BREAKING: Liverpool star reportedly offered to Barcelona and Al Nassr FC

BREAKING: Liverpool star reportedly offered to Barcelona and Al Nassr FC

Reports suggest that Liverpool has extended an offer to Barcelona regarding the potential signing of midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

The 32-year-old, who boasts an impressive record of 68 appearances for Barcelona before his successful seven-year tenure at Bayern Munich, securing seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy, made a move to Liverpool in 2020.

However, injuries have hindered his consistent presence in the starting lineup during his time on Merseyside.

Thiago has yet to make an appearance for Liverpool this season due to a recurring hip issue.

However, manager Jürgen Klopp provided an update on Thiago’s fitness ahead of the Reds’ upcoming clash against Newcastle United on New Year’s Day, expressing optimism about the midfielder’s nearing return to first-team training.

“I am actually not 100 per cent sure,” Klopp commented.

Liverpool transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including the latest on Joe Gomez, Piero Hincapie, Goncalo Inacio, Antonee Robinson, Rafael Leao, Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister
Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool during a training session
Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool during a training session
Liverpool midfielder Thaigo Alcantara continues to be linked with a return to Barcelona.

The Catalan club have been touted with a move for the 32-year-old since losing Gavi to injury. Thiago has been sidelined since April and his Liverpool contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Joe Gomez is reportedly a Tottenham Hotspur transfer target. The versatile Reds man is said to be an option for the north London club as they eye defensive reinforcements.

In terms of new signings, Liverpool are set to face transfer disappointment in their efforts to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

It has been claimed that the Bundesliga league leaders have taken a firm stance surrounding their star players as they chase a historic triumph. Manager Xabi Alonso is said to block any approach for the Ecuador defender in January.

The Reds have been linked with Fulham defender Antonee Robinson – but the ECHO understands interest is wide of the mark. Arsenal are also said to have stole a march on Liverpool for defender Goncalo Inacio.

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Keep tabs on the latest news, views and Liverpool FC transfer rumours below.

Key Events
18:40Jake Bayliss

Liverpool have two obvious January transfer targets
Jurgen Klopp has never really been a fan of the January transfer window. But even in his previous dismissal of the mid-season opportunity to rejuvenate his squad, the Liverpool boss offered a clue of when he would ultimately consider doing business.

“We want to have players who are ready to develop and that’s not a message for the winter transfer window,” said Klopp back in December 2016. “If you don’t have the biggest injury issues in the world and you need players only for the line-up then you should only do things you would do in the summer too, because otherwise you solve a problem for half-a-year then have another one in the summer.”

Not for Klopp the short-term fix unless, as on deadline day in 2021, the Reds had no option but to make an emergency double centre-back swoop to sign Ben Davies from Preston North End and take Ozan Kabak on loan from Schalke. That neither lasted long – Davies not even playing a single minute – merely strengthens the policy of the Liverpool boss.

Read Ian Doyle’s story HERE

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
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17:33Jake Bayliss

Salah concerns eased as Liverpool prepare for January exit
Liverpool supporters have been trying to keep their feet on the ground in the wake of an impressive first half of the campaign

But those with their head in the sand regards one particular subject will now have to face the reality. Following Monday’s Premier League visit of Newcastle United, the Reds face the prospect of being without Mohamed Salah for up to six weeks during a pivotal part of the season.

And the imminent departure of the winger to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations – a tournament that starts on January 13 with the final on February 11 – has prompted questions over who will score the goals to keep Liverpool challenging on four fronts by the time Salah returns.

Read Ian Doyle’s thoughts HERE

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match at Burnley on December 26 2023
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16:24Jake Bayliss

Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara linked with Barcelona return
Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara continues to be linked with a return to Barcelona.

The 32-year-old has been sidelined since undergoing an operation on his hip injury in April. While the Reds wait for Thiago to return, his contract situation has led to speculation about his future ahead of the January transfer window.

Thiago’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he will be able to talk to clubs outside of England in January. It is for this reason that Spanish outlet Sport has claimed that Thiago is one of the ‘interesting names’ on Barcelona’s radar.

The Catalan club are expected to bring in teenage striker Vitor Roque next month but will not ‘close the door’ to the possibility of also signing a midfielder. Barcelona’s Gavi is set for a long spell on the sidelines, which could force the club to sign a replacement.

Given his contract situation. the report states that Barcelona are considering Thiago as an affordable midfield option for next season.

Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre
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14:16KEY EVENT

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez pinpointed as Tottenham Hotspur defensive target
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.

