Liverpool have been linked with a long-standing interest in Marc Guehi and a development has emerged in his future as a 'dream transfer' is being lined up
08:36, 03 Jan 2026
Arne Slot
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Arne Slot's defender transfer plans are taking shape(Image: PA)
Just as Liverpool appeared to be correcting their dreadful title defence, a drab New Year's Day stalemate with Leeds thrust the Reds back into uncertainty. Despite controlling the ball, Liverpool managed only three efforts on target and appeared lacking in both belief and cohesion from start to finish.
The result leaves them trailing by 12 points in the title hunt, with Arsenal stretching their advantage at the top to four points following victory over Aston Villa before Manchester City's draw with Sunderland.
With the January transfer window now open, focus is naturally shifting towards potential signings, where Liverpool have been linked with numerous blockbuster deals. Following record-breaking summer spending, another spending spree appears doubtful, yet their faltering displays show squad additions might be necessary if the title holders are to clinch a top-four spot.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest news from Anfield.
Guehi transfer development
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur
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Marc Guehi is eyeing up a 'dream transfer'(Image: (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images))
Liverpool have always been viewed as favourites to secure Marc Guehi, yet their chase could still be scuppered by attention from Real Madrid. Spanish media claims suggest the Crystal Palace centre-back regards a switch to the Bernabeu as his "dream" destination - a development that risks complicating his expected summer move to Anfield.
The Reds nearly signed Guehi last summer, only for a deadline day agreement to fall through at the last moment. With his contract due to run out at the season's end and no signs of an extension being agreed, Liverpool have been heavily linked with rekindling their pursuit, especially given the foundations already in place and their requirement to bolster their backline.
Nevertheless, should Los Blancos officially throw their hat into the ring, Guehi might be swayed to choose Madrid over Merseyside. The Spanish powerhouses had previously considered a swoop for Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, but after their interest waned, focus may have shifted to the Palace star.
According to AS, Guehi is willing to keep his options open and "choose the best fit" in the summer. Whilst Liverpool remain frontrunners, it's believed the England international would favour a switch to Real Madrid if they could assure him regular first-team football.
Liverpool 'close in' on £43m deal
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres and Club's Joel Ordonez fight for the ball
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Liverpool are in pursuit of Club Bruge centre-back Joel Ordonez(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool are edging closer to the £43million signing of Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez, with the Reds poised to pip Chelsea to the 21-year-old's signature.
The agreement reportedly is an upfront payment of £35m plus £8m in add-ons and is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, taking Liverpool's total spending this season near the £500m threshold. Ordonez is considered one of the most promising young defenders in global football.
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The Ecuadorian international has already clocked up over 100 senior appearances for Club Brugge and is a product of the esteemed Independiente del Valle academy, which has produced stars such as Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie and Willian Pacho.
It's still uncertain whether Ordonez's signing indicates a shift away from Liverpool's long-standing interest in Guehi or simply a bid to bolster their squad depth, but the young player is expected to be thrown straight into first-team action.
This likelihood has been amplified by Ibrahima Konate's slump in form - coupled with his anticipated departure in the summer - as well as recent recruit Giovanni Leoni's injury problems.