, while a critical problem with Mohamed Salah has been revealed.
Liverpool have been given the opportunity to sign Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich, according to a report providing the latest news on his contract negotiations, while sources have named an ongoing issue between Mohamed Salah and Anfield management.
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The speculation surrounding Liverpool is currently dominated by Salah, who said in a recent interview that he feels he is being “thrown under the bus” by the club. Salah returned to Liverpool’s squad against Brighton & Hove Albion, where he recorded an assist, but has since travelled to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
While Liverpool’s main focus will be on ending the rift between Salah and Arne Slot, they will also be working on planning some masterful transfers for 2026.
Liverpool are chasing Upamecano
German media outlet TZ reports that Bayern star Upamecano has been “offered” to Liverpool by the player’s representatives.
Liverpool have been compared to clubs such as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in expressing interest in Upamecano amid his contract dispute with Bayern.
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His current deal expires on June 30. As a result, according to the Bosman rule, European clubs can negotiate a pre-agreement with the centre-back from January 1 onwards.
The fact that one of the Bundesliga’s best defenders could be available on a free transfer has piqued Liverpool’s interest.
Upamecano is described as “happy in Munich”, but there are two problems that hinder contract negotiations.
Firstly, the player’s agent wants a €65 million (£57 million) release clause included in the new deal.
Bayern do not usually agree to such clauses, although they have softened their stance during recent negotiations with Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala.
Second, Upamecano wants an annual salary worth €18 million, or about €346,000 (£304,000) a week. So far, Bayern have been unwilling to offer such an amount.
Liverpool are following the negotiations closely and could strike if it turns out that the French star wants to leave Bayern.
Liverpool have identified Upamecano as a backup plan in case they miss out on Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi, who is being chased by almost all of Europe’s elite clubs.
Slot needs a new centre-back to prepare for life after Virgil van Dijk, while Ibrahima Konaté’s performances have also been scrutinised this season.
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Liverpool begin reconciliation talks with Salah
Our transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Liverpool managers have opened dialogue with Salah’s representatives to try and clear the air.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) does not want the Salah debacle to dominate the headlines until January and beyond.
However, we understand that the Egyptian icon refuses to accept even a partially reduced role, as he feels he should be a guaranteed starter in all major matches.
This poses a big problem for Slot, as Liverpool have looked more defensively solid during Salah’s absence. In addition, Slot has been disappointed with Salah’s sub-par form in front of goal this season.
There has been speculation that a “gentleman’s deal” is in place between the club and Salah, allowing him to leave the club after just one year of his new contract.
However, these claims have been dismissed with laughter by sources, with both FSG and Salah’s representatives calling the alleged deal “nonsense”.
New reputation from LaLiga
Anfield Index claims that Liverpool are “considering a move” for Celta Vigo right-back Óscar Mingueza.
As with Upamecano and Guéhi, Minggueza’s contract expires at the end of the season, which could see him move on a free transfer.
Parallels have been drawn between Mingueza’s situation and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move from Liverpool to Real Madrid this summer.
The report adds that “a number of Premier League clubs” are interested in the 26-year-old Mingueza, with Liverpool firmly among them.
Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong to replace Alexander-Arnold, although the Dutch player has struggled with injury problems this season.
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