Liverpool's Saturday meeting with Chelsea could well end up determining whether the Reds feel the need to dip into the transfer market again this month.
The Reds acted quickly to seal their first signing of the window, and new forward Cody Gakpo has already featured more than once since joining from PSV Eindhoven. Manager Jurgen Klopp has played down suggestions of further signings in January, but results on the pitch point to a need for reinforcements in the eyes of some.
Another league setback would further damage Liverpool's top four hopes, potentially forcing Klopp and his staff into a change of plan, but who they bring in is a different question. Here are the latest lines from Anfield ahead of a big weekend.
Brighton give Caicedo update
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi was asked about Liverpool-linked midfielder Moises Caicedo amid January interest in the Ecuadorian. Chelsea are also in the market for the youngster, who signed for Brighton when current Blues boss Graham Potter was at the helm.
"It's difficult to change with another player now, inside the season," De Zerbi said, having seen forward Leandro Trossard leave the Seagulls to join Arsenal. "I hope he finishes the season with us, but in the transfer market it is always difficult to give an answer.
"When there are some bigger teams [who] want our player it's good news for us. The best solution is he can finish the season with us, and for him next summer is better to change team."
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Reds have been tracking Fresneda
Liverpool have been among the clubs keeping tabs on Spanish youngster Ivan Fresneda, according to The Athletic. The right-back has been linked with a Premier League switch, with Arsenal among the front-runners.
Fresneda, who turned 18 in September, has played nine times in La Liga this season. His club Real Valladolid are reportedly after £13.1m for a January sale, with Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Rennes also keen on a move.
The Madrid-born teenager spent time in Real Madrid's academy when he was younger, but a return to the Bernabeu looks unlikely. According to 90min, Los Blancos have no plans to exercise the option they hold on the defender.
Firmino wants to stay
Roberto Firmino's future has been a big what-if, with the Brazilian approaching the end of his current deal. However, based on his comments to Liverpool's matchday magazine, it appears the former Hoffenheim man is ready to extend his stay.
Firmino first joined the club in 2015, a few months before Jurgen Klopp took over as manager. He was part of the victorious 2019 Champions League final team, and scored the winner in the Club World Cup final a few months later.
“I’m happy here and I intend to stay here and help Liverpool FC," the 31-year-old said. "It’s a dream for all players to win the Premier League and Champions League.
"It’s history, a huge legacy. When it happened, we felt tremendously privileged, grateful to God for having given this to us."
