Liverpool transfer news: First January deal confirmed as Virgil van Dijk speaks out on contracts
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Liverpool have a clear priority in the January transfer window – and it is very different to some of their Premier League rivals. While some of their closest rivals need to strengthen their squads by bringing in new players, the Reds are focused on keeping what they already have. That means getting new contracts signed for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The star trio’s current deals expire at the end of June and they are therefore allowed to speak with foreign clubs about the possibility of a free transfer in the summer. That isn’t an issue for Salah and Van Dijk, who are now expected to sign two-year extensions, but Alexander-Arnold is being courted by Real Madrid.
Liverpool have rejected a first £20million offer for the 26-year-old, but the ball is now in his court. In the meantime, there are plenty of other stories to look at involving transfers and the club. Liverpool confirmed on Monday that young goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga has moved back to Fluminense on a permanent deal. The 22-year-old joined Liverpool for £1.8m in 2020 but never made a first-team appearance, having spent time on loan with Macclesfield, St Patrick’s Athletic and Livingston.
With Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of him in the pecking order, the closest he came to the Liverpool first team was being named in seven match day squads. The club said in a statement: “Everyone at LFC wishes Marcelo the best of luck for the future.” Although he’s left on a free transfer, Liverpool reportedly have a 40 per cent sell-on clause with Pitaluga, meaning they could be due money in the future.
