Liverpool transfer news: Al Hilal boss teases Mo Salah move as Neymar’s future in doubt
The January transfer window is still in full flow and there is plenty to be settled for Liverpool with Arne Slot still having a number of issues to address at Anfield this month
We're more than halfway through January's transfer window and Liverpool are still grappling with unresolved player contracts.
The trio of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold continue to be surrounded by uncertainty as rumours of Salah's Saudi Arabian suitors and Real Madrid's interest in Alexander-Arnold persistently make headlines.
On the field, Arne Slot's team is leading in both Premier League and Champions League standings while remaining contenders in the domestic cups, albeit with some recent stumbles. Some reinforcements this winter could bolster their squad's depth as they aim for multiple titles.
But the talk still centres around Salah's future with Al-Hilal's manager Jorge Jesus candidly expressing the club's interest in the Egyptian and talked about the implications of Neymar's future.
Neymar has struggled with poor performances and major injuries following his move in August 2023, and with his contract nearing its end, Al-Hilal seems to be scouting for a high-profile replacement. Meanwhile, Jesus shared frank views on Neymar's capabilities and hinted at a potential Major League Soccer move: "I don't know anything about Neymar's future," he confessed.
"I can't comment on things I don't know. The Saudi Pro League is one of the best leagues in the world. Neymar can no longer play at the level we are used to."
Jesus was quizzed about potential replacements, amid whispers of a £65million two-year deal for Salah. "Salah or other big names won't come this winter," Jesus declared before he teased, "But maybe this summer."
The Spanish press have been confidently predicting a move to Real Madrid for Alexander-Arnold recently, with Marca claiming he has verbally agreed to a summer transfer. The perspective from England is that, while those reports are not yet confirmed, the longer things are left unresolved on Merseyside, the more likely it is that the full-back will join Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capital.
Alexander-Arnold can leave as a free agent in the summer unless he extends his Liverpool contract and talkSPORT suggests that there is growing confidence in Madrid that they will secure their target. That understanding isn't lost on Anfield chiefs either, who are hurrying to try and get things done.
It's not just about trying to keep hold of their star players for Liverpool, who are also keeping an eye out for possible deals of their own. Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is one of the names on their radar, according to TEAMtalk, who suggest that he is one of the defensive midfielders being considered for the summer window.
The 23-year-old midfielder, currently contracted with Stuttgart until June 2027, is in the club's sights for a contract extension. However, if this proves unachievable, they may consider selling him in the summer while he still holds high market value.
The asking price for the three-time Germany international is €40m (£33.8m). This comes after Liverpool's unsuccessful attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad last summer. The Spanish star is now rumoured to be heading to Arsenal instead.