Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent weeks.
The 33-year-old Egyptian international has not been at his best for the English club. Al-Ittihad are interested in signing the player at the end of the season.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah during a training session (Photo by Tim Markland/PA Images via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the player is valued at €30 million. He has a contract with Liverpool until 2027, and it remains to be seen whether the Saudi outfit is prepared to pay up. It seems unlikely that Liverpool will stand in his way at the end of the season. They will look to cash in on the player while he still retains some value. It remains to be seen whether they can replace him properly.
Salah has been a club legend, and he has helped Liverpool win several trophies. This is the right time for him to move on and take on a different challenge. Moving to a lower-intensity league could prolong his career. He would also earn a significant amount of money in Saudi Arabia, which could prove attractive in the twilight stages of his career.
According to a prominent source on X, the representatives for Liverpool center-back Ibrahima Konate are scheduled to hold crunch talks with club officials this Friday.
The meeting comes at a critical juncture for the Reds, as the French international enters the final months of a contract that has become a source of mounting anxiety at Anfield.
Konate’s contract stand-off: Liverpool running out of time
(Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The 26-year-old defender is currently playing on the same terms he signed upon arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021.
Reports suggest Konate previously rejected an offer that would have tied him to the club until 2030, citing frustrations over a performance-heavy salary structure.
With his deal set to expire in June 2026, Konate is already legally permitted to negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs.
Liverpool cannot afford to repeat Trent Alexander-Arnold mistake
The urgency surrounding Friday’s meeting is fueled by the ghost of last summer.
Liverpool fans are still reeling from the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Real Madrid on a cut-price £10m deal just before his contract expired.
Losing a second world-class asset in successive years for free would be a significant blow to Sporting Director Richard Hughes’ reputation.
But there is a strong possibility that Konate could be on his way out and that would explain the club’s decision to go all in for another French centre-back.
Liverpool have been handed a blow in their pursuit of the Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.
The 27-year-old French defender has been linked with a move away from the German club in recent weeks. Liverpool were interested in securing his signature, but a CF Bayern Insider report claims the player has now decided to commit his long-term future to the German champions.
Bayern Munich offered the French defender a lucrative contract, but failed to secure an agreement with him. They ultimately decided to retract the offer, but the player has decided to stay at the club, and the two parties are set to complete the formalities.
Liverpool were hoping to sign him as a replacement for Ibrahima Konaté. The 26-year-old French International will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Liverpool have not been able to secure an agreement with him. They need to replace him properly, and the Bayern Munich star could have been ideal. He has been exceptional for the German club this season, and he is certainly good enough to play for the biggest club in the world.
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool moves on to another target now. They need to sign two quality central defenders, and they have already secured Jeremy Jacquet’s signature. Adding another quality central defender should be an absolute priority for them.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will be delighted to have secured the long-term future of their star defender. He is an indispensable asset for them, and his departure would have been a huge blow.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can convince Konate to stay at the club. If they manage to do that, it would certainly offset the blow of missing out on his compatriot.
Liverpool are working on plans to replace struggling manager Arne Slot after a disappointing season.
Having spent a massive amount on new signings last summer, Slot has struggled to keep the club competitive at the top level.
Since October, Liverpool have struggled to keep up pace with Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League standings.
Although their performances have been impressive in the Champions League, they have failed to have the same impact in the Premier League.
The signings of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and others have so far not completely lived up to expectations, possibly without the exception of Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool identify Alonso as managerial target
Although nothing is decided at the moment, according to Fichajes, the Reds are interested in appointing Spanish manager Xabi Alonso as the next leader of the club.
Alonso was recently sacked by Real Madrid and despite his tough spell in Spain, he is still highly rated for his impressive work with Bayer Leverkusen where he ended the dominance of Bayern Munich.
Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain and a report has claimed that he is on the shortlist of Man City to replace the legendary manager.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised Alonso in the past, calling him ‘exceptional‘.
Alonso knows the club well, he knows the sentiments of the fans and the type of football they want to see at the club.
He would be the ideal replacement of Slot at the club and players at Anfield would respect him due to his past success at the club as a player.
Andy Robertson’s future at Liverpool is increasingly under scrutiny, with the Scotland international now expected ‘assess his options’ when his contract expires this summer.
According to Football Insider, the long-serving left-back is open to a new challenge after seeing his role at Anfield diminish over the course of the season.
