Liverpool latest: Salah named in Marseille squad after AFCON return

Liverpool Transfer News: January 2026 Rumours, Deals and Gossip

Mohamed Salah's return from AFCON has sparked fresh momentum in Liverpool's January transfer activities. After Egypt's semi-final exit to Senegal, the star winger is back and potentially available for the Champions League clash against Marseille. Liverpool struggled without him, winning just two of six Premier League games, underscoring his importance.^[1]

Federico Chiesa's future hangs in the balance. Juventus are pushing to re-sign the Italian, who has approved a deal and is willing to take a pay cut. Liverpool demand a permanent €15m-€20m transfer, rejecting loan offers with an option to buy. Salah's return has entered a "crucial week" for negotiations, with reports suggesting the Reds might soften their stance.^[1]

Double swoop ambitions emerge, linking Chiesa's exit to a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Juventus met Mateta's camp with positive personal terms talks, though Premier League rivals remain interested. Meanwhile, Tottenham's surprise interest in Curtis Jones could leave Liverpool without any Scouse first-team players if he departs.^[1]

Confirmed Deals

• In: Senegalese U17 World Cup defender Mor Talla Ndiaye from Amitie FC (~£1m).^[2][3] Owen Beck recalled from Derby loan for injury rehab.^[2][3]
• Out: James Norris' loan to Shelbourne made permanent.^[2]

Frustrations mount as targets like Marc Guéhi (£20m to Man City) and Antoine Semenyo (£62.5m to City) slipped away—both linked to Liverpool. Center-back remains a need, with summer signing Giovanni Leoni sidelined by ACL injury. FSG's distraction with Boston Red Sox issues may explain the quiet window, despite summer spending.^[2][4]

Arne Slot's squad faces injury woes, prompting discussions on reinforcements. Speculation swirls around Luis Diaz amid Tottenham links, but focus stays on bolstering attack and defense before the February 2 deadline.^[3][5]

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