Should Liverpool consider a deal this month, their country’s quota rules could prevent a potential move. The Reds were the Premier League’s biggest spender in the 2025 summer transfer window, splashing out on the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Things haven’t always gone well for the Reds, with Arne Slott’s new-look squad stifling and swollen at times this season. They seem to have recently turned a corner and results are trending in the right direction again, but that hasn’t stopped speculation over possible activity in the January transfer window.
However, given that Liverpool have already reached their 17-man quota for non-homegrown players, any plans to bring fresh players into the squad are likely to be affected by releases. This applies to both the Premier League and Champions League, with Liverpool expected to advance to the knockout stages when league play ends at the end of this month.
There could be some wiggle room if Federico Chiesa decides to move elsewhere, with former employers Juventus said to be interested in the Italian. Chiesa left the Old Lady for Liverpool in the 2024 summer transfer window, but is likely to leave this month as he finds it difficult to find playing time in the slot.
Liverpool were reportedly waiting for Mohamed Salah to return from the African Cup of Nations before letting him go, and are said to have hit a new hurdle in sanctioning his departure. This is due to injuries in the forward division, most notably the injury to contracted player Isaac, who is expected to be sidelined until spring.
It remains to be seen whether Salah’s return will intensify negotiations over his departure, but Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has refused to be drawn into speculation over a possible move.
When asked about the move, he sarcastically replied: “I’m glad you told me this news because we haven’t even had a meeting yet in the transfer window. But this is the first time I’ve heard about it. So far it’s just been announced, there’s nothing concrete behind it.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool will be aiming to finish the season on a high as the 20-time English champions are still battling on three fronts. Alongside the fight to finish inside the top four, Liverpool still have hopes of progressing higher in the Champions League, with the FA Cup representing the most likely route to silver this season.
