Liverpool transfer updates: Player ‘compared to Cristiano Ronaldo’ and potential successor for Virgil van Dijk targeted

Liverpool’s season under Arne Slot has started spectacularly, yet significant issues remain as January approaches.

The recent draw with Arsenal leaves Liverpool just a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City—an unexpected position at the season’s outset. Goals from Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah earned a potentially crucial point in the title chase.

However, the futures of Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain uncertain, as their contracts expire at the season’s end. Once the January transfer window opens, they can negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs, adding urgency for Liverpool.

Liverpool.com provides insights into the latest transfer rumors, including a potential replacement for Van Dijk and a player being compared to a football legend.

Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)
Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, according to CaughtOffside. The 19-year-old has begun to make a name for himself, scoring twice in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Inter Milan.

Turkey U19 coach Soykan Baskar even suggested, “Yildiz is more talented than Cristiano Ronaldo. His technique with the ball is superior to that of the Portuguese” (via JuveFC).

Liverpool.com notes: No pressure, Kenan, but that’s a significant claim for someone so young. After his recent performance, he’ll likely attract considerable attention.

It will be intriguing to see if Yildiz gets more opportunities at Juventus and if he can build on his recent success. If so, he could become a player to watch.

Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

Liverpool is reportedly “seriously” contemplating a move for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, according to TEAMtalk. With uncertainty surrounding Van Dijk’s future, the Reds have created a shortlist of targets, keeping a close eye on the Brazilian for the rest of the season.

Other names on Liverpool’s radar include Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP and Loic Bade from Sevilla. Chelsea is also interested in Murillo, but may prioritize other positions first.

Liverpool.com observes: Murillo has been linked to Liverpool for some time and has stepped up his game this season at Forest, even achieving a clean sheet against the Reds—something no other team has done. He’s likely to garner significant interest moving forward.

More news….

Liverpool transfer updates: Player ‘compared to Cristiano Ronaldo’ and potential successor for Virgil van Dijk targeted

Liverpool, with Michael Edwards at the helm, is undoubtedly already planning for the upcoming season. The Reds have a strong history of effective squad planning and will want to maintain that momentum.

A key strategy for future planning involves targeting players from other top clubs who are nearing the end of their contracts without having renewed. Liverpool is well aware of this, especially with their own trio—Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah—in similar situations.

About a month ago, we reported that Liverpool expressed interest in Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, who is currently earning around £183,000 a week and has just nine months left on his contract with the Bundesliga side.

According to Grizz Khan of 90min, Liverpool has made a pre-contract offer to Davies, should he decide to leave Bayern. The Canadian will be eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs starting January 1, 2025.

However, the report indicates that despite Liverpool’s keen interest, they are likely to lose out to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have been pursuing Davies for some time, and when they set their sights on a player, they often succeed.

Liverpool has experienced similar disappointments in transfer battles with Madrid, such as with *Aurelien Tchouameni*. Although the Reds will strive to secure Davies, overcoming Real Madrid may prove challenging.

Still, football can be unpredictable, and until Davies officially signs elsewhere, anything is possible. Let’s see how this unfolds.