Welcome to the latest live Liverpool transfer blog with all of the latest news, rumours and gossip from Anfield. The January transfer window is fast approaching and the Reds are already being linked with several new signings heading into 2025.
Arne Slot has enjoyed his first six months in charge as Liverpool's new head coach after replacing Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield dugout last summer. The Reds are top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings and will be looking to win at least one major trophy across the second half of the season.
With the January transfer window approaching, rumours are likely to start intensifying about the players that Liverpool could potentially sign to add to their squad. Federico Chiesa was the only new addition last summer, while Giorgi Mamardashvili was also signed but will not link up with the squad until his loan at Valencia has been completed.
Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool ahead of the New Year. Reports also continue to link the Reds with Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
There is also likely to be continued speculation around the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, with the trio all out of contract at the end of the summer. Reports in recent days have continued to link Alexander-Arnold with a move to Real Madrid, while Salah has also spoken about his future.
Stay with us at the ECHO as we bring you all the latest news, injury updates and transfer gossip.
Thanks for joining us today!
That's it for today's Liverpool transfer blog!
Enjoy the remainder of your evenings and Happy New Year for when the clock strikes midnight wherever you are! Auld Lang Syne ringing out around the country, of course, also marks the start of the winter transfer window!
We will have plenty more coverage of that over the next month on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, plus any players the Reds might sign!
Michael Owen reveals 'secretive' Real Madrid talks after Reds reject Alexander-Arnold offer
Michael Owen has suggested Real Madrid have held secretive talks with Alexander-Arnold or the Liverpool vice captain's representatives regarding a move to the Spanish club before player's or the camp are permitted to negotiate with overseas clubs when they enter the final six months of their contracts.
The very fact that Real Madrid have now made their intentions clear towards signing Trent Alexander Arnold leads me to believe that it’s only a matter of time before he signs for them. If he was going to sign a contract extension, Madrid wouldn’t have officially made their move. Secretive talks will have taken place. Huge news.
Carragher reveals verdict on Reds rejecting Madrid's Alexander-Arnold approach
Jamie Carragher has responded on X, formerly Twitter, to the Reds rejecting an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January.
The most important thing for Liverpool in 2025 is winning the Premier League. No one’s contract or future should come in the way of that!I love Trent as a lad and a player, but his team would’ve told Real Madrid to bid and also would’ve known Liverpool would turn it down.It’s to try and cover themselves when he leaves for free. Again it’s something the club and fans don’t need with a huge game coming up.
Bellingham accused of wooing Real Madrid target after Trent Alexander-Arnold claim
Jude Bellingham has been seen enjoying a night out with another Real Madrid transfer target. Madrid are expected to be busy in the upcoming transfer window, with Trent Alexander-Arnold being the name most frequently associated with a move to the Bernabeu.
The future of the 26-year-old is the subject of much speculation. However, Alexander-Arnold isn't the only player on Madrid's wish list.
Carlo Ancelotti's team is also reportedly keen on bolstering their left-back position, with Alphonso Davies said to be on their radar. Bellingham stirred up transfer gossip when he was recently seen partying with the fellow footballer in Dubai.
Read more about Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham and Davies
The latest on Alexander-Arnold from our Liverpool correspondent Paul Gorst...
Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid about the possibility of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the January transfer window. The Spanish giants have long been linked with a move for the Reds' right-back. It was expected they would wait to attempt to sign Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign, on a free transfer.
But with current first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal having suffered a season-ending injury, Real Madrid are believed to have made contact with Anfield bosses on New Year's Eve about bringing in the England international once the transfer window opens tomorrow (January 1).
Read more from our Liverpool correspondent Paul Gorst about Alexander-Arnold
Reds 'reject' Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold offer
Liverpool have reportedly rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Times reports the Reds are refusing the enter negotiations regarding selling the club's vice-captain. It is said that Madrid will now hold talks with Alexander-Arnold about joining the Spanish club as a free agent when his contract expires this summer.
