exploit his attacking instincts.

Hughes and head coach Arne Slot have yet to outline their definitive blueprint for the close-season overhaul, yet early indicators suggest another aggressive recruitment drive. Should Bogle’s name resurface on the shortlist, supporters and pundits alike will demand clear justification, especially if Liverpool intend to mount credible title challenges at home and abroad.