Need to know
Liverpool may feel they have work to do on transfer deadline day if they want to make absolutely certain of Champions League qualification
Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton is one of the Premier League's most admired midfielders(Image: Getty Images)
We asked AI to take charge of Liverpool's transfer business for the end of the winter window, and here's what it told us to do:
Liverpool might have spent big over the summer, but AI has urged another significant outlay to secure Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, with the midfield load increasing and Tyler Morton no longer around to provide cover. The argument is that need a high-level controller to secure a Champions League spot, with a bid of £80million recommended if the Reds want to fight off competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Work is also needed at the back, and the solution may be to sign Micky van de Ven from Tottenham with the recognition that 'our defence is in crisis following Joe Gomez’s injury and Ibrahima Konate's expiring contract'. Van de Ven's recovery pace is regarded as essential for Arne Slot’s high line, making a £78m investment a necessary priority.
One recommended way of raising money is by selling Federico Chiesa to Juventus: Chiesa has struggled to find consistent form and has attracted significant interest from his former club - moving him now for around £15m would free up wages and a squad spot for a more reliable wide option.
However, despite it being a source of more funds, we're told to block a January Sale for Mo Salah and instead plan for a long goodbye, with our AI assistant saying: Despite significant interest from the Saudi Pro League (specifically Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah), the club should refuse all winter bids. With injuries to other key attackers like Alexander Isak, Liverpool's squad is too thin to sanction the exit of their most prolific historical goalscorer mid-season.
When it comes to planning for life after Salah, there is a call to negotiate a summer deal for Yan Diomande: The £87m-rated RB Leipzig winger is the perfect long-term successor to Salah and, while a winter move is difficult, Liverpool are told they 'must finalise a deal now' to ensure he joins in the summer.
The final three recommendations focus on Liverpool's defence, starting with a move to recall Kostas Tsimikas from Roma, with AI arguing**:** With Andy Robertson’s contract winding down and Milos Kerkez needing support, we require immediate depth at left-back. Ending his loan early provides a proven, low-cost solution to our current injury issues.
In the middle, our AI assistant believes it's imperative that Liverpool finalise Ibrahima Konate’s extension or sale, having already lost Trent Alexander-Arnold on the cheap last year. Our assistant explains: 'If [Konate] won't sign a new deal this week, we should entertain late bids to reinvest in a younger replacement'.
And finally, Liverpool should block any late move for Andy Robertson - something which already looks to be the plan: Despite interest from Tottenham, Robertson’s experience is vital for a dressing room that has lost several leaders recently. Liverpool are told they should keep him until at least the summer to ensure a smooth transition for Milos Kerkez.