Liverpool learn final Dani Olmo decision on Barcelona future
Dani Olmo has reportedly decided to stay at Barcelona rather than potentially joining a Premier League club on loan in January. Fabrizio Romano, reporting for GiveMeSport, claims that the player's agent, Andy Bara, has said his client is not contemplating a move.
I can announce that the decision made by Dani is to stay at Barcelona. We are not considering any other option or club, Dani Olmo wants to play for Barça and his desire is very clear.
The Reds had been one of several Premier League clubs credited with an interest in Olmo if the attacking midfielder became available during the winter transfer window. Barcelona currently cannot register the Spain international to play for them in 2025.
Liverpool sent four-word Salah contract demand
One-time England international Lee Hendrie has told 10bet that there will be no shortage of clubs that would love to take Mohamed Salah next year should Liverpool not sign the forward to a new contract.
I can't not single out Mo Salah. He's been absolutely unbelievable. 15 Premier League goals in 16 games and 11 assists - how on earth does he just keep doing it? There's all this talk about his contract. Is he going to sign a new contract? Is he going?
It doesn't seem to faze him at all. He's just getting on with his football. He looks like he's enjoying it. He's got a smile on his face. Every single season he delivers consistently. He’s been absolutely phenomenal.
If you’re a Liverpool fan, you've got to be worried because how can you replace Mo Salah? He's been relentless since he's been at the football club. His numbers, goals, assists, his forward play. It's phenomenal. It really is.
From what he’s demonstrated this season; I think Liverpool have to give him what he wants in terms of that new contract. Get him signed up.
I know that they've got a wage cap and wage structure, they’re obviously a brilliantly run football club, but you have to wonder about his long-term future the longer a contract remains unsigned. They’ll be no shortage of clubs that would love to take him. There's big shouts about him going to Saudi, but from what he’s shown this season, he can still do it at the very highest level in the game.
He looks more determined than ever. He looks like he wants to be the best player in the Premier League. I don’t think he’ll ever lose that drive and I don’t think that his contract situation will disrupt the team at all. Sign him up, Liverpool!
Steven Gerrard suffers new Al Ettifaq blow
With Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq struggling for form before their winter break, the last thing he would need is a key player to up sticks and leave in January.
However, that is exactly the conundrum the Liverpool icon faces as things go from bad to worse in Saudi Arabia.
Mohamed Salah tipped to win Ballon d'Or
Jamie Carragher believes Mohamed Salah is in pole position for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
And the Anfield legend thinks the Egyptian superstar will scoop football's most prestigious individual award if he fires Liverpool to the Premier League title this season.
"I think Mo Salah has always seen himself, I wouldn't say as good as Messi and Ronaldo, but I think in that bracket as one of the best players in the world. He feels he has been unjustly maybe not given certain awards and we talk about the Ballon d'Or.
"I think the Ballon d'Or, a lot of the time, revolves around a tournament, an international tournament and whoever wins it, the best player normally picks it up, or the Champions League winner. It's always difficult for Egypt, I don't think they've won an Africa Cup of Nations with Salah, but also to win the World Cup as well.
"If Liverpool were to win the league and go really close or even win the Champions League and the fact that (Kylian) Mbappe at Real Madrid hasn't started as he would like and Haaland has not had the season he would like or he's not at his best, I think those factors means this will be Salah's best opportunity of winning the Ballon d'Or.
"He's probably No.1 right now and if he replicates what he's done the first half of the season I think he wins the Ballon d'Or."
Eight players Liverpool can sign on pre-contracts
A look at some of the players Liverpool could sign for free in the summer and agree deals with from tomorrow (January 1) on.
Alexander Isak receives Liverpool transfer message
Jamie Carragher has made his feelings clear about Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak amid links to Liverpool.
A report in The Telegraph over the weekend claimed that Liverpool had listed Isak - who is thought to be valued at £150m - as a potential transfer target as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Isak scored in a 2-0 win over Manchester United for the Magpies in the Premier League clash on Monday night.