Spurs have been mooted with a possible move for the Reds centre-back as the North London club face several defensive injury problems.

Cristian Romero became the latest player to succumb to the treatment table and has been ruled out for at least a month. He joins Micky van de Ven on the sidelines, leaving Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Emerson Royal as the only senior options plus youngsters Alfie Dorrington and Ashley Phillips.

The Daily Mail have listed Gomez, Jean-Clair Todibo, Lloyd Kelly and Radu Gragusin, of Genoa, as defensive options.

£60million for Joe’s right boot please, Ange.

Liverpool’s English defender Joe Gomez reacts
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11:57Stephen Killen

Liverpool prepare for Wataru Endo farewell, despite good form
Wataru Endo has enjoyed a sparkling rise in his early Liverpool career.

The Japanese international had a slow start but has now enjoyed an upturn in form.

However, Liverpool will be planning for life without the midfielder.

How can it be? Already? I know, I know, I hear your concerns. But there is a reason and it won’t be for forever.

The Asian Cup.

Japan are the record holders of the competition and looking for their fifth crown in the tournament.

Here are the key dates:

Group stages start: January 12

Group stages end: January 25

Round of 16: January 28 to January 31

Quarter-final: February 2 to February 3

Semi-final: February 6 to February 7

Final: February 10

And the matches he will and could miss:

Arsenal (A – FA Cup) – January 7

Fulham (H – Carabao Cup) – January 10

Bournemouth (A – Premier League) – January 21

Fulham (A – Carabao Cup) – January 24

Chelsea (H – Premier League) – January 31

Arsenal (A – Premier League) – February 4

Burnley (H – Premier League) – February 10

Liverpool travel to Brentford on February 17 for a 12:30pm kick-off and will be hoping that the he will be involved, should he Endo go reach the final.

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11:49Stephen Killen

Romeo Lavia Chelsea injury problems continue after Liverpool transfer snub
Romeo Lavia, remember him?

The Reds were battling for the Belgian youngster’s signature in the summer before he opted to follow Moises Caicedo to Chelsea.

What a period that was!

However, Lavia’s start to life at Stamford Bridge hasn’t been the one that he would’ve desired and his problems have mounted further.

He made his debut during Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace this week but he has been hindered by another injury – this time a thigh problem.

Mauricio Pochettino expressed his ‘worry’ over the 19-year-old.

He said: “I’m a little bit worried about Lavia. He finished with some issues, but I hope it’s not a big issue.”

Romeo Lavia
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10:33Stephen Killen

Former Liverpool striker tipped for managerial return
According to reports, former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt could become the next Beerschot manager.

The Belgian side currently sit second in the First Division B but they were dealt a shock blow after manager Andreas Wieland reportedly asked for his contract to be terminated.

In a report from Voetbal International, they claim that Kuyt appears to be a managerial candidate and could make the plunge back into the dugout after his short tenure with ADO Den Haag.

Former Liverpool star, Dirk Kuyt
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10:30Stephen Killen

Ange Postecoglu details Tottenham Hotspur transfer plan as they look to mount Liverpool challenge
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to reignite their Champions League push and have an opportunity to do so on Thursday against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The January transfer window is around the corner and manager Ange Postecoglu is hoping to get their winter business done early.

Currently, Spurs have a hefty long-term injury list including James Maddison and midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur but defender Cristian Romero became the latest in the treatment room after being ruled out for at least a month.

“If we can do business early, it’s great for us. Not just because of losing Romero but there’s a whole month there – why waste it?,” Postecoglou said.

“If you can bring them in early, even if they don’t play, you can bed them into training and our style of football because it’s not like we’re going to sign somebody and they’ll hit the ground running.

“Whereas if you leave it towards the end of January, it’s potentially not until mid to end of February when they get up to speed, depending where they’re coming from, the league they’re coming from, so there’s a whole lot of moving parts.”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglu.
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10:27Stephen Killen

Liverpool set for Piero Hincapie disappointment as Xabi Alonso stance revealed
Xabi Alonso will block any January transfer window from Liverpool for Piero Hincapie, according to Kicker via Sky Sports.

The Reds are said to be interested in the Bayer Leverkusen central defender with a January move ‘possible’.

Leverkusen currently top the Bundesliga as they enjoy the winter break but Hincapie has not been a regular starter for Die Werkself.

The reported feeling of former Liverpool midfielder Alonso is matched by Sporting Director Simon Rolfes who reaffirmed the stance that no player was available for sale.

