With the January transfer window entering its final fortnight, Liverpool's activity remains under intense scrutiny following a quiet start to the month. Manager Arne Slot has adopted a cautious public stance, leaving fans and pundits to speculate on whether the Reds will make a significant move to bolster their squad before the deadline on January 31, 2026.
Slot's Cautious Stance Amid Squad Challenges
Addressing the media, Slot acknowledged the squad's challenges, particularly following an injury to defender Conor Bradley. "I think everyone is aligned about the challenges we are facing," the Dutchman stated. He was quick to temper expectations, however, adding, "That's not to say that we are going to act, but everyone is aligned on what we are facing." This comes after the club missed out on defender Marc Guehi, who is now set for a switch to Manchester City.
The £80m Talent & The Tottenham Interest
Two major storylines are dominating the rumour mill at Anfield. The first concerns the future of Curtis Jones. According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur hold an interest in the Liverpool academy graduate. With Jones potentially seeking more consistent playing time, a summer move could materialise, though the midfielder has previously expressed a long-term ambition to captain the club.
Meanwhile, a potential big-money target has emerged in the form of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old Ivorian international, signed by Leipzig for £17.4 million last summer, is now attracting attention from several European giants, including Liverpool and Manchester United. His valuation has skyrocketed, with reports suggesting a fee in excess of £80 million could be required.
Leipzig Firmly in Control of Diomande's Future
In a significant update, Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schafer has made it clear his club holds all the cards regarding Diomande. When asked if Leipzig were in the 'front seat' for the player's future, Schafer emphatically declared, "There isn’t even anyone sitting in the passenger seat. Everyone is sitting in the back seat." He revealed the club's data-driven pursuit of the teenager last summer, which even included consultations with former managers Jürgen Klopp and Mario Gomez.
Chiesa's Juventus Move in Jeopardy
In other news, a proposed move for long-linked target Federico Chiesa appears to be in doubt. Italian media reports suggest Juventus have turned their attention to other attacking options, namely Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and Atalanta's Daniel Maldini. The latter is seen as a more financially viable alternative to Chiesa, casting significant uncertainty over the Italian winger's anticipated switch to Turin.
As the clock ticks down, Liverpool's hierarchy faces a critical decision: back Arne Slot with a major signing like Diomande, trust the current squad, or face the possibility of key players like Jones being poached in the future. The next two weeks will be pivotal for the club's season ambitions.
