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Liverpool handed opportunity in January market

Liverpool’s January transfer window has remained unusually quiet, even as the pressure continues to build around Anfield.

With little more than a week left before deadline day, Arne Slot has yet to welcome a single first team signing, or sanction any departures. For a club that lifted the Premier League title in 2024-25, the current campaign has been far more uneven, and the lack of activity has left many supporters questioning whether the squad has enough depth to recover momentum.

Injuries have played a major role. The blow of Alexander Isak suffering a broken leg has left Liverpool light in attack, particularly with Hugo Ekitike still adapting to English football. While the club were not expected to panic, developments elsewhere in the Premier League have created a potential opening.

Fabrizio Romano reveals Mateta stance

According to Fabrizio Romano, Jean-Philippe Mateta has informed Crystal Palace that he wants to leave the club during this transfer window.

Romano reported on X that Mateta has already been the subject of talks involving Juventus and Aston Villa, and has now made his intentions clear to Palace. The French striker has 18 months remaining on his contract, meaning the Eagles are under no immediate obligation to sell. However, allowing an unhappy player to remain carries obvious risks.

Romano later confirmed on X that Mateta doesn’t want to move to the Saudi Pro League and has his heart set on a Premier League or Serie A move.

That detail is significant for Liverpool. With Mateta focused on staying at the highest competitive level, a move to Anfield would fit his profile, and the timing of his request adds urgency to any potential deal.

Liverpool interest remains alive

Liverpool are not believed to be actively pursuing a striker at this stage, but Mateta has been monitored in the past, and his availability changes the picture.

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have built a reputation for acting decisively when market conditions become favourable. Rather than forcing deals, they often wait for players to push for moves themselves, which drives down resistance and improves negotiation leverage.

Mateta’s situation aligns neatly with that approach. Palace may prefer to cash in now rather than risk losing control of the narrative later, especially with interest from multiple leagues.

With Isak likely to miss the remainder of the season and possibly the opening weeks of the next campaign, Liverpool are one injury away from being dangerously thin in attack. Bringing in an experienced Premier League forward could provide immediate insurance for Slot.

Mateta profile fits short term needs

Mateta has already scored 10 goals this season and remains one of the most physically imposing forwards in the division. His finishing, hold up play and aerial ability would offer a different dimension to Liverpool’s frontline.

Competition with Ekitike could sharpen both players, while giving Slot tactical flexibility in difficult matches where Liverpool struggle to break teams down.

At 28, Mateta is not a long term project, but the deal does not need to be permanent to make sense. If he performs well, he could either secure a longer stay or be sold on for profit, fitting Liverpool’s broader recruitment model.

With the window closing fast and Fabrizio Romano highlighting Mateta’s desire to leave, this is the type of opportunistic situation that Liverpool’s hierarchy rarely ignore. Whether they act now remains uncertain, but the conditions for a move are clearly in place.

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