Carragher interviewed Isak for Sky Sports after Newcastle's win at Old Trafford, and the former Liverpool defender referenced the reported asking price from Newcastle.
Amorim's blunt Man Utd relegation admission before Liverpool
Ruben Amorim said it was "really clear" Manchester United were being drawn into a relegation fight following the 2-0 loss to Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Next up for the struggling Red Devils is a trip to bitter rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Amorim admitted his team's situation was "a little bit embarrassing", with their latest defeat leaving them seven points above the Premier League drop zone in 14th.
They have lost four successive games in all competitions and five of their last six league games, including their last three at home.
Trent makes Liverpool feelings clear
Trent Alexander-Arnold has underlined his true feelings for Liverpool despite continued uncertainty over his future. Along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk,
Alexander-Arnold is one of three key players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold displayed his continuing affection and respect for the club’s traditions ahead of the Boxing Day win over Leicester City.
Alexander Isak links
Newcastle United striker has emerged as a potential transfer target for Liverpool.
According to The Telegraph, the Reds have identifed Isak as a player who could be signed as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, should the Egyptian leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The report claims that Newcastle placed a £150million price tag on Isak's signature ahead of the January transfer window amid links with other clubs.
Omar Marmoush update
Liverpool have reportedly fallen behind in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush.
According to Caught Offside, the Reds still have an interest in signing Marmoush, who has been credited as a potential target ever since the start of the season.
However, the report claims that Arsenal are now leading the race to sign Marmoush, with Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle also reportedly in the running.
Jamie Carragher pinpoints subtle Arne Slot change
Arne Slot has rejuvenated Liverpool's attacking line-up in a way that Jurgen Klopp never attempted.
That is what Jamie Carragher has freshly pointed out - but without "being critical" of the club's managerial great.
"There's been a lot of talk about what he's done with certain players and the one who has been rejuvenated more than anybody has perhaps been Luis Diaz - who probably in the summer Liverpool were maybe looking at moving on. There was a lot of talk about Anthony Gordon coming in," Carragher said on Sky Sports Monday Night Football.
"There has been a lot of talk about him playing as a false 9, and when you think of false 9s you'd think of [Lionel] Messi and [Roberto] Firmino. But they played in 4-3-3 systems where they were in this forward position where they would come deep and link with two wide players and three midfielders.
"I don't think it is a false 9 position he's playing. More often than not he is dropping Luis Diaz deep in one channel - more often the left channel - and one of the attacking players is going into the right channel.
"When I talk about the manager, Slot, Liverpool didn't buy players in the summer - but he's sort of rejuvenated so many players. [Cody] Gakpo looks a different player, Diaz looks a different player.
"[Ryan] Gravenberch in midfield. Even Mohamed Salah from last season.
"It's only been five games Luis Diaz has been a centre forward, starting with the [Bayer] Leverkusen game. But just look at those numbers, amazing."
Federico Chiesa stance
Federico Chiesa is about to enter his most important period to date at Liverpool - but what will it have in store?
Paul Gorst assesses Chiesa's current situation at Anfield with the Italy international making just four appearances since his £12.5million move from Juventus last summer.
Trent sent clear Liverpool contract message
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been sent another clear contract message following his cryptic goal celebration during Liverpool's 5-0 win against West Ham on Sunday evening.
The weekend saw rumours intensify that Alexander-Arnold is a target for Real Madrid, although the ECHO understands that the right-back has not communicated a decision to leave Anfield in favour of the Spanish capital to the club.
After scoring Liverpool's fourth goal of the evening against West Ham on Sunday, Alexander-Arnold went on to celebrate with a talking gesture.
Welcome
Greetings and welcome to the latest Liverpool transfer blog.
We'll be on hand to provide the latest Reds transfer news and gossip that emerges ahead of the January transfer window opening tomorrow.
Make sure you stay tuned!
