Liverpool transfer update: Barcelona eyes Reds star, plus a surprise twist with Joshua Kimmich

Liverpool has yet to make a signing in the January transfer window as Arne Slot aims to secure multiple trophies, including the Premier League title, this season.

Under Slot’s management, Liverpool’s impressive form continues, highlighted by their 2-1 victory over Lille on Tuesday. The Reds secured the win at Anfield, maintaining their perfect Champions League record, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott. Slot’s side leads the standings and has already qualified for the last 16.

In the Premier League, Liverpool holds a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal and third-placed Nottingham Forest, with a game in hand. The Reds are also still in contention for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, though they must recover from a one-goal deficit in the second leg of the latter’s semifinal. With expectations high, Slot is expected to deliver silverware in his first season in charge.

As the January transfer window nears its close, here are the latest rumors from Merseyside:

Luis Diaz (Barcelona)

Barcelona continues to show interest in signing Luis Diaz, according to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness). The Spanish club has compiled a shortlist of three players, which includes Diaz, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.

Barcelona is looking to strengthen its attack in January, with Diaz and Isak considered priorities over Rashford. However, Rashford may be a more affordable option, as he no longer seems to be part of United coach Ruben Amorim’s plans. Barcelona has long admired Diaz, who still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Liverpool contract.

Liverpool.com states: There’s no way Liverpool will sell Diaz in January, as the 28-year-old is a key part of Slot’s plans. However, this won’t be the last time Barcelona is linked with the Colombian forward.

Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Liverpool is reportedly more likely to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich this summer rather than Manchester City, according to German outlet Bild (via Rousing the Kop). The Reds are said to be considering a move for the 29-year-old at the end of the season.

Kimmich is highly regarded as one of Europe’s top midfielders, with over 400 appearances for Bayern. He has won eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League since joining from RB Leipzig in 2015.

The German international, who has 97 senior caps and won the Confederations Cup, will be out of contract at the end of this season. While he’s not expected to leave Bayern in January, it remains uncertain whether he will sign a new deal before June.

Liverpool.com adds: Securing Kimmich on a free transfer could seem like a bargain, but the question remains whether Liverpool truly needs him. As the midfielder turns 30 in February, he is likely to demand a substantial contract for the final years of his illustrious career. The Reds may want to prioritize renewing deals with key players like Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk, who are all out of contract in June, before turning their attention to Kimmich.