Time remains for Liverpool to bring reinforcements in or part ways with some stars in the January transfer window
Arne Slot has yet to enter the transfer market this January(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
Liverpool remain at the centre of speculation regarding the January transfer window. The current Premier League champions are yet to complete any first-team signings or departures this month.
With Alexander Isak and Conor Bradley sidelined and Mohamed Salah still away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, Arne Slot has bemoaned his limited squad options in recent weeks. The winter transfer period has frequently proved fruitful for the Reds historically.
Players such as Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge, Virgil van Dijk and Luis Diaz were all secured in January and subsequently became outstanding successes. Whilst it remains unclear whether the club will pursue a major signing, speculation has been rife regarding potential departures. We examine the latest transfer headlines involving the Merseyside club.
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Surprising swap proposal emerges
This campaign has proved frustrating across the board for the Reds, but especially regarding Ibrahima Konate. As Slot remarked following the 3-3 stalemate at Elland Road in December, the French defender has been present “too much at the crime scene” when Liverpool concede.
Given his deal expires at the season’s end and no progress has been made on fresh terms, a remarkable swap arrangement sending Konate to Aston Villa whilst bringing Ezri Konsa to Liverpool should be considered by both clubs, suggests Stan Collymore.
The England centre-back is a cornerstone of Unai Emery’s squad and has delivered an impressive campaign with Villa presently occupying third place in the Premier League table. Speaking to BetWright football betting, Collymore commented: “Liverpool must identify a replacement for Ibrahima Konate if he leaves, especially because I don’t think Virgil van Dijk will be far behind him.
“I know there’s been talk of Marc Guehi, but I’m looking at someone like Ezri Konsa – who’s probably going to start for England at the World Cup alongside John Stones. If I was head of recruitment at Liverpool, I think Konsa and Guehi would both be deals that provide good value for money.
“Aston Villa have PSR issues that they need to address, so if they were to get a big fee for Konsa, they might have to consider it. For me, Konate thinks he’s the best defender since sliced bread but hasn’t played like it recently.
“I’m sure he’s thinking he’ll be going to the likes of PSG or Real Madrid, but could there be a swap deal where Konsa goes to Liverpool and Konate goes to Aston Villa? That would be something that would work for both parties.”
Federico Chiesa decision
Another player whose Anfield future hangs in the balance is Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger has featured in 21 matches this campaign with merely four of those being from the starting XI.
With only one Premier League start under his belt, his limited playing time has sparked fresh speculation linking him with a return to Juventus. A return to Serie A is something Chiesa is reportedly keen on, and according to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sportthe winger would even consider reducing his wages to bring his Liverpool stint to an end.
It’s suggested that the 29-year-old earns approximately £5.1million annually at Anfield, but would be willing to cut his salary for a comeback to Turin. Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti heaped praise on Chiesa during recent discussions about the player, commenting: “He was in my team at the time (the Italian national team). It was a compliment I wanted to give him.
“Sinner is one of the strongest for consistency and perseverance. Chiesa, on the other hand, for his strikes: he’s a player of big numbers, who beats his man and creates chaos.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
