Liverpool Transfer Update (23/01/2026): Monitor the World’s Most Expensive Defender, the Future of Salah and Adam Wharton

Gilabola.com – Liverpool start moving in transfer market with the issue of the IDR 1.9 trillion defender, the future of Mohamed Salah, and the new midfield target.

The Reds started to get nervous, not without reason. Something feels different at Anfield this season.

It’s not about the atmosphere in the stands, but Liverpool’s direction in the transfer market which feels more cautious, but full of question marks.

The January transfer window is almost closed. However, the Reds’ activities are actually getting hotter behind the scenes.

Big targets appear. The issue of the departure of key players has also emerged again. And here are all the latest developments at Anfield today, Friday (23/1):

Liverpool’s ambitions are now realistic and it hurts!

Liverpool is currently still perched in the top four zone.
The target is clear, returning to the Champions League next season.

Arne Slot is no longer talking about the Premier League title race.
His focus is now more grounded, securing a European ticket.

This decision was bittersweet. Especially considering the previous winning season and fantastic spending reaching around IDR 8.8 trillion.

The decline in performance and gaps in several sectors made Liverpool aware.
This squad needs evolution, not just a patch.

Tottenham set a crazy price for Micky van de Ven

NO Micky van de Ven suddenly became the topic of hot discussion.
The Tottenham defender is said to be on Liverpool’s radar.

According to talkSPORT, Spurs have set a price tag of around £100 million or the equivalent of IDR 1.9 trillion.
A potentially world record price for a defender.

Van de Ven reportedly wants to leave next summer.
Even so, the contract is still binding until 2029.

Liverpool is interested not without reason.

His speed, dueling strength and adaptation to the Premier League make him look ready to become the main defender.

But one big question arises. Can Liverpool spend big again after spending massively last season?

The central defender position is now the main concern. The choices that Arne Slot has are increasingly limited.

Ibrahima Konate only has a few months left on his contract.
This situation opens up opportunities for quicker departure.

It cannot be denied that Virgil van Dijk is approaching the final phase of his career.
Experience is still there, but time is non-negotiable.

Liverpool previously almost secured Marc Guehi.
However, the defender is now in a Manchester City uniform.

It’s not surprising that Van de Ven is considered the ideal solution.
The problem is, these exorbitant prices are clearly testing management’s courage.

Mohamed Salah’s future is again being questioned

Another hot issue comes from Mohamed Salah.
The name of the King of Egypt is again associated with Saudi Arabia.

According to The Telegraph’s report, Saudi clubs had asked about the possibility of a January transfer. However, there is no strong signal yet to make it happen.

Salah has been on the radar of the Saudi Pro League for a long time.
Speculation peaked late last year.

He had expressed disappointment. He even admitted it was like being “thrown under the bus” by the club.

With AFCON taking place from December to January, Salah also mentioned the match against Brighton as the possibility of his last match.

These remarks made Liverpool fans mentally affected. But now, Salah is back.
He is expected to remain part of the squad until the end of the season.

Is this just a break before the big breakup?

Adam Wharton is a future option in midfield

Liverpool doesn’t just focus on the back. Midfield is also on the big agenda.

NO Adam Wharton emerged as a potential target.
The Crystal Palace midfielder has attracted the interest of many elite clubs.

The Daily Mail said Liverpool was ready to compete with Real Madrid and Manchester United.
The bid value reaches £80 million or around IDR 1.5 trillion.

Wharton is predicted to be England’s future star.
Selhurst Park could be too small for his ambitions.

Gilabola Opinion: Liverpool stands at a major crossroads

We at Gilabola see one clear common thread.
Liverpool are in a transition phase that they don’t want to openly admit.

The interest in Van de Ven and Wharton suggests one thing.
Slots want a long-term foundation, not an instant solution.

The issue of Salah also cannot be ignored.
If an icon as big as him starts to have his future questioned, it’s a signal that big changes are in store.

Season Premier League this time it may not be about trophies for the Reds.
But behind-the-scenes decisions could determine Liverpool’s face for the next five years.

Do Arne Slot and Liverpool dare to take big risks to emerge stronger?