He said: “All are staying. We are not letting a player go in winter.”

Piero Hincapie of Leverkusen runs with the ball
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08:39Stephen Killen

Liverpool fixtures 2023/24
Liverpool still hold a two-point gap at the top of the Premier League with Arsenal in action tonight.

The Reds are enjoying a second day off today following their win over Burnley on Boxing Day before preparations turn to the beginning of 2024.

On paper, the upcoming run is a difficult one for Liverpool and in the context of form, it won’t be any easier.

Newcastle United (H) – Monday, January 1

Bournemouth (A) – Sunday, January 21

Chelsea (H) – Wednesday, January 31

Arsenal (A) – Sunday, February 4

Burnley (H) – Saturday, February 10

The Magpies may have six points from as many games with four defeats in that period but the Champions League challengers have shown they can perform under Eddie Howe.

Andoni Iraola has turned around AFC Bournemouth’s fortunes and only Liverpool have claimed more points recently than the Cherries. The Reds need to watch out for former striker Dominic Solanke who is in a rich vein of form.

Clashes against Arsenal and Chelsea speak for themselves.

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
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08:30Stephen Killen

Real Madrid and Chelsea battle for Liverpool-linked Jeremie Frimpong
In November, Liverpool were among the teams linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong.

Depor claimed that the Reds had been targeting the former Celtic full-back along with the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Today, Fichajes via El Nacional are reporting that Chelsea could offer €40million (£34m) for the 23-year-old but face competition from Real Madrid – who had previous cast their sights on Reece James and Alphonso Davies in their pursuit of a right-back.

Leverkusen’s Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong reacts to being fouled by FC Porto’s Colombian midfielder Mateus Uribe during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 3 group B football match between FC Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Porto on October 4, 2022. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
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08:19Stephen Killen

Manchester City claw back at Premier League deficit as Liverpool sit top
Unfortunately Everton couldn’t do Liverpool a favour on Wednesday against Manchester City.

The Blues took a first-half lead but Pep Guardiola’s side proved to be too strong.

They’re now five points off the Reds, who sit top of the pile. Nearest challengers Arsenal are looking to move back to the Premier League summit, they face West Ham United tonight (8:15pm kick-off).

Bernardo Silva of Manchester City (obscured) celebrates with teammates after scoring their sides third goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester City at Goodison Park on December 27, 2023
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08:12Stephen Killen

Liverpool transfer news and more to come
Good morning!

Hello and welcome to our dedicated Liverpool blog.

We will be bringing you all the latest transfer gossip, news and build-up to the Reds next outing against Newcastle United.

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Shane Ireland

Liverpool transfer news: Arsenal leading race for Goncalo Inacio
According to A Bola, Arsenal are leading to the race to sign Liverpool linked defender Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP.

Inacio has been linked with Liverpool and it was claimed that Reds scouts watched the 22-year-old in action for the Portuguese side in their Europa League clash with Sturm Graz earlier in December.

But the latest reports claim Premier League titler rivals Arsenal are the club most likely to act on their interest in Inacio in the January transfer window.

Shane Ireland

Join our Liverpool WhatsApp community
The Liverpool ECHO has launched its own WhatsApp community to bring you the very latest LFC transfer news and top stories direct to your phone. By joining our WhatsApp community, you will receive breaking news and top stories straight to your phone.

All you have to do to join is click on this link, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in. If you are using your computer, tablet or an additional phone you can use your mobile phone to join the group below. Just scan your camera over the QR code and open the link. For further information, click here.

Shane Ireland

Liverpool transfer news: Antonee Robinson stance
One player who has been linked with a move to Merseyside over the past 24 hours is former Everton full-back Antonee Robinson. Reports via 90min have indicated that the USMNT international is someone the club could look to pursue.

The Liverpool ECHO understands the Reds have no interest in the former Everton man and are not in the market for a player in that position during the January window, despite the setbacks suffered by Tsimikas and Robertson.

Tsimikas, who is likely to be out for several months with a broken collarbone, recently signed a new long-term deal while Robertson is expected to be back before the end of next month having been out since October following shoulder surgery.

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool in January
Shane Ireland

Good morning, Reds
Hello and welcome to the ECHO’s live Liverpool coverage.

The Reds return to action against Newcastle United on Monday having beaten Burnley on Tuesday night. We’ll be building up to the trip to St James’ Park as well as bringing you the latest transfer news and rumours ahead of the January window.

In the meantime, why not catch up by reading some of our biggest Liverpool stories this morning?