Liverpool Transfer Latest: Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, Trey Nyoni and more | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfer Latest: Chiesa, Elliott, Nyoni and More

Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City on Monday has reopened a wound that cut deep at Anfield over the summer, and it has left a familiar sense of unease around Liverpool’s defensive planning. The England centre-back was close to joining the Reds in September, yet the deal never materialised, and his arrival at a direct rival has intensified supporter frustration.

That discontent was amplified after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley, when Liverpool were “booed off” following a laboured performance against the Premier League’s second-bottom side. For many fans, the result symbolised a broader anxiety that defensive fragility and missed transfer opportunities could derail their season.

Injury issues have only sharpened those concerns. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are both out for the campaign, leaving Arne Slot short of options in key areas. Compounding matters, summer club-record signing Alexander Isak remains on the sidelines as he continues recovering from surgery on a broken leg. While no fresh injuries emerged after Burnley, it felt like small consolation in a difficult week.

Why City moved when Liverpool did not

Guehi’s transfer to City for a reported £35million has prompted inevitable questions about why Liverpool did not reignite their interest. According to reporting by Gregg Evans for The Athletic, Liverpool’s stance had shifted significantly since the summer.

Back then, Guehi was viewed as “a brilliant market opportunity”. However, with his contract at Crystal Palace expiring this summer, Liverpool judged that the financial picture had changed. Paying a substantial fee, alongside high wages and agent costs, for a player potentially available on a free transfer in five months was deemed too risky.

Photo: IMAGO

As Evans explains, attempting to sign a player with so little time left on their deal is “complex and requires a significant financial outlay”. In the end, the overall package no longer aligned with Liverpool’s long-term strategy.

January window outlook

Despite the Guehi development, Liverpool’s approach to the January window remains unchanged. Fenway Sports Group are unlikely to sanction major spending unless a top-tier target who fits the club’s future plans becomes available.

Central defence remains a potential pressure point if Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate were to be sidelined. Nonetheless, Liverpool still have flexibility elsewhere. Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez and Calvin Ramsay can all provide cover at right-back in Bradley’s absence.

The expectation, therefore, is that January will be quiet unless a clear opportunity emerges. Liverpool are prioritising value, profile and timing over reactive recruitment.

Possible exits and academy pathways

Liverpool are reluctant to weaken their squad mid-season, meaning senior departures are unlikely. Interest in 18-year-old Trey Nyoni has surfaced from clubs across England and Europe, but the midfielder may instead be needed as cover. Similarly, there is no appetite to loan out Federico Chiesa despite links with Juventus.

Most movement is expected to involve youngsters seeking experience. Forward Trent Kone-Doherty and centre-back Amara Nallo are attracting attention, while Luke Chambers could head out on loan now he is fully fit. Rhys Williams, out of contract in the summer, is also keen on a temporary move.

Uncertainty continues to surround Harvey Elliott. Liverpool had anticipated a £35million permanent sale to Aston Villa, but that is now in doubt, as appearance-related conditions under Unai Emery have not been met.

Photo: IMAGO

Overall, this week has underscored the delicate balance Liverpool must strike between ambition and prudence. The Guehi saga may be closed, but the questions around depth, timing and competitiveness remain very much open.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this week has been equal parts frustrating and revealing. Watching Marc Guehi seal a move to Manchester City feels like a painful reminder of last summer’s near-misses. Many fans still believe he would have strengthened the side immediately, and seeing him line up for a rival stings badly.

At the same time, there is an understanding that Liverpool’s ownership model does not chase every deal at any cost. That discipline has served the club well in the past, yet it can feel like cold comfort when the defence looks stretched and results are slipping.

Arne Slot’s first season delivered a Premier League title, which set an exceptionally high bar. This campaign has felt very different. Sitting fourth and having won only five of the last 17 league games, the title defence has lacked rhythm and authority. The 1-1 draw with Burnley, and the boos that followed, captured that mood perfectly.

Supporters are not calling for reckless spending, but there is a growing belief that January cannot be entirely passive. Losing Bradley and Leoni for the season has thinned the back line, and any further setback to Van Dijk or Konate would be alarming.

There is also intrigue around the academy. The potential minutes for players like Nyoni, Nallo and Chambers could be exciting if handled carefully, yet relying too heavily on youth in a tense league race carries risk.

Ultimately, most Liverpool fans would accept a quiet window if it meant the right player arrived at the right time. However, after seeing City strengthen with Guehi, patience feels harder to maintain. Many supporters simply want reassurance that the club remains fully committed to competing at the very top.