Robertson, 31, has been one of Liverpool’s most influential players of the modern era, but recent developments have shifted his standing within the squad.
The arrival of Milos Kerkez has altered the pecking order at left-back, and head coach Arne Slot, Robertson is no longer considered the automatic first choice.
That reduced involvement has prompted serious reflection as he approaches the final months of his deal.
January interest and Tottenham’s persistent monitoring
Despite that rejection, Tottenham are believed to have revisited the situation on Deadline Day, making further enquiries to understand whether Liverpool’s position had softened.
It had not. Liverpool made it clear that Robertson would not be leaving midway through the campaign, particularly with the club still competing across multiple fronts.
Andy Robertson celebrates Liverpool’s victory over Burnley. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
While Liverpool’s refusal to sell in January was unsurprising, the longer-term picture appears more fluid.
With Kerkez increasingly trusted and Slot implementing a system that demands different positional profiles, Robertson’s minutes have declined sharply.
For a player accustomed to being central to Liverpool’s identity, that shift has been significant.
Sources close to the situation suggest Robertson remains highly professional and respected within the dressing room, but he is also realistic about his stage of career.
Robertson’s contribution to Liverpool cannot be overstated. Since arriving from Hull City, he has been a cornerstone of the club’s most successful period in decades.
The transfer window is now closed, so we’ve rounded up every single done deal by all 20 Premier League clubs over the last month.
It wasn’t the most memorable January transfer window, but read on for every done deal as there were some major deals done by the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.
For City, it was a pretty exciting window as Pep Guardiola moved to bring in Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth after his terrific form there in the last year and a half or so.
Meanwhile, Marc Guehi also made the move to the Etihad Stadium to fill the void left by the injured Josko Gvardiol, meaning that long-running saga came to an end a little earlier than expected, with his Crystal Palace contract only a few months away from expiring anyway.
For Arsenal, it was mostly a window of exits, as Ethan Nwaneri joined Marseille on loan, while Oleksandr Zinchenko left for a permanent move to Ajax.
Elsewhere, Conor Gallagher was a big name arrival back to the Premier League, with the former Chelsea midfielder leaving Atletico Madrid after a year and a half to join Tottenham.
Read on for our full list of done deals from this transfer window…
Arsenal
IN
None
OUT
Osman Kamara – Blackburn, undisclosed
Oleksandr Zinchenko – Ajax, undisclosed
Louie Copley – Crawley, loan
Ethan Nwaneri – Marseille, loan
Maldini Kacurri – Grimsby, loan
Aston Villa
Tammy Abraham in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
IN
Tammy Abraham – Besiktas, £18.2m
Alysson – Gremio, £10m
Brian Madjo – Metz, undisclosed
Leon Bailey – Roma, loan recall
Douglas Luiz – Juventus, loan
OUT
Louie Barry – Stockport, loan
Samuel Iling-Junior, Pisa, loan
Ben Broggio – Falkirk, loan
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba – West Brom, loan
Evann Guessand – Crystal Palace, loan
Aidan Borland – Swindon, loan
Sil Swinkels – Chesterfield, loan
Donyell Malen – Roma, loan with £21.6m obligation to buy
Liverpool have reportedly taken another step closer to signing Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who has now had his medical with the Reds.
The talented 20-year-old has been the subject of a lot of interest this winter, with the Athletic reporting on his medical with Liverpool being scheduled.
And now Mike McGrath of the Telegraph has posted on X that that medical has now been done, with Jacquet all set to join Liverpool for a potential £60m package in the summer.
Jérémy Jacquet has completed his medical at Liverpool. The 20yr centre-back will join #LFC in £60m deal, with £55m up front and join in the summer after completing the season with Rennes
McGrath posted: “Jérémy Jacquet has completed his medical at Liverpool. The 20yr centre-back will join #LFC in £60m deal, with £55m up front and join in the summer after completing the season with Rennes.”
Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol had posted about the Blues pursuing the young defender, with Rennes’ preference always being to keep him until the summer.
Perhaps this ended up being the key detail, as LFC have clearly allowed Jacquet to remain with the Ligue 1 club for a few more months.
Jeremy Jacquet in action for Rennes
Chelsea, by contrast, looked like they really needed a new defender now, and this led to them recalling Mamadou Sarr from his loan spell at Strasbourg.
Liverpool fans will be delighted to see their club move quickly to hijack the deal and secure the services of one of the most highly regarded young defenders in Europe.
