The January transfer window is in full swing, and Liverpool are once again at the heart of the action. Despite significant summer investment, the Reds are being linked with further moves as they navigate injuries and squad dynamics, while also confirming their first acquisition of the winter.
Reds Confirm First January Signing
Liverpool have officially announced the signing of young defender Mor Talla Ndiaye, subject to international clearance. The Senegal youth international joins the club's under-21 setup from Amitie FC, a club owned by former Premier League striker Demba Ba.
Ndiaye represented his country at the under-17 World Cup last year, helping his side reach the knockout stages. The move is seen as a strategic one to bolster defensive options at the youth level, especially with Wellity Lucky now a regular fixture in the senior squad due to ongoing shortages.
Liverpool Enter Race for £86m Manchester United Target
In a significant development, reports indicate that Liverpool have joined the chase for highly-rated RB Leipzig attacker Yan Diomande. The Reds are now part of a formidable list of suitors that includes Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Barcelona.
Manchester United are said to have already submitted an offer for the teenage star, but it falls short of Leipzig's hefty £86 million valuation. With Diomande still having four and a half years left on his contract, the German club holds a strong negotiating position and is reluctant to sell this month. A summer transfer appears more likely, with United reportedly already discussing a five-year deal with an option for a further year.
Federico Chiesa 'Texts' Former Teammates Over Juventus Return
Meanwhile, speculation surrounds the future of winger Federico Chiesa. According to reports from Italy, the Italian international has been in contact with former Juventus teammates Dusan Vlahovic, Manuel Locatelli, and Federico Gatti about a potential return to Turin this January.
Juventus would need to pay around €10 million (£8.9m) to re-sign the player they sold to Liverpool for €15m in 2024. The Anfield hierarchy are reportedly only interested in a permanent sale, not a loan arrangement. For his part, Chiesa is said to be focused solely on a Juventus return and is not considering other offers at this time.
These off-pitch manoeuvres occur as manager Arne Slot contends with a fresh injury concern, after Conor Bradley was forced off during Thursday's 0-0 draw with Arsenal. The need for reinforcements is clear as the team prepares for their FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley on Monday.
