With the January transfer window deadline of February 2 fast approaching, Liverpool's activity remains under intense scrutiny. The Reds have so far confirmed just one signing this month, the arrival of 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye, who is expected to join the Under-21s setup.
This follows a substantial summer outlay of £466 million, which may see the club focus on lining up deals for the summer window. This cautious approach comes during a season where Arne Slot's side has struggled for consistency, sitting fourth in the Premier League and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, despite progressing in the FA Cup and Champions League.
Yan Diomande's Public Liverpool Plea
One of the most intriguing stories of the window involves RB Leipzig's exciting young winger, Yan Diomande. The highly-rated talent has publicly revealed his ambition to one day play for Liverpool, describing himself as a "huge" supporter of the club.
In quotes reported by German outlet BILD, Diomande stated: "I want to play for Liverpool. I'm a huge Liverpool fan. My dad dreams of seeing me play at Anfield!" His declaration is a significant boost for the Reds, who have been linked with the player alongside European giants like Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
Bayern Munich's Persistent Pursuit of Marc Guehi
Meanwhile, the battle for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is intensifying. According to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich's sporting director Max Eberl has made fresh phone calls in an effort to persuade the England international to move to the Allianz Arena.
Eberl is also said to have met with Guehi's agent several weeks ago, indicating Bayern's refusal to give up. However, Liverpool's interest remains strong, with the club understood to be pushing for a summer move. Reports from The Athletic suggest that Arsenal and Liverpool are the Premier League clubs Guehi is most interested in, but a transfer is more likely when his contract nears its end.
This comes after Liverpool had a £35 million bid plus £5 million in add-ons accepted by Palace last summer, only for the deal to collapse on deadline day. Palace now believe they can command a similar fee this January, with Manchester City also keen due to a defensive injury crisis.
What This Means for Liverpool's Window
The final weeks of the January window present a complex puzzle for Liverpool's hierarchy. The public admiration from a talent like Diomande is a positive, but a major move for a player of his calibre may be financially challenging this month following the summer's heavy spending.
The Guehi situation is equally delicate. While Liverpool maintain a firm interest, competition from Bayern Munich and the potential for a bidding war with Manchester City could complicate any January deal. The club's strategy appears to be one of laying the groundwork for the summer, while remaining alert to any immediate opportunities that align with their long-term vision under Arne Slot.