Arne Slot looks like he could do with a signing like this for the near future, with Virgil van Dijk not getting any younger, while Ibrahima Konate is coming towards the end of his contract this summer.
?? EXCLUSIVE: Dayot Upamecano approves new deal at Bayern, clubs interested are informed!
He’s set to sign new contract soon at FC Bayern, happy to stay as huge boost for the club after big efforts from club and player side to make it happen. ??
Romano posted: “Dayot Upamecano approves new deal at Bayern, clubs interested are informed! He’s set to sign new contract soon at FC Bayern, happy to stay as huge boost for the club after big efforts from club and player side to make it happen. It will be valid until 2030.”
Dayot Upamecano decision looks like a blow for Liverpool
We’ve previously reported on Liverpool’s interest in Upamecano, as has Christian Falk in one of his columns here, but the Reds now look set to miss out on the 27-year-old.
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
This is hardly ideal for LFC at a time when they look in need of a major shake-up in defence, with Ibrahima Konate coming towards the end of his contract at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger, so there could soon be the need for a player of Upamecano’s calibre to come in and become a new key player in Arne Slot’s back line.
Bayern fans will be delighted, though, as Upamecano can now put the speculation behind him and focus on getting back to his very best.
Liverpool are closing in on one of their most significant long-term defensive investments, with Jérémy Jacquet travelling to the North West today to complete the final stages of his move from Stade Rennais.
The update was confirmed by respected journalist David Ornstein, who reports that all parties are working to finalise the deal, with a medical scheduled to take place imminently.
The 20-year-old defender is set to sign a long-term contract at Liverpool, committing his future until June 2031, with the option of a further one-year extension.
The agreement shows Liverpool’s confidence in Jacquet’s potential, with the club viewing him as a cornerstone of their defensive plans for the next decade.
Structure of the deal and long term vision
The transfer has been agreed already, with Liverpool set to pay an initial £55 million, plus a further £5 million in add-ons, from the summer of 2026.
This structure reflects Liverpool’s careful financial planning while allowing Rennes to maximise value for one of their most prized assets.
Jacquet’s rise at Rennes has been rapid. Having broken into the first team at a young age, he has earned plaudits for his composure, his talent and his future potential.
Liverpool’s advantage lay in early engagement and clarity. The club presented Jacquet with a clear pathway to first-team involvement, alongside a long-term sporting project built around sustained competitiveness domestically and in Europe.
That vision proved decisive in convincing both the player and Rennes.
Chelsea have cooled their interest in Jérémy Jacquet following a significant shift in circumstances over the past 48 hours, clearing the path for Liverpool to move decisively for the Rennes defender.
The update was provided by well-connected journalist Ben Jacobs, who revealed how quickly the balance of the deal has swung in Liverpool’s favour.
Jacquet has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs after an impressive rise in Stade Rennais colours, but Liverpool’s groundwork has proven decisive.
The Reds are understood to have opened dialogue more than three weeks ago before ramping up negotiations in recent days, pushing to pre-agree terms and move swiftly towards completion.
That decisive approach has now paid off, with Jacquet’s medical scheduled to take place on Monday.
The club were fully aware of Rennes’ valuation and, crucially, did not see personal terms as a stumbling block. However, developments within Chelsea’s own defensive department have altered the equation.
The impending return of Mamadou Sarr from his loan spell at RC Strasbourg has bolstered depth at centre-back, reducing the urgency to recruit externally.
At the same time, Chelsea remain keen to protect the pathway of highly rated academy talent Josh Acheampong, who is viewed internally as a long-term option rather than a player to be blocked by another young signing.
With no appetite to sell Acheampong and a reluctance to overcrowd the position, Chelsea have now stepped away from the deal entirely, allowing Liverpool a clear run.
Liverpool are absolutely in the race to sign Jeremy Jacquet, as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reveals the battle for the French defender has reached its “very final stages.”
While Chelsea have long been considered the frontrunners, the Reds have emerged as a serious threat to hijack the deal, with negotiations intensifying just 24 hours before the February transfer deadline.
According to Romano, Liverpool’s interest is far from a last-minute whim. Writing on X, he stated:
“Liverpool are absolutely IN the race not from today or yesterday, it all started 20 days ago as revealed. Chelsea been negotiating for weeks as well.”
?? The race for Jeremy Jacquet reaches very final stages to agree deal now for June 2026. ?
Liverpool are absolutely IN the race not from today or yesterday, it all started 20 days ago as revealed.
