Liverpool Transfer News LIVE: Guehi Update, Bastoni Interest, Slot Future

Liverpool FC's January 2026 transfer window heats up as Marc Guehi's saga concludes without the Reds' involvement. Sources confirm Liverpool had no intention of pursuing a deal for the Crystal Palace defender this month, despite a near-miss last summer when a £35m agreement collapsed at the deadline.[1][4] Guehi, whose contract expires in June 2026, has now agreed terms with Manchester City for a cut-price £20m move, leaving Palace after informing them months ago of his desire for a new challenge.[1][2][3][4][5]

Liverpool are not challenging City for Guehi and have shifted focus to superior alternatives ahead of summer.[1][2][4] TEAMtalk reports the Reds are eyeing two world-class options: Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. Bastoni, a 26-year-old Italian with 282 appearances for Inter (contract until 2028), is open to a 2026 transfer, with Inter demanding €80m (£69.5m).[1] Schlotterbeck emerges as a "better bet" than Guehi, praised for elite passing (29 more per 90 minutes) and strong aerial duels, aligning perfectly with Liverpool's defensive profile.[2]

Club Brugge's Ecuadorian talent Diomande is another name in the mix, available for £40m this month, though City interest persists.[1] Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate's contract enters its final six months, adding urgency to defensive reinforcements.[3]

Off the pitch, concerns swirl around manager Arne Slot's future. A former Liverpool star warns Slot could be in trouble now that Xabi Alonso is a free agent, with two players reportedly eyeing a dugout change.[1] Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and others had chased Guehi as a free agent, but Liverpool knew his Anfield fit from prior talks.[3]

Stay tuned for live updates as Liverpool plot their next moves in a window full of surprises.

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