Image Credits: Imago Images
The January transfer window has barely opened its doors, and already the rumour mill is working overtime as Premier League clubs scramble to address their squad weaknesses. Among the early movers, Liverpool find themselves navigating a busy market where several of their own players are attracting attention while they simultaneously scout reinforcements.
Already, we have seen a Federico Chiesa approach with Juventus making formal contact over a potential January return to Turin. The Italian winger has struggled for game time under Arne Slot, managing just 104 minutes of Premier League action in his first half-season on Merseyside. The Bianconeri have opened exploratory discussions to gauge Liverpool’s willingness to sanction a deal this month.
Elsewhere in the defensive market, Manchester City have emerged as serious contenders for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, a player Liverpool themselves nearly signed last summer. City are exploring a January move following injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, with the England international valued as a leading target to bolster Pep Guardiola’s depleted backline.
The timing couldn’t be more awkward for the Reds, who came agonisingly close to securing Guehi for £35 million on deadline day before Palace pulled the plug at the eleventh hour.
But it seems that Liverpool have multiple targets at centre-back, with Sport France now claiming that Liverpool are very keen on Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell.
The 23-year-old former Leeds United player is being monitored by both Liverpool and Newcastle United, though Manchester City have also registered their interest in the England Under-21 international.
Charlie Cresswell Per 90 Percentile
Non-Penalty Goals 0.18 99
Assists 0.06 84
Blocks 1.50 83
Clearances 7.03 88
Aerials Won 3.71 95
Player compared to positional peers in Men’s Big 5 Leagues, UCL, UEL over the last 365 days. Based on 3059 minutes played [Fbref].
Cresswell has established himself as a cornerstone of Toulouse’s defence since his €4.5 million move from Leeds in July 2024. His performances in France have been particularly impressive, with the defender contributing three goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances this season while showcasing the aerial prowess and physical presence that made him a standout in the Championship.
Sport in France suggest that his strength in duels and dominance in the air make him an attractive proposition for English clubs seeking Premier League-ready defenders.
For Liverpool, Cresswell represents a relatively affordable option to address their defensive concerns, particularly with Joe Gomez sidelined and Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the season following an ACL injury.
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