Liverpool could turn to their Premier League rivals for a deal that would help all involved.
Despite Liverpool’s less than desirable injury problems this season, they appear to be taking a rather calm approach to the January transfer window, especially compared to some of their closest rivals. If the winter market was a water park, the Reds would be riding the lazy river while others around them are rushing to fit all the different slides in. At least for now, anyway.
The latest transfer rumours suggest that Liverpool could be putting their ducks in a row ready for the summer, rather than scrambling for game-changing recruits this month. The Reds could well bring in some beneficial reinforcements before February, but there have been very few reports of any advanced talking stages between the club and their targets.
Liverpool have a lot to consider as the summer approaches. Three players are now into the final six months of their contracts — Thiago, Joël Matip and outcast goalkeeper Adrián are all set to leave Anfield in June, unless some last-minute extensions are agreed. They may not be the only names on the outgoing list either. Last summer’s six-player exodus left Jurgen Klopp and co with big gaps in their squad, and their search for replacements went all the way down to Deadline Day.
Following the intense interest in Mohamed Salah from Saudi Arabia, Liverpool would be foolish not to expect a revisit from the Pro League. Al-Ittihad came knocking just six months ago with wheelbarrows full of cash, trying to convince the Reds to part ways with their star winger. Salah’s contract is due to expire next summer and conversations are reportedly being held over a new deal, which would be a huge breakthrough if Liverpool can tie the Egyptian down.
But there is still the chance that Salah will want to leave after this season, and Liverpool can’t afford to lose him for free when there’s been so much money offered before now. This leaves them visiting the market for a suitable replacement. Even if Salah stays, he remains the only natural right-back on Klopp’s roster. The club should start thinking about signing someone who can come in to initially serve as back-up to the 31-year-old, with the vision to eventually become the first choice.
Liverpool are considering their options and one of the latest names to crop up on the radar is Michael Olise of Crystal Palace and there’s an interesting story to go with it. Manchester United have been linked with the winger for some time now but ESPN has reported that their interest could have reduced from a boil to a simmer, as it is not a vision ‘universally supported within Old Trafford’. Some figures at the club are said to be basing their uncertainty on how Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Wilfried Zaha have struggled to adapt to ‘the more demanding environment’ at United in the past.
This leaves a window open for Liverpool to take pole position for Olise, who Palace have decided to add to the summer outgoings list in order to aid their rebuilding plans. Convincing the Eagles to part ways with the 22-year-old will not be a problem, but how can the Reds approach the deal?
United were reportedly looking to offer up Wan-Bissaka as part of the deal to bring Olise to Old Trafford. The winger signed a four-year contract extension earlier this season, which includes a new buy-out clause. According to the Daily Star, the release clause figure could be close double the initial amount of £35 million prior to the new deal.
Swap deals are very interesting narratives to follow on the transfer window, and with United opening up the floor with their initial proposal, it could encourage other clubs to follow a similar route. Palace are currently on the market for a new defender and Liverpool could provide them with what they need.
That sounds like an absurd idea given their current injury crisis but this summer is shaping up to be a window of change. Matip may well have played his last game in red and Klopp is said to be looking for suitable players to eventually replace Virgil van Dijk, who is still solid but isn’t getting any younger. Recent reports have claimed the aim is to find a future partner for Ibrahima Konaté.
Joe Gomez has been superb this season, slotting in wherever he has been needed. The 26-year-old has played at centre-back, right-back, and even left-back during the absence of key players. But when those missing return to fitness, Gomez is sadly not guaranteed a spot in the starting lineup. With years still ahead of him and plenty of experience proving he is reliable on the biggest stages, he deserves to be the focal point of a club’s backline.
