Liverpool rivals round-up: Liverpool continues to be linked with additions in central defense, while there could be yet more bad news on the horizon for Everton.
It has been a quiet January transfer window throughout the Premier League, with Liverpool and its title rivals yet to strengthen their squads. The Reds went five points clear at the top with their win at Bournemouth, with three teams now tied on points behind Jürgen Klopp’s side.
Manchester City does have a game in hand on Liverpool—and Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Tottenham—and has been able to welcome Kevin De Bruyne back from injury in recent weeks. Erling Halaand will also soon return, and the pair will be like new signings to Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal continues to be linked with strikers to aid its title push, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney still said to be on Mikel Arteta’s radar following his return to action. But the Gunners put five past Crystal Palace on Saturday to show there might be enough in the ranks currently.
It remains to be seen if any of the title-chasing clubs are tempted by a late January addition to boost their title pushes. And could Liverpool consider making a surprise signing in a bid to hold on to its lead? Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news going on at the other clubs.
Liverpool will have to wait until the end of the season to have any chance of agreeing a deal with Chelsea for Levi Colwill. The England international was on the radar last summer due to his ability to play in central defense or at left-back.
Colwill stayed at Stamford Bridge and agreed a new deal, but that has not deterred Liverpool, who is said to remain interested as Chelsea consider cashing in on a homegrown player due to strict FFP rules (as per HITC). With Joël Matip likely to depart at the end of his deal, a defensive addition appears high on Jürgen Klopp’s agenda.
Liverpool’s home shirt for the 2023/2024 campaign pays homage to Bill Shankly and the legendary Reds manager’s final season in charge at Anfield. The Nike shirt features a bright red design with a bold white contrast on the colour and cuffs.
But TEAMtalk reports Chelsea has no plans to sell Colwill this month and will dig its heels in at the end of the season too, with the defender highly rated by boss Mauricio Pochettino. Colwill could be part of England’s Euro 2024 squad this summer, and that may see his reputation soar further.
Everton’s points deduction plunged it back into relegation danger earlier in the season, and there are now concerns over further punishments. The Toffees were docked 10 points back in November for breaking FFP/PSR rules and were referred to an independent commission for a second time earlier this month after being charged again.
It has appealed the initial sanction, but even if Everton does get some of its points back, a transfer ban could be considered, reports the Liverpool Echo. There are no set terms regarding a transfer ban for Premier League clubs, compared to the one previously imposed on Chelsea by FIFA.
But with Everton in need of improving its squad at the end of the season, an embargo could prove hugely damaging. Should Everton not agree extensions with its out-of-contract players and fail to secure loan signings permanently, it will be left with just 20 senior players.
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