Liverpool Make Last-Ditch Attempt to Sign €35m Chelsea Utility Man
Liverpool made a late attempt to bring Chelsea defender Malo Gusto to Anfield before the transfer deadline, but negotiations ultimately broke down after the two clubs failed to reach an agreement over the terms of the deal.
The Reds had already spent heavily on other areas of the squad, meaning their options for another major permanent signing were limited. As a result, Liverpool were looking at a temporary solution rather than committing to another sizeable transfer fee.
According to Fabrice Hawkins via X, Liverpool made a final approach for Gusto on loan. However, the proposal failed to convince Chelsea, with the Blues unwilling to sanction a temporary departure without a significant long-term commitment.
Chelsea wanted a permanent Gusto transfer
Liverpool were prepared to take Gusto on a straightforward loan and did not want an obligatory purchase clause included in the agreement.
Chelsea, however, had different plans. The London club wanted a permanent exit for the France international and were not prepared to accept a simple loan arrangement.
That difference in position proved decisive, with talks ending before the deadline without an agreement being reached.
Gusto joined Chelsea from Lyon in 2023 for a deal worth around €35 million and has since established himself as a versatile option capable of operating in different defensive roles.
His ability to provide cover across the back line made him an appealing target for Liverpool, but the Reds were unwilling to finance the permanent transfer Chelsea were seeking.
Liverpool’s finances limited their options
Liverpool’s significant spending elsewhere in the squad left limited room for another expensive permanent addition so late in the window.
The Merseyside club therefore viewed Gusto as a short-term option who could add defensive depth without requiring another major financial commitment.
Chelsea, meanwhile, preferred to secure a permanent transfer rather than send the defender out on another temporary deal. With neither side willing to change its position, the negotiations eventually collapsed.
Liverpool’s interest therefore appears to have been genuine, with the failure coming down largely to the financial structure of the proposed transfer rather than the Reds losing interest in Gusto.
A loan would have suited Liverpool’s situation, particularly given the defender’s versatility, but Chelsea had little reason to accept those terms if their priority was to secure a permanent sale.
Ultimately, the two clubs approached the negotiations from completely different positions. Liverpool’s late move demonstrated their desire to strengthen their defensive options before the deadline, but Chelsea’s stance made the deal extremely difficult to complete.
