Liverpool only backed Arne Slot with one signing in the summer, though Federico Chiesa has barely played and struggled for fitness, so the Dutchman may be eager to strengthen in January to maintain their title bid
Liverpool are one step closer to their first trophy of the season and manager Arne Slot might feel the need for more reinforcements to help his squad battle on multiple fronts.
The Reds beat Southampton 2-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday and also top the Premier League and Champions League standings going into the New Year.
Slot only made one senior signing in the summer as Federico Chiesa arrived from Juventus for around £12.5million – but the Italian has barely played amid fitness issues and the Dutchman will now be eager to secure a few arrivals as they bid for the title.
Here, Mirror Football breaks down the latest Liverpool transfer stories and the latest gossip around Anfield.
Mo Salah speaks out on future again
Mohamed Salah’s future has been a hot topic this season with the Egyptian’s contract ending next summer and the player yet to officially sign a new deal.
Mirror Football reported at the beginning of the month that Salah was on the verge of agreeing a new two-year contract but Liverpool fans are still awaiting for an official announcement over his fresh terms.
Despite lingering doubts about his future, the forward continues to put in some excellent shifts in for Liverpool to boost their bid for the title after four goals and three assists in his last four games.
Now a new clip of Salah speaking about his future – posted on December 8 – has emerged on social media.
The video sees the 32-year-old asked for clarity about his Liverpool future on a Zoom call, but instead he reiterated uncertainty over whether he would stay.
“I don’t know yet,” he said. “My contract expires at the end of the year, so I still don’t know what will happen. I’ll look at my options, but I haven’t made a decision yet.”
Hamann identifies Kerkez as Robertson replacement
Andy Robertson has been an incredible stalwart for Liverpool in the last eight years but the Scottish international has faced criticism at times this season after a handful of mistakes.
He was guilty of one big error during a 2-2 draw with Fulham last week that also saw him get sent off and there have been suggestions that Liverpool will soon need to start looking for a long-term replacement for Robertson after turning 30.
Former Reds star Dietmar Hamann believes Robertson’s successor might be right in front of Liverpool’s noses as he suggested Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez following his superb start to the season with the Cherries.
Milos Kerkez is a brilliant player. We see it time and time again in the Premier League. If you play well, you will gain a lot of interest,” Hamann told Boyle Sports. “Andy Robertson is in his late 20s and Kostas Tsimikas is a great back up – but he has wanted to leave for the past two seasons now. It’s a position Liverpool should definitely look at.
“Robertson is a great player who is having a dip at the moment. If there is a player with the level of Kerkez or Alphonso Davies, why not go for it. Milos Kerkez reminds me of John Arne Riise a lot.
“Riise liked to bomb forward and was a very attacking left back. He had a great strike on him. It’s a bonus if you have a fullback who defends very well and is able to score, set goals up and cross a few balls in. It makes the game a lot easier.”
Liverpool “leading race to sign Cherki”
Lyon winger Rayan Cherki was once one of football’s brightest prospects and he is now fulfilling that potential after a brilliant campaign in Ligue 1.
The France Under-21 international has five goals and seven assists at the midway point of the season from just seven starts – including a superb recent run that has seen him register four assists and two goals in just three games.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Liverpool are now ready to pounce for the 21-year-old as they look to the future and there have been suggested Lyon could allow him to leave in January amid financial difficulties.
Cherki is worth around £24m, though Liverpool may have to scrap with Lyon’s Ligue 1 rivals PSG if they want to secure his signature, with the French giants previously at the “front of the queue”.
Liverpool are already blessed with a number of wingers at the club – including Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Chiesa. However, Slot will be eager to secure more young talent in his attack – especially if Salah ends up departing.
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