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Liverpool transfer plans 'unaffected by takeover uncertainty'

Liverpool transfer plans 'unaffected by takeover uncertainty'
© Reuters
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group reportedly plan to splash the cash in January despite the current uncertainty surrounding a possible takeover.

Liverpool's plans for the January transfer window will reportedly not be impacted by the current uncertainty surrounding a possible takeover.

Earlier this month, Fenway Sports Group announced their intentions to search for new investment into the club, 12 years after John W Henry acquired the Reds in a £300m deal.

There was initial confusion as to whether the American firm were indeed considering a full sale, but chairman Tom Werner has confirmed that such a possibility could come to fruition.

It is currently unclear if any concrete talks are taking place with interested parties, but an FSG partner has affirmed that there is a "lot of interest" from potential investors.

Liverpool have also been rocked by the news that sporting director Julian Ward is to step down at the end of the season, with the 41-year-old informing the club that he wishes to take a break from football.

General view inside Liverpool's Anfield Stadium before the match on January 9, 2022© Reuters

A possible takeover is also believed to have been a factor in Ward's decision, with the former scout set to depart having only assumed sporting director duties from Michael Edwards last year.

Ward will remain in his role until the end of the campaign, though, meaning that the Reds chief will spearhead the search for reinforcements in the January transfer window.

According to Football Insider, Jurgen Klopp's side still plan to be active over the winter, and their transfer activity will not be impacted by any potential takeover talks.

FSG supposedly want to make a marquee signing as a parting gift before ceding control of Liverpool to new owners, and they are willing to provide the funds for a priority target of Klopp's.

The report adds that the club are prepared to fork out "huge" money on a star acquisition in January, with club-record revenues of £550m for the 2021-22 season expected to be announced soon.

Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring for Borussia Dortmund on October 5, 2022© Reuters

Midfield is understood to be a priority area of improvement for Liverpool, who have long been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund and England protege Jude Bellingham.

The Reds were tipped to move for the 19-year-old in the summer, but Klopp was initially satisfied with his midfield options before injuries led to a last-minute dash for reinforcements.

Arthur arrived on loan from Juventus on transfer deadline day, but the Brazilian is now out for the long-term himself with a thigh injury, and a push for a new midfielder could therefore take place in January.

Bellingham is also thought to be on the radar of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, and the teenager supposedly has his heart set on a switch to the Bernabeu.

Juventus' Adrien Rabiot and Leicester City's Youri Tielemans have been mentioned as possible alternatives to Bellingham for Liverpool, who are also said to be willing to let Naby Keita leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, having tried and failed to agree a new contract with the 27-year-old.

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Written by
Ben Knapton

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General view inside Liverpool's Anfield Stadium before the match on January 9, 2022
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Bournemouth157352320324
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


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