Liverpool's preparations for a crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur have been set against a backdrop of significant transfer speculation and future ambitions from a current loanee.
Manchester City Complicate Liverpool's Pursuit of Marc Guehi
The race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has intensified, with Manchester City now entering the fray. According to the Manchester Evening News, the Premier League champions have placed the England international on their transfer shortlist, applying significant pressure on Liverpool to act swiftly in the January window.
This development follows a dramatic summer where Guehi came agonisingly close to joining Liverpool in a deal worth around £35 million. The transfer collapsed on deadline day after Palace chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug, having failed to secure a defensive replacement crucial for their European campaign this season.
Guehi's contract at Selhurst Park expires next summer, and he has confirmed he will not be signing a new deal. His stellar form has attracted interest from a host of European giants, including Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, making him one of the most sought-after defenders in world football.
Reflecting on the failed summer move, Guehi remained philosophical, stating his focus remained solely on his performances. "I think everyone has this perception that it was difficult. Actually, it wasn't difficult at all," he said. "I know that God has a plan for me, and whatever that plan will be, will come into fruition at some point."
Vitezslav Jaros Targets Liverpool Number One Spot and European Glory
Meanwhile, Liverpool's 24-year-old goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, currently on loan at Ajax, has outlined his ambitious plans for a future at Anfield. The Czech shot-stopper, who was third choice under Arne Slot last season, is now the first-choice keeper for the Dutch giants and is using the experience as a stepping stone.
In an interview with De Telegraaf, Jaros made clear his ultimate goal is to return to Liverpool and become the club's first-choice goalkeeper, despite the formidable presence of Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili. He also set his sights on the highest prize in European football.
"When I'm ready to become Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper is difficult to say," Jaros admitted. "Because taking their place isn't easy. But that's ultimately the goal. And once I succeed, I want to win the Champions League."
Jaros explained his circuitous route, having played for eight clubs already through loans, is typical for a goalkeeper aiming for the top, especially in England. "The path to the top is simply different for goalkeepers than for outfield players," he noted, adding that the experience has made him "stronger and better."
Injury Concerns Ahead of Tottenham Clash
On the pitch, manager Arne Slot is dealing with fitness concerns ahead of Saturday's match against Spurs. The team heads into the fixture on the back of a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions, but the victory over Brighton came at a cost.
Defender Joe Gomez is likely to miss the weekend's game after picking up a knock, while there is more hope for midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who has a better chance of featuring despite an ankle injury.
Liverpool currently sit seventh in the Premier League table with 26 points from 16 games. However, they remain firmly in the hunt for the top four, trailing Chelsea in fourth place by just two points, with Crystal Palace and Manchester United also ahead of them.
With a full week of preparation behind them, Slot will be hoping his side can extend their unbeaten streak and close the gap on the Champions League places, all while the club's hierarchy potentially gears up for a pivotal January transfer window.
