Report: Liverpool ‘keen’ on agreeing deal for defender in 2026 | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Forward Options Under Scrutiny

Liverpool’s search for attacking solutions has moved into sharper focus as Arne Slot looks to arrest a faltering Premier League title defence. Sitting eighth in the table and eight points behind leaders Arsenal, the pressure is intensifying on a squad that cost £420 million to assemble last summer. The Metro’s report linking the club with Serge Gnabry feels timely, given the goalscoring issues that have clouded the early months of the campaign.

Gnabry’s Contract Situation Creating Opportunity

Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry is approaching the end of his contract and, according to BILD, both Liverpool and Juventus are circling with intent. Talks over an extension have taken place but Bayern want the 30 year old to lower a salary believed to be over £300,000 a week. If no deal is signed by 1 January, clubs outside Germany can formally negotiate with him. A Liverpool source quoted in the original Metro coverage suggested, “He fits the profile, proven quality, experienced in big moments, available for sensible money.”

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Gnabry has four goals and three assists in nine Bundesliga appearances, numbers that do not match Harry Kane, Michael Olise or Luis Diaz, but his versatility across the frontline gives him added appeal. With Mohamed Salah suffering a dip in form and new recruits Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz yet to ignite, Liverpool’s frontline has felt blunt in key passages of games. One figure close to the squad added, “We have the talent, we just lack rhythm, spark and confidence.”

Returning to England an Option for Gnabry

Gnabry knows English football well after his five years at Arsenal, a spell marked by unrealised potential and a loan at West Brom that included Tony Pulis’ infamous verdict that he was “not at the required level” to play for the Baggies. History proved Pulis wrong as Gnabry flourished at Bayern from 2017 onward, playing a defining part in the club’s treble win in 2019 and 2020.

Liverpool are also monitoring Bayern centre back Dayot Upamecano, who is expected to be available next summer. For now, Slot’s immediate focus is tightening both penalty boxes as Nottingham Forest visit Anfield on 22 November.

Slot’s Attacking Puzzle

Slot’s Liverpool have scored fewer goals than their big six rivals after eleven games, a situation that has heightened the need for reinforcements. The Metro piece underlines how the club are examining low cost, high value opportunities, with Gnabry a standout candidate if terms become realistic. His pedigree, his pressing quality and his big game experience make him a logical target for a side searching for renewed conviction in the final third.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters will feel a mix of excitement and nervousness reading this report. On one hand, Serge Gnabry on a free transfer sounds like outrageous value. Fans will look at his Champions League nights, his big goals for Bayern and think he could thrive under Slot’s system. There will be real optimism that a seasoned wide forward with explosive ability could lift a frontline that has been flat for long stretches of this season.

Others will be sceptical. Some supporters will point to the club’s recent record in the market and worry about age, injuries and wage demands. The figure of more than £300,000 a week will alarm many who believe Liverpool must avoid repeating past mistakes. There will also be concern about relying on yet another wide forward when other areas of the squad feel stretched.

Some fans will be disappointed at the mention of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz struggling, especially given the expectations that followed their arrivals. There is also shock that Liverpool, in a title defence season, have reached a point where free transfers are essential rather than optional.

Still, among the faithful, there is hope. Gnabry represents proven pedigree, international quality and a player who knows what pressure feels like. If Slot can bring energy and balance back to the attack, then this rumour could spark something bigger.