The European football transfer rumor mill is in overdrive as the January 2026 window edges closer, with Liverpool at the center of swirling speculation involving some of their biggest stars. The fate of Ibrahima Konaté, Mohamed Salah, and even potential incomings like Marc Guéhi and Ronald Araújo are all up in the air, and the coming weeks promise dramatic twists for fans and clubs alike.
Let’s start with the situation that’s got both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid on high alert: Ibrahima Konaté’s future at Liverpool. The French center back, now entering the final year of his contract, has yet to agree an extension with the Reds. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool and Konaté’s agents remain locked in discussions, but no deal has been struck. “It’s another interesting situation because for Konaté, Liverpool are still in conversation with his agents,” Romano revealed on the Here We Go podcast. “It’s not something agreed, and it means that several clubs can be interested in the situation of Konaté, clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid.”
Konaté’s contract talks have been a rollercoaster, with Romano noting, “One year ago, basically October 2024, [Konaté] was on the verge of signing a new contract with Liverpool. Then there have been some problems, some issues in the structure of this new deal, so the negotiation got delayed, and now the agreement is not done or closed, but they are still in conversation, between Konaté and Liverpool, so they are still talking, they are still discussing.”
With the January window looming, the stakes are high. Foot Mercato reports that Konaté has been offered to several European giants—including PSG, Real Madrid, and Barcelona—as Liverpool weigh their options. Real Madrid, having missed out on William Saliba (who opted to stay at Arsenal), appear to have shifted their focus squarely onto Konaté. “It’s too early to say what’s going to happen with Madrid, and so Liverpool are still in conversation with the player to try and extend the contract. In case it doesn’t happen, let’s get ready, because it’s going to be another big battle. Real Madrid will be there, and not only, so I think Konaté is going to be another big name to follow in the next week,” Romano added. The message is clear: if Liverpool can’t tie down their defensive stalwart, a transfer tug-of-war is on the horizon.
But Konaté isn’t the only Liverpool star attracting attention. According to Sports Illustrated, Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray are plotting an ambitious move for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger, a legend at Anfield and a perennial target for clubs worldwide, could be approached as early as January. While Salah’s departure is far from certain, Galatasaray’s intent signals a new chapter in the ongoing saga of Salah’s future. Whether the Turkish giants can tempt Salah away from Merseyside remains to be seen, but their interest adds yet another layer of intrigue to Liverpool’s already complicated transfer outlook.
Liverpool’s own transfer ambitions are equally bold. The club is reportedly ready to make a January bid for Crystal Palace center back Marc Guéhi. Bayern Munich are also in the race, with both clubs hoping to secure the England international before Barcelona or Real Madrid can swoop in for a free transfer. It’s a classic case of Premier League muscle versus La Liga allure, and the outcome could shape Liverpool’s defensive line for years to come. Guéhi, known for his composure and physicality, would offer immediate reinforcement—especially if Konaté’s contract saga ends with an exit.
The Reds are also keeping tabs on Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo, a commanding center back who has drawn admiring glances from both Liverpool and Chelsea. However, as reported by Sports Illustrated, convincing Barcelona to part with Araújo in January appears unlikely. The Catalan giants are standing firm, but Liverpool’s interest underscores their determination to bolster the backline amid ongoing uncertainty.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester United are making headlines of their own. The Red Devils are reportedly open to selling Bruno Fernandes in 2026, with talks already held with Saudi Arabian officials over a potential blockbuster move. Fernandes, a lynchpin in United’s midfield, could become one of the most high-profile exports to the Saudi Pro League if a deal materializes. Meanwhile, Manchester City are said to be willing to listen to offers of around €65 million for Rodri next summer, though it remains unclear whether Real Madrid will make a formal approach for the Spanish midfielder.
Speaking of Real Madrid, Los Blancos are preparing for a potentially transformative summer. Officials from the Spanish capital have reportedly spoken with the representatives of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, eyeing a sensational move for the Norwegian goal machine. With the possibility of selling winger Vinicius Junior to Saudi Arabia for an eye-watering €250 million, Real Madrid could be armed with a transfer war chest capable of reshaping their squad. Haaland’s arrival would send shockwaves through European football, but negotiations are still in the early stages.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are bracing for interest in several of their stars. Chelsea and Liverpool are keen on center back Ronald Araújo, but as mentioned, a January deal looks improbable. In addition, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford reportedly has his heart set on a permanent transfer to Barcelona next summer, despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain. The Catalan club’s ability to retain or attract top talent will be a key storyline as the transfer windows approach.
Back in Liverpool, the club’s recruitment team is also eyeing Lyon winger Malick Fofana, with both Chelsea and Liverpool among his admirers for a possible 2026 move. The Reds’ proactive approach in scouting emerging talent highlights their commitment to remaining competitive at the highest level, regardless of potential departures.
As for the broader European scene, the rumor mill is churning out stories at a dizzying pace. Bayern Munich and Chelsea are both tracking Nottingham Forest’s Murillo, while Tottenham Hotspur’s Thomas Frank is reportedly interested in reuniting with Brentford winger Kevin Schade. Aston Villa, on the other hand, have walked away from negotiations with Inter right back Denzel Dumfries due to high wage demands, leaving the Dutchman hoping for a Premier League approach from Chelsea, Manchester United, or Tottenham.
With so many moving parts and major clubs poised to make big decisions, the upcoming transfer windows promise fireworks. Liverpool’s next steps—whether it’s retaining Konaté, fending off suitors for Salah, or landing defensive reinforcements—could define their trajectory for seasons to come. For now, all eyes are on Anfield, Madrid, and the rest of Europe as the transfer drama unfolds in real time.
As the January 2026 window approaches, the only certainty is that the rumor mill will keep spinning, and fans everywhere will be glued to the latest updates, hoping their club lands the next big star or holds on to a beloved favorite. The stage is set for a winter of high-stakes negotiations and headline-grabbing moves.
