Steph Houghton has urged Liverpool to spend the money generated from the sale of Olivia Smith during the January transfer window.
The former England international spoke to Ian Wright about Liverpool’s transfer business on the latest Crossways Podcast.
Gareth Taylor has endured a frustrating start to life in Merseyside, with Liverpool bottom of the Women’s Super League table with no victories from their opening eight games.
Their fight has not been helped by ACL injuries suffered by forwards Sophie Roman Haug and Marie Hobinger.
Steph Houghton questions Liverpool over Olivia Smith funds
On the Crossways Podcast, Steph Houghton has urged Liverpool to strengthen in the January transfer window and spend the funds they generated from the sale of Olivia Smith to Arsenal for £1m.
“Liverpool as a club, obviously, they won the WSL in 2014 and 2015. Since then, they’ve done nothing,” Houghton told Wright.
“They’ve got close to the Champions League a few times, but in terms of an actual club, the investment in the women’s side hasn’t been as great as probably we all thought it should be.”
Houghton added: “You’ve seen over the last few weeks that they’ve actually really improved. There’s got to be some more players coming into that football club.
“You’ve sold Olivia Smith for £1 million to Arsenal, what is that money doing now? Because really, you would think that you’d be investing into a squad where you’re bolstering every department within that team with how specific he wants Liverpool to play.
“You need really good technical players and players that are smart enough to be able to carry that out.”
Arsenal legend Wright added that there would have been “no scenario” where Taylor agreed to become Liverpool boss without “getting some assurances” that he would be able to strengthen the squad.
Liverpool have a lot to do in January 💸 pic.twitter.com/acYwvjH4cn
— Crossways Podcast (@crosswayspod) November 26, 2025
Liverpool still without a victory in the WSL
It has been a difficult start to the season for Liverpool, who are bottom of the WSL after eight games. The Reds have played one game fewer than those around them, due to their postponed clash with Aston Villa, which has been scheduled for December 11th.
However, despite losing their opening six WSL games, there are still some positives for Taylor to take.
Liverpool showed improved levels in their recent 1-1 draws with Brighton and Chelsea in the WSL.
The Reds also qualified for the Women’s League Cup quarter-finals after winning all three of their group games.
Beata Olsson’s performances have been a huge plus for Liverpool, with six goals in her last four games. The Swedish forward’s goals could be key for the Reds if they are to climb off the bottom of the WSL table.
Should Liverpool finish 12th, they would face a playoff against the third-placed side in WSL 2 to fight to keep their place in the top tier.
