The January transfer opens in just 39 days, meaning that Liverpool will attempt to identify potential targets while tackling a busy festive schedule.
Liverpool has exceeded expectations this season, boasting a five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table and winning all four Champions League games so far. New head coach Arne Slot has adapted to life in Liverpool much faster than fans expected, and could use some help in the transfer market to keep the momentum going.
Slot still has the majority of the squad handed over to him by former head coach Jurgen Klopp, and has one of the best rosters in world soccer. However, many of Liverpool’s top talents are aging and scouts will already be identifying future replacements.
The main concern at Liverpool is potential outgoings, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of contract at the end of the season. While there is optimism that extensions will be signed, Liverpool may have been handed a major boost when it comes to retaining Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid explore Pedro Porro move
Alexander-Arnold is one of the best right-backs in the world, and is certainly one of a kind due to playing an untraditional role. His talents attracted the interest of Madrid and the Spanish giants have made it clear they’re hopeful of signing the Liverpool player on a free transfer next summer.
Madrid is seeking a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, and have since been linked with Tottenham defender Pedro Porro. The 25-year-old is happy in England, but as a Spaniard, admitted that hearing of Madrid’s interest was a “compliment” while on international duty.
“I am focused on my job. I am 25 years old, at 26 I don’t know where I can be, football is like that,” Porro said to ElDesmarque. “I am settled in English football, I have a contract until 2028. My name and others are mentioned, but I am focused on my club and now with the national team.
“My friends send me rumors, it is a compliment, but I am focused. It is the result of a job well done that one of the best clubs in the world has noticed me.” Porro rejected an offer from Madrid at the age of 18 in order to prioritize his development and join fellow Spanish club Girona, but should he accept a second approach it could end Alexander-Arnold’s current saga.
Marcus Thuram interest revived
Liverpool is stacked when it comes to attacking options, but Slot is already looking towards the future as he looks to assemble the next offensive line. Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush continues to be linked to Liverpool, but now Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram has attracted interest.
Thuram was linked with Liverpool in the past when Klopp was head coach, with the German keen to sign him from Borussia Monchengladbach. Thuram ended up joining Inter on a free transfer and has been one of the top strikers in Europe this season.
Italian outlet Calciomercato claims that Liverpool’s interest in Thuram has been ‘confirmed’, and with eight goals in 15 games, it’s not surprising. But with an $88 million release clause in his contract, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will trigger a blockbuster move.
A deal for Thuram would likely hinge on current striker Darwin Nunez, with Slot seemingly unconvinced by Klopp’s most expensive signing. Thuram is also said to be loving his time in Italy, and has only recently moved to Milan.