While Bayern Munich was previously linked, Romano suggests the German champions are now “unlikely” to pursue a deal, leaving a clear path for a move to England.
With Rennes holding out for a fee in the region of €50m (£43m), the coming hours will determine which club secures the “green light” from the French side.
(Photo by Ewen Gavet/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
A signing for the future, not a fix for the present
However, despite the late-night excitement, there is a significant catch for Arne Slot. Jeremy Jacquet is a signing for July 2026 and will not provide immediate relief for Liverpool’s current defensive crisis.
Rennes have remained resolute that they will not sanction a winter departure, insisting that any agreement reached now must see the player remain in France until the end of the season.
This news is a bitter pill for Liverpool fans, who had hoped a new centre-back would arrive to cover for the injured Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni.
While Jacquet would represent a major investement for the future, he offers no help for the title run-in over the next four months.
Dominik Szoboszlai has admitted that his future at Liverpool is no longer in his hands after confirming there has been no progress in contract extension talks with the club.
Dominik Szoboszlai: Liverpool future out of my hands
(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Speaking after Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle on Saturday, where he was forced into an emergency right-back role, Szoboszlai was candid about the lack of movement regarding a new deal.
“Nothing yet, to be honest. Nothing, from now on… it is not in my hands.”
“It works this way. When you would like to stay, then to be honest it is not…. there is no progression but if the right offer comes then let’s see.”
While his current contract runs until 2028, the club had reportedly opened talks earlier this season to reward his form.
However, Szoboszlai’s admission that the situation is “not on me” suggests a disconnect in negotiations between his representatives and sporting director Richard Hughes.
“Right now I am doing my job on the pitch, we will see in the future.
“I like the city, I like the club, I like playing with these guys. I love Anfield, I love the fans, let’s see what the future holds. It is not on me. I would love to (stay).”
Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player this season
The timing of the contract standoff is particularly worrying given that Szoboszlai has arguably been Liverpool’s standout performer this campaign.
He has been the club’s most consistent creative force and has already registered eight goals and seven assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
His importance was on full display against Newcastle, where he filled in defensively due to injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.
Statistically, he leads the Premier League for shots from outside the box (34), underlining his role as a primary attacking threat.
He has also shown incredible versatility, having played six different positions so far.
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Attacking Midfield
10
1
1
Right Winger
6
2
1
Central Midfield
6
2
4
Right-Back
6
1
0
Defensive Midfield
3
1
1
Right Midfield
2
1
0
Total
33
8
7
Dominik Szoboszlai’s 2025/26 stats across different positions via Transfermarkt
With Liverpool currently competing for the Premier League and Champions League titles, losing their influential “number eight” would be a catastrophic blow to the project under Arne Slot.
Richard Hughes under fire for poor transfer dealings of late
The uncertainty surrounding Szoboszlai adds to the mounting pressure on sporting director Richard Hughes, who has come under heavy fire for a string of failed negotiations.
Fans have been left frustrated after Liverpool famously missed out on top defensive target Marc Guehi in the summer of 2025.
Despite reportedly having a deal agreed, Hughes was accused of leaving the finalization too late, allowing Crystal Palace to pull the plug. To make matters worse, Guehi joined rivals Manchester City just weeks ago in a cut-price January deal.
And now it appears that the move for Lutsharel Geertruida has also collapsed.
Despite personal terms being agreed with the RB Leipzig man (currently on loan at Sunderland), it is now being reported that the deal is unlikely to go through.
This as well as the lack of progress in contract talks with Szoboszlai and Konate has left fans frustrated.
According to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, top clubs are involved in the race to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.
As things stand, Liverpool and Chelsea are both understood to be in active dialogue with Rennes and the player’s representatives, as they explore the framework of a future transfer rather than an immediate move.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Bayern Munich are currently unlikely to pursue the deal, leaving the contest largely centred on England.
Crucially, Rennes are determined to retain Jacquet until at least July 2026, a stance that has shaped the negotiations.
Rennes are destined to lose Jacquet in the future
The Ligue 1 side view the highly rated centre-back as a core part of their medium-term project and are reluctant to weaken their defensive depth in the short term.
Any agreement reached now would therefore be structured as a delayed transfer, allowing Rennes to continue benefitting from his development while securing long-term financial clarity.
Jacquet has steadily established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in French football.
During the 2025/26 season, he has featured regularly across Ligue 1 and domestic cup competitions, logging significant minutes for a player of his age.
