Liverpool’s Late Deadline-Day Move for Chelsea Star COLLAPSES After Deal Disagreement
Liverpool made a last-minute attempt to strengthen their defence by bringing Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto to Anfield on deadline day, but the proposed transfer ultimately fell through after the two clubs failed to reach an agreement over the deal’s structure.
The Reds were keen to add more depth at right-back, with Conor Bradley facing fitness concerns and Jeremie Frimpong still adjusting to the defensive responsibilities of the position.
Gusto was identified as an appealing option because of his Premier League experience, pace, attacking qualities and ability to operate in different defensive roles.
Liverpool pushed for Gusto loan deal
Reports from Fabrice Hawkins claim Liverpool made a final approach for Gusto on September 1, with the club exploring the possibility of taking the French international on a season-long loan.
Liverpool reportedly wanted a temporary arrangement that would not include an obligation to purchase the defender permanently.
However, Chelsea had different plans.
The Blues were only interested in discussing a permanent transfer and were not prepared to allow the 23-year-old to leave on a straightforward loan.
That difference in approach proved decisive as negotiations reached the final hours of the transfer window.
Liverpool were unwilling to commit to the substantial financial package required for