Liverpool Transfer Update: Virgil van Dijk’s Move Stalled as Arne Slot Targets Real Madrid Star

Liverpool are preparing for a transformative January transfer window that could significantly reshape Arne Slot’s squad for 2025, as three key players become free to negotiate with other clubs.

As 2025 approaches, Liverpool fans are filled with anticipation for what could be a historic year. Under Arne Slot’s management, the team is currently leading both the Premier League and the Champions League, with a chance to secure a quadruple—just three years after Jurgen Klopp’s side came agonizingly close. However, Slot knows that Liverpool cannot afford to rest on their current success and must keep improving, maintaining the momentum from performances like Sunday’s 5-0 victory at West Ham.

One avenue for that improvement could be through new signings, as Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has yet to make his first major acquisition. However, the club will be cautious not to regress, particularly in light of potential departures from key figures like Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Here’s the latest transfer news from Anfield:

Inter Milan Back Off from Van Dijk Move

Liverpool are unlikely to see captain Virgil van Dijk leave for Inter Milan, as the Italian club has been put off by the centre-back’s wages. Van Dijk, 33, is approaching the final months of his contract and will be able to negotiate with other clubs starting January 1. Inter had been considering him as a potential replacement for Stefan de Vrij, another veteran defender whose contract is also expiring. However, Inter Live reports that Van Dijk’s €8 million (£6.6m) annual salary has made the deal less appealing to the Serie A champions.

Slot Eyes Real Madrid’s Tchouameni

Arne Slot is eager to secure a player Jurgen Klopp failed to bring to Liverpool: Aurelien Tchouameni. The French midfielder was strongly linked to Anfield in 2022 but ultimately joined Real Madrid. Tchouameni is currently filling in as a centre-back for Madrid, but Fichajes suggests that Slot is keen to integrate the 24-year-old into Liverpool’s midfield. After missing out on Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer, Liverpool has relied on Ryan Gravenberch in the No.6 role, but Slot sees Tchouameni as a key reinforcement.

Salah Provides Contract Update

Mo Salah has reiterated that his primary focus is on helping Liverpool secure the Premier League title. The 32-year-old winger has been open about his future at Anfield, revealing in November that no new contract offer has been made to him yet. After his impressive performance against West Ham, where he scored one goal and provided two assists, Salah told Sky Sports: “We are far away from [agreeing a new deal]. I don’t want to put something in the media and people start saying stuff, but nothing really has moved on. Now I am focused on the team and hopefully we win the Premier League.”