With less than a month until Liverpool can re-enter the transfer market, Jude Bellingham's name is being linked with Anfield. This follows the England star's struggles with form at Real Madrid.
Such a major transfer would normally be impossible during most winter windows, but whispers of Liverpool's interest are mounting ahead of the summer. And one high-profile player under Arne Slot could potentially be used as leverage to tempt Real into parting with Bellingham.
Recent weeks have also witnessed growing speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah, who has reportedly been given a "very clear" message from Liverpool. Here are the latest developments at Anfield this week as rumours gather pace ahead of a busy 2026.
Bellingham Liverpool 'swap deal'
Despite his recent dip in form at the Bernabeu, Bellingham remains one of the most valuable assets currently on Real's books. However, that hasn't prevented some sections of the Madrid press from targeting the Englishman.
As a pivotal figure in Xabi Alonso's squad, Bellingham has encountered the same pressures that other British imports have faced in Spain. And with that comes the predictable knee-jerk reaction suggesting the struggling star could be heading for the exit.
Real recently lost their hold on the top spot in La Liga after a string of three domestic draws. Naturally, some of the blame for this slip to second place falls on Bellingham, although any speculation about a transfer is certainly premature.
However, Defensa Central has suggested that a move to Liverpool could be in the pipeline as soon as next summer. The story implies that the Reds are keen to take advantage of Bellingham's recent slump by making a bid for him - potentially including Alexis Mac Allister in the deal.
Real Madrid have been associated with Mac Allister for some time and are reportedly big fans of the World Cup winner. As such, Liverpool might consider letting him go in a swap deal with Real.
Given the disparity in their most recent transfer fees, it's likely that Liverpool would need to add a significant cash amount alongside Mac Allister to secure Bellingham. The Argentinian has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Liverpool, while Bellingham's agreement with Real doesn't expire until 2029, suggesting there may not be much substance to the rumours.
Jude Bellingham has been linked with a bizarre swap move to Liverpool
Jude Bellingham has been linked with a bizarre swap move to Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool 'very clear' on Salah
Speculation is once more building around the future of Salah, who remained an unused substitute during Liverpool's 2-0 triumph over West Ham on Sunday. The Egyptian watched from the sidelines as Liverpool halted their recent losing streak without his involvement, courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak (his first Premier League strike for the Reds) and Cody Gakpo, reports the Liverpool Echo.
This surprising development has reignited rumours connecting Salah with an exit from Anfield. Reports of interest from Saudi Arabia have re-emerged just months after he reportedly turned down lucrative offers to pen a new two-year deal on Merseyside.
However, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reassured fans that the Liverpool management has sent a "very clear" message regarding the forward's future. The position is that no player will be judged on recent underwhelming displays, with few under Slot's stewardship avoiding criticism for their role in this decline.
Regardless, Salah is set for a respite from the Liverpool spotlight as he links up with Egypt this month for the Africa Cup of Nations. Only once the winger returns from the tournament will fans gain a clearer picture of Slot's plans for the player this season.
The four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner deserves a proper send-off in acknowledgement of his legacy, having been pivotal to Liverpool's title triumphs in recent years. However, the second half of the campaign will seemingly prove crucial in determining whether he departs on his own terms.