Liverpool are always alert to market opportunities but they may have just changed their plans last minute.
The Reds have had a manic summer so far and the last week or so might be just as busy, with there still being plenty to sort out before the deadline.
The Alexander Isak situation is the biggest talking point, with the saga getting messier and messier by the minute, with this also overshadowing other pieces of business that Liverpool still need to sort out.
Another centre-back is also wanted, with this likely to be Marc Guehi if a move is made, while another attacking option could be in the offing due to the Reds’ lack of depth in the forward areas.
However, this plan might have changed drastically due to what Federico Chiesa has just done, with Liverpool’s move for a £51m star now looking off the table.
Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyon pictured lining up to start their game against Saint-Etienne.
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Liverpool ‘unlikely’ to try and sign Malick Fofana
Amidst all the transfer speculation, Liverpool got their title defence underway but needed a late goal to get them over the line, with this coming from fan-favourite Chiesa.
The Italian has been linked with a move away from Anfield all summer, but that moment alone appears to have changed things, with Chiesa now wanting to stay and fight for his place.
Although this is exactly what almost all Liverpool fans wanted, it does mean that it will affect who else they bring in, with journalist Sacha Tavolieri reporting that a move for Malick Fofana is now very ‘unlikely’.
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🔴🦅🇮🇹 Arne Slot’s now strongly considering that Federico Chiesa should stay in Liverpool Football Club. Player’s happy and wants to be part of #LFC project this season.
🇧🇪 By extension, that news signifies that Malick Fofana’s deal to Anfield become unlikely… 🔁 #OL #mercato pic.twitter.com/ZBtLqiyXWv
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 19, 2025
View Tweet
The Belgian has been linked with a move since Luis Diaz departed, with the 20-year-old seen as an ideal target who can rotate with Cody Gakpo and perhaps even Rio Ngumoha.
But with Chiesa opting to stay, the Reds might feel they have enough in attack, with the final piece of the jigsaw being Isak.
Fofana hinted that he will be leaving Lyon this summer as he wants Champions League football, but a move to the Reds this summer seems impossible, although they could come back in for him later down the line.
Liverpool might regret not signing Malick Fofana
After spending close to £300m, it seems astonishing that Liverpool still need more signings, but due to the players they have lost, that is the reality.
And, even if they do sign Isak, they still feel a winger short, especially as Ngumoha cannot be expected to come off the bench every game as a 16-year-old with no experience whatsoever.
With that said, someone like Fofana might still be required and the Belgian is the perfect option as he has a wealth of experience but is still so young.
He also would not expect to go straight into the starting XI and would be willing to work for his spot in the team, with £51m also not being a bad price given the way the market is at the moment.
Signing a centre-back, striker and a winger with less than two weeks left of the window will be tight and, above all, very expensive, but as the Premier League champions, it might have to be done.