His strengths lie in his positional awareness, aerial timing, and calm distribution under pressure.
Data from Ligue 1 this season places him among Rennes’ most reliable defenders for duel success and progressive passes, showing his growing tactical maturity.
The uncertain future of defender Ibrahima Konate is forcing the Reds to look for a new defender in the market. Not to forget they also lost out on signing of Marc Guehi, who recently joined Manchester City.
Liverpool’s late activity in the transfer market appears to be gathering pace, with the club stepping up efforts to reinforce their defensive options ahead of the deadline.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are in active talks to sign Lutsharel Geertruida, a player well known to head coach Arne Slot from their successful spell together at Feyenoord.
Liverpool’s renewed interest is closely tied to their current injury situation. With Jeremie Frimpong sidelined and Conor Bradley ruled out until the end of the season, depth in the wide defensive areas has become a pressing concern.
That context has pushed Liverpool into the market, and Geertruida has quickly emerged as a leading candidate due to both availability and tactical suitability.
Liverpool have already started talks to sign Geertruida
Romano reports that Liverpool are already engaged in club-to-club discussions, with initial contacts made over a potential late move that could be completed before Monday’s deadline.
While negotiations remain ongoing, the familiarity between Slot and Geertruida is believed to be a key factor driving the pursuit forward.
The Dutch manager trusted Geertruida heavily during his time in Rotterdam, using him as a versatile defensive option capable of operating at right-back, centre-back, or in a hybrid role depending on the system.
Geertruida spent the first six years of his professional career at Feyenoord, three of them under Slot’s guidance.
During that period, he developed into one of the Eredivisie’s most reliable defenders and played an important role in Feyenoord’s title-winning 2022/23 campaign.
Lutsharel Geertruida of Sunderland (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
His tactical discipline, comfort in possession, and ability to step into midfield during build-up phases mathes closely with Slot’s footballing principles.
This season’s situation, however, has been less straightforward. Geertruida is currently on loan with an option to buy from RB Leipzig, while also having featured prominently for Sunderland.
The future of Dayot Upamecano is attracting attention as the Bayern Munich defender is set to become a free agent in the summer.
According to TEAMtalk, a host of major sides, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter, have all held discussions with Upamecano’s camp.
The widespread interest reflects both the player’s standing at the top level and the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation in Munich.
Upamecano’s current deal with Bayern Munich is set to expire in the summer, and while Bayern have tabled a renewal proposal, the club have made it clear that the offer will not remain on the table indefinitely.
Liverpool & Chelsea show interest in Dayot Upamecano
From Bayern’s perspective, the stakes are high. Upamecano has been a regular figure in their back line when fit, trusted in domestic competition and on the European stage.
Losing him on a free transfer would represent a significant financial and sporting blow, particularly at a time when elite centre-backs are commanding premium fees across the market.
For the interested clubs, the appeal is obvious. Premier League sides see Upamecano as a ready-made option with Champions League experience, while Spain and Italy’s giants are alert to the rare chance of landing a proven defender without a transfer fee.
Bayern Munich appear worried about the French defender
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Even if Bayern remain confident of reaching an agreement, the sheer volume of interest has understandably raised concerns inside the club.
For Upamecano himself, the coming weeks could define the next phase of his career.
Staying at Bayern would offer continuity and a familiar environment, but the opportunity to test himself in a new league, potentially as a defensive leader, is a tempting proposition.
His decision will also influence Bayern’s wider squad planning, as a failure to secure an extension would force them into the market sooner than anticipated.
As negotiations continue, Bayern’s deadline adds urgency to an already tense situation.
Liverpool’s defensive planning may be taking shape behind the scenes, with reports from Sky Sports Italia suggesting the club have made an initial enquiry to Inter Milan regarding the availability of right-back Denzel Dumfries.
The approach is understood to be exploratory rather than advanced, but it highlights Liverpool’s growing awareness of potential changes in the right-back market.
Dumfries, now 29, has been a key figure for Inter since joining from PSV in 2021, playing a major role in their domestic and European success over recent seasons.
However, his current campaign has been disrupted by an ankle injury sustained in November, limiting both his availability and rhythm during a demanding schedule.
Denzel Dumfries is being targeted by Liverpool
Dumfries has made appearances across Serie A and European competition, though his minutes have been managed carefully since returning from injury.
He regularly contributes goals and assists from wing-back positions, a trait that has long attracted Premier League interest.
