Rayan Cherki of Lyon celebrates
Liverpool are nearing the January transfer window, when Arne Slot could be tempted to make mid-season additions to his squad.
The Reds don’t necessarily need to strengthen their hand because they sit top of the Premier League despite dropping points against Fulham last weekend and the postponement of the Merseyside Derby further trimming their gap.
Slot is also overseeing a miraculous campaign in other competitions, with a 2-1 win over Southampton on Wednesday taking Liverpool into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. They also have a perfect record in the Champions League, but there is always the temptation to make deals.
The transfer rumour mill is now in operation ahead of the January window opening for business on January 1. Let us take a look at the latest rumours and news from the world of Liverpool.
Race for Cherki
Lyon’s Rayan Cherki has been turning heads in France, having returned five goals and seven assists in 17 appearances this season. The 21-year-old attacker is only under contract with Lyon until June 2026, presenting an opportunity to sign him on the cheap.
Liverpool and Chelsea have both been credited with interest – and now French outlet RMC Sport reports that the Reds have ‘positioned themselves’ to land Cherki. Paris Saint-Germain are not in the hunt, meaning a move to the Premier League could be on in January.
Zubimendi explains snub
Liverpool had a quiet summer transfer window, in part due to Martin Zubimendi, who rejected the chance to move to Merseyside. The Reds triggered his £50million release clause, only for the 25-year-old to pull out at the last minute.
Zubimendi has now explained what happened. “I don’t believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush,” he told El Diario Vasco.
“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was staying.”
Sunderland star warned off move
Liverpool are interested in signing Sunderland youngster Trey Ogunsuyi, who has been tearing it up in academy football. Ogunsuyi has scored 15 goals in 17 appearances across their youth teams this season.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris is desperate to keep him, so has issued his young forward a piece of advice. "When you move to another club with a very strong squad you have to find the right environment to develop yourself,” he said.
“I don't know. Social media and so on can talk a lot but at the end if we create the right environment and the player, his family and agents are rational, we are in a good place to create the right pathway for him."
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