Liverpool are facing a defensive crisis with injuries and selection issues plaguing Arne Slot’s options
The transfer window is on the verge of slamming shut and Liverpool are facing pressure to strengthen their defensive options. The Reds are in the midst of an injury crisis within their backline with Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez sidelined, while Ibrahima Konate continues to deal with a family matter.
Arne Slot is facing pressure with speculation linking iconic midfielder Xabi Alonso as his successor at the Anfield helm. Liverpool were in Champions League action on Wednesday as they hosted Azerbaijan minnows in the Group phase curtain-closer but domestically, their hopes of qualifying via the top four is under siege from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Liverpool return to league action against Newcastle United on Saturday (8pm kick-off) but by then, they will have just 48 hours before the window slams shut before the summer.
With that being said, Mirror Football has taken a look at the latest transfer rumours surrounding the Reds.
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Liverpool ‘plot swoop’ as contract talks stall
Liverpool are interested in Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, according to reports. Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has made the sensational claim that the French defender is ‘waiting’ for the Reds and Real Madrid.
The centre-back is out of contract at the Allianz Arena in the summer, allowing for clubs to snap up the experienced stopper on a free transfer at the end of the season. It has been previously reported that Upamecano had entered talks with Bayern over an extension but discussions are said to have stalled.
Plettenberg said: “Everyone is waiting for his commitment, his signature. His contract is ready. But Bayern Munich will not improve their offer.
“Upamecano can sign it, [taking him until] 2030 or 2031. There’s a release clause included from the summer of 2027. He can earn 20m Euros gross per year and receive a big signing feed, together with his agent.
“But Bayern is waiting for weeks, they want a decision soon. But my opinion is he’s waiting for Liverpool, for Real Madrid. Liverpool is interested in Upamecano, we can confirm that.”
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Reds ‘eye talented midfielder’
According to Italian outlet Tuttomercato, Liverpool are keeping tabs on talented Norwegian Jens Hjerto-Dahl. It is claimed that the Reds could disrupt plans to sign the 19-year-old.
Hjerto-Dahl currently plies his trade at Eliteserien club Tromso and turned 20 in October last year. He has made 30 appearances, providing four goals and as many assists in Norway’s top-flight.
The midfielder is already capped at under-21s level, making six appearances and has over 100 senior appearances despite his tender age. Tuttomercato reports Besiktas are among the clubs interested, with Liverpool also keeping tabs alongside other Premier League clubs.
Serie A sides are reportedly positioning themselves to pounce on the midfielder, Bologna and Lazio have been named as potential suitors and Hjerto-Dahl has been likened to Lazio hero Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who was repeatedly linked with Liverpool during his time in Italy.
Tsimikas future could still be decided
The Greek defender is currently on loan at AS Roma and was heavily linked with a potential recall to the Reds following the emergence of interest in Andy Robertson. The full-back was the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur this month but a move was blocked due to the lack of numbers at the back for the Reds.
While Robertson is set to stay put at Anfield, it hasn’t put an end to interest in his Greek counterpart as it has been said that Roma are keen for new reinforcements in their left-back position.
Besiktas are weighing up their options and Liverpool have sent reportedly transfer terms with talks over a move initiated between the Turkish club and Tsimikas’ representatives.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
