The Premier League has returned following the last international break of the year. As the last weeks of 2024 tick down, we can start looking ahead to how the final table might look at the end of the season, and who will come away with the title.
There is the small matter of the January transfer window to focus on first, though. Clubs will soon be able to start their winter business and look to strengthen their ranks with exciting new signings. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the latest Premier League transfer stories.
Liverpool will ‘bend over backwards’ to make deal happen
The main talking point surrounding Liverpool’s upcoming transfer window is whether they will be able to hold on to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah beyond next summer.
All three players have been in the headlines for months now as the contract conversations continue.
Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown has delivered something of an update on the Alexander-Arnold situation. Speaking to Football Insider, he said that the Reds are pulling out all the stops to try and convince the vice-captain to commit his future to Anfield.
“Liverpool are trying everything to convince Alexander-Arnold. They’re going to bend over backwards to keep him at the club. From what I’ve heard, they’re willing to put mega money on the table because they don’t want to lose him.
“They’ll consider, as well, how much it would cost to replace him. In a situation like this, offering him higher wages may help them save money. The perception of the fans matters too — they must be seen to be doing all they can.”
The 3AM Verdict: Losing any of the three players mentioned will be a mammoth blow to Liverpool but seeing Alexander-Arnold leave will more than likely hurt the most. As a player who made it his dream to captain his boyhood club, many believed he would spend his whole career on Merseyside. But as the weeks tick by and Real Madrid continue to show their interest, the nerves are rising. Although, it is good news for fans that Liverpool are trying everything to convince Alexander-Arnold to stay, and there’s not much more they can do if that is the case.
Everton ‘working on’ signing winger
Everton are looking to bolster their options in attack when the January window opens and have set their sights on Luiz Henrique of Botafogo. According to another report from Football Insider, Sean Dyche ‘would like to improve’ his options on the wing, which is something that Henrique could do.
The 23-year-old has 11 goals and five assists in all competitions since signing for Botafogo back in February. He is under contract until December 2028 and while Everton are keen on bringing him to Merseyside, Henrique’s side are currently top of Série A, giving him a big dilemma to face regarding the level he wants to compete at.
The 3AM Verdict: Dyche has acknowledged his side’s need for some extra attacking options as they reach the halfway point of the season. While they have earned some important results so far this season, they remain just three points above the drop zone. Everton also have one of the lowest goal returns in the season so far, with just ten on the board from 12 games. Bolstering their options in front of goal could be key to keeping daylight between them and the bottom three this season as they desperately look to avoid another relegation battle.
