Liverpool is after potential signings in January to bolster the squad in pursuit of silverware following a fine start to the season.
The Reds must address the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold soon, with all three key players yet to extend their current deals – which expire at the end of this season. While Liverpool is working on resolving that issue, the club keeps an eye on transfer targets elsewhere.
Arne Slot took over a talented roster by former head coach Jurgen Klopp, and the Reds are the only team with a flawless record in the Champions League while holding a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. However, with arguably its three most important players facing uncertain futures, Liverpool is assessing what top-level players could be available on the market.
Here is the latest Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around Anfield, with the Reds seemingly eyeing a replacement for Salah:
Raayan Cherki (Olympique Lyonnais)
Liverpool is interested in signing Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki and the Ligue 1 club’s ongoing financial issues will help carve out any deal. The 21-year-old Cherki – who has been compared to Eden Hazard due to his build, ability to dribble, and quality with either foot – has made 152 appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals and assisting 28.
Cherki’s current contract expires in 2026 and, according to L’Équipe, he has already rejected Paris Saint-Germain. The winger has attracted interest in the past from the likes of Chelsea, and Fulham, but Liverpool is in the race for his services with Lyon valuing the French starlet at around $26 million.
With Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai tasked with being the advanced midfielders, the future is bright given their ages and current quality. Cherki would have to earn a starting spot, but his talent would be a welcome boost to squad depth.
Andrija Maksimovic (Red Star Belgrade)
Serbian teenage sensation Andrija Maksimovic has attracted the interest of both Liverpool and Chelsea due to his performances and exciting potential. The highly-rated attacking midfielder can operate in wide areas as well as centrally, and he possesses all the attributes to develop into a top-class playmaker soon.
At 17 years of age, Maksimovic is already an important first-team player for Red Star Belgrade with 12 goal contributions in 16 matches across all competitions. While he would likely need time to adapt to English football, his tender age means time is on the side of the forward, and he’d surely be interested in playing in the Premier League.
Maksimovic has been likened to Lionel Messi due to his playing style and potential. However, he will not come cheap; Maksimovic has a contract with Red Star until June 2027.
