26th December 2024 Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England Premier League Football, Wolverhampton Wanderers versus Manchester United, ManU Rayan Ait-Nouri of Wolverhampton Wanderers tracked by Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12731335 RogerxEvans
There was a bit of drama involving Liverpool at the end of the transfer window.
The reds did not make a first team signing last month. Despite calls from fans and pundits that the team needs fresh legs to win trophies, no business was done. Arne Slot said he was happy with the current squad. Liverpool have done well to avoid serious injuries to the first team this campaign. The performances of the back up players have also been remarkable.
The likes of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliot, Conor Bradley and Darwin Nunez have stepped up this season. Nunez was instrumental in the 2-0 away win against Brentford in January.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
[freshpress-quiz id=”23054″]
Manchester United prevented Liverpool transfer deal
Liverpool will reportedly focus on transfers in the summer window. It was part of the reason why the reds focused on keeping their key players last month. Saudi Pro League clubs had offers rejected for Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah. Real Madrid also had an offer for Trent Alexander-Arnold shut down.
The club believed that selling key players in January would not be ideal, as finding a replacement would be difficult. Liverpool stopped a deal for Darwin Nunez because finding a replacement would cost too much.
According to Dutch Journalist Martin Krabbendam, Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia rejected a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Malacia ended up joining PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie on deadline day. Manchester United have been frustrated since signing the left-back, Malacia has played just eight games this season.
Wolves signing Malacia would have opened the door for the departure of Rayan Ait-Nouri. The defender has been a target of Liverpool, who believe he can replace Andrew Robertson. Ait-Nouri has earned plaudits since he burst onto the scene in the Premier League. His playing style is very unorthodox for a full back; Ait-Nouri had 62 successful take-ons last season, the eight highest in the league. Wolves are reportedly looking for a fee around £50million.
Reds can solve left back issues
Andrew Robertson has been on a decline since the start of last season. The left back has been guilty of some defensive errors leading to goals. Robertson is getting older and it looks like he does not have the same athleticism he had a few years ago. With Trent Alexander-Arnold possibly leaving the club in the summer, Liverpool have a job on their hands to replace one of the league’s best fullback pairings.
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