In a stunning twist that could reshape Liverpool’s faltering season, sporting director Richard Hughes is reportedly gearing up for a January masterstroke by targeting Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi to shore up the Reds’ beleaguered midfield. But that’s not all – whispers from Spain suggest Florian Wirtz, the club’s record summer signing, could be on his way out in a blockbuster €110million move to Real Madrid in 2026. As Liverpool’s title defense crumbles, these developments have sent shockwaves through Anfield.
Midfield Crisis Prompts Urgent Action
Liverpool’s midfield has been the Achilles’ heel in what has been a nightmare campaign so far. Sitting 10 points adrift of leaders Arsenal after just 16 games, the Reds have repeatedly been outmuscled in the engine room. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister showed signs of burnout toward the end of last season’s improbable title triumph, while Dominik Szoboszlai’s recent ankle injury could sideline him for a crucial period.
Hughes, who splashed out on stars like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in the summer without addressing midfield depth, is now looking to rectify that oversight. According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool are locked in a four-way Premier League battle for Frattesi’s signature, alongside Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham.
The 26-year-old Italian international is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, boasting 33 caps for Italy and a proven track record in Serie A. Frattesi joined Inter on loan from Sassuolo in 2023, helping them clinch the Scudetto and reach the Champions League final as runners-up. However, under manager Cristian Chivu, he’s been criminally underutilized this season – starting just one league game and failing to feature off the bench in their last four Serie A outings.
Fichajes states: “Davide Frattesi’s name has emerged strongly in the European transfer market. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham are all closely monitoring the Inter Milan midfielder, convinced that his current situation presents a strategic opportunity. Liverpool are also considering signing him, aware of the heavy workload placed on Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Gravenberch. Frattesi would provide depth, intensity, and a highly valued tactical alternative at Anfield.”
With Frattesi’s contract running until 2028, Inter may demand a premium, but his lack of game time could make a January deal feasible. For Liverpool, this signing could be the spark needed to salvage their season, offering versatility and energy to a squad that’s looked leggy in key battles.
Wirtz’s Anfield Nightmare Fuels Real Madrid Speculation
Adding fuel to the fire, Florian Wirtz’s underwhelming start at Liverpool has reignited rumors of a high-profile exit. The 22-year-old German sensation, signed for a club-record fee in the summer, has managed zero goals and just five assists in 21 appearances – a far cry from the hype surrounding his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
Spanish outlet Defensa Central claims Real Madrid are poised to swoop in 2026, with manager Xabi Alonso – who coached Wirtz at Leverkusen – eager to reunite with his former protégé. The report suggests Liverpool could accept €110million (£96.4m, $129.5m) for the playmaker, despite initial faith in his potential.
Defensa notes that Alonso had pushed for Wirtz’s signing during his own arrival at the Bernabeu in the summer of 2025. While the outlet’s reliability has been questioned in the past, the rumor refuses to die, especially with Wirtz struggling to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.
However, sources close to Liverpool insist the club remains committed to Wirtz, viewing his slow start as a temporary blip rather than a reason to cut ties. Still, if performances don’t improve, a big-money departure could fund further reinforcements – potentially including another former Red, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who’s already linked with Madrid.
Salah Stays Put Amid Agent Talks; Guehi Chase Heats Up
In related news, Liverpool have no plans to part ways with Mohamed Salah, despite his agent’s impending crisis talks with club officials. Renowned journalist David Ornstein reports that the Reds are adamant about retaining the Egyptian king through January and beyond next summer, quashing speculation of a mid-season exit.
Elsewhere, the pursuit of defensive reinforcements continues. Our exclusive sources reveal that 13 clubs are vying for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in 2026, after a summer move to Anfield fell through at the eleventh hour. Guehi’s suitors include top European heavyweights, making him a prime target for Hughes to bolster the backline.
What This Means for Arne Slot’s Reds
As Arne Slot navigates this turbulent title defense, Hughes’s potential moves could define Liverpool’s trajectory. Landing Frattesi would address immediate midfield woes, while any Wirtz sale – if it materializes – signals a bold reset. With injuries mounting and points slipping away, January looms as a pivotal window.
Don’t miss our in-depth look at how Liverpool might line up under a hypothetical Xabi Alonso return, featuring Salah’s recall and two stars unleashed. Stay tuned for more exclusives – join our TEAMtalk Facebook channel for the latest breaking news straight to your inbox.
This bombshell could be the turning point Liverpool desperately needs – or the start of a deeper rebuild. Either way, the drama at Anfield shows no signs of slowing down.