From Liverpool’s perspective, any serious move would be closely linked to developments elsewhere in their squad.
Much depends on the fitness and long-term outlook of Jeremie Frimpong, whose injury status is believed to be a key factor in shaping recruitment decisions.
Liverpool have increasingly prioritised full-backs who can provide width, intensity, and end product in advanced areas, qualities Dumfries offers in abundance when operating at full capacity.
Tactically, Dumfries would represent a different profile to Liverpool’s existing right-back options. His physicality, aerial strength, and direct running could add an alternative dimension.
Should the Reds move for the experienced Inter star?
Denzel Dumfries applauds the Inter Milan fans (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
That said, his age and recent injury record mean any deal would require careful assessment, both medically and financially.
Inter, for their part, are not actively pushing Dumfries out of the door. The Serie A side value his experience and leadership, but they are also mindful of squad evolution and market opportunities.
Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong picked up an injury against Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League during midweek.
The Netherlands international is expected to be sidelined for a significant period, and the team is now considering potential alternatives.
Liverpool want Denzel Dumfries
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Premier League champions have now made enquiries for the Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries.
The Netherlands international has been linked with a move to the Premier League before, and it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool makes an offer for him. The player is currently sidelined with an injury, and it would be quite surprising if Liverpool made a move for him while he is not fit and available.
The 29-year-old is a quality player who has shown his ability in Italian football. He has done quite well for his country internationally. There is no doubt that he would be a useful acquisition for Liverpool. He has the quality and the experience to play for them, and he could help Liverpool at both ends of the pitch.
Denzel Dumfries in action for Inter Milan (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for him at this stage of his career.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan are unlikely to sanction his departure without signing a quality replacement. They are keeping tabs on Norton-Cuffy as a potential alternative.
Despite the links with the Netherlands international, a January move seems highly unlikely, mainly because of the player’s injury situation. Liverpool need someone who can come in and make an immediate impact. Conor Bradley and Frimpong are sidelined with injuries, so it does not make sense for them to sign another full-back who is recovering from injury.
Ben Jacobs has dismissed speculation surrounding Liverpool enquiring for Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries following the recent injury to Jeremie Frimpong.
Despite reports from Italy suggesting the Reds had made contact with the Nerazzurri, it appears Anfield officials may not be pursuing a deal for the Dutch wing-back as the January transfer window enters its final hours.
The rumors gained traction after Liverpool’s defensive depth was pushed to the breaking point, but Jacobs’ latest update suggests the club is looking elsewhere, or perhaps nowhere at all, before Monday’s deadline.
(Photo by Luca Rossini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ben Jacobs update on Denzel Dumfries to Liverpool
Taking to social media to clarify the situation, Ben Jacobs was quick to pour cold water on the growing narrative that Dumfries could be the solution to Liverpool’s right-back crisis.
“Told there is nothing in links for January with Liverpool and Denzel Dumfries,” Jacobs posted on X.
Told there is nothing in links for January with Liverpool and Denzel Dumfries.? pic.twitter.com/f7ZjW9efBh
The dismissal comes despite high-profile claims from Italian journalists, including Gianluca Di Marzio, who suggested Liverpool had reached out to Inter to gauge the 29-year-old’s availability.
That said, Dumfries is currently sidelined with his own fitness issues and is unlikely to be back on the pitch until late February/March, making it an unlikely option for Liverpool to pursue as an emergency January signing.
Liverpool’s right-back crisis
The urgency for defensive reinforcements at Anfield is real, regardless of the Dumfries denial.
Arne Slot is currently navigating a nightmare scenario on the right flank following a series of unfortunate setbacks.
Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season following a awful knee injury sustained against Arsenal.
Jeremie Frimpong, the summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, limped off just minutes into the midweek 6-0 win over Qarabag. While Slot confirmed the injury is “not as bad as feared,” he is still set to miss several weeks.
Player
Injury
Conor Bradley
Knee Injury
Giovanni Leoni
Knee Injury
Jeremie Frimpong
Thigh Injury
Joe Gomez
Hip Injury
List of Liverpool defenders out injured
Joe Gomez, the versatile defender capable of playing right-back, is also currently unavailable due to a hip issue, though he is expected to return sooner than the others.
With no fit senior right-backs available for the upcoming clash against Newcastle, Slot may be forced to play midfielders like Wataru Endo or Dominik Szoboszlai in a makeshift back four.
While the club remains alert to market opportunities, Jacobs’ update indicates that fans shouldn’t expect Dumfries to be the one arriving at the AXA Training Centre this winter.
Liverpool may have just been handed an unexpected transfer opportunity and it could help Arne Slot solve one of the biggest problems threatening their season.
Liverpool could use Curtis Jones to sign Denzel Dumfries
According to Romano, the Nerazzurri have identified Jones as their primary candidate to replace Davide Frattesi, who is closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest.
While discussions have reportedly begun around a loan with an option to buy, this latest development could open another door for the Reds.
According to reports emerging from Italy, later covered by The Mirror, Liverpool have made enquiries about Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries.
With Inter needing a technical midfielder and Liverpool desperate for a right-back, there is an opportunity for a potential exchange involving the two stars that could be discussed as the clubs look to find a solution before Monday’s deadline.
(Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s growing defensive urgency
Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that summer signing Jeremie Frimpong is set to miss several weeks with a muscle injury, joining Conor Bradley who is expected to be out for the season.
With no senior right-backs available, a move for Dumfries makes sense.
The Dutch international, who has frequently been linked with a move to Manchester United, would bring the Champions League experience, tactical versatility, and the kind of athletic profile suited to Premier League football.
Denzel Dumfries 24/25 stats for Inter Milan
A loan deal could be the ideal short-term fix to keep Liverpool’s top-four hopes alive.
Curtis Jones sacrifice may become necessary
While losing a homegrown talent like Curtis Jones mid-season would be a blow, it may be a sacrifice that the Reds will need to make.
Jones has struggled for consistent starts under Slot, finding himself behind the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz.
With midfield depth intact and defensive options stretched thin, Liverpool may be forced to prioritise addressing defensive crisis over midfield depth.
There is one potential complication, Dumfries is currently managing a minor injury himself and is not expected back until late February.
Still, Liverpool could see this as an opportunity too good to ignore, especially with top-four ambitions hanging in the balance.
Inter Milan have entered direct club-to-club negotiations with Liverpool for the signing of midfielder Curtis Jones, according to a bombshell update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian giants are reportedly pursuing a loan deal that includes a purchase option clause as they look to bolster their squad for the second half of the 2026 season.
The deal is part of a complex transfer domino effect currently unfolding across Europe. Inter’s move for the 25-year-old is directly linked to the potential exit of Davide Frattesi, who is currently a target for Nottingham Forest.
(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Inter Milan in talks with Liverpool for Curtis Jones
With the January window reaching its final stages, Romano has revealed that Inter and Liverpool officials are in active discussions.
Inter are eager to add technical quality to their midfield as they fight for the Serie A title and compete in the Champions League knockout stages.
“Inter are in direct club to club talks with Liverpool for Curtis Jones on loan deal with buy option clause. Negotiations ongoing but linked to Davide Frattesi exit with #NFFC waiting for an answer.”
???? Inter are in direct club to club talks with Liverpool for Curtis Jones on loan deal with buy option clause.
Negotiations ongoing but linked to Davide Frattesi exit with #NFFC waiting for an answer.
The prospect of losing Jones could go either way for the Reds in what is going to be a crucial second half of the season for them.
While the Scouser has never quite been an undisputed nailed on starter, he has matured into a vital squad player under Arne Slot.
In a season plagued by injuries, particularly in the defensive and midfield departments, Jones has provided essential tactical flexibility.
He has been deployed as a holding midfielder, an advanced “number ten,” and even filled in at right-back during an injury crisis earlier this year.
Letting him leave on loan without a direct replacement could be seen as a massive gamble for Slot, especially given the club’s current form.
Curtis Jones time at Liverpool
A product of the club’s academy since the age of nine, Jones has already surpassed 200 appearances for the Reds.
He has been a fixture of the first-team squad since 2020, helping the club secure two Premier League titles and multiple domestic cups.
Team
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Liverpool FC
208
19
23
Liverpool FC U21
34
13
5
Liverpool FC U18
29
15
6
Liverpool UEFA U19
18
13
3
Total
289
60
37
Curtis Jones – Liverpool stats across all levels via Transfermarkt
Known for his exceptional ball retention and scouse swagger on the pitch, Jones has often been hailed by coaching staff and teammates for his leadership qualities and his technical ability.
However, with his contract entering its final 18 months, both the player and the club may feel that a fresh challenge in Italy represents the best path forward if a regular starting role at Anfield remains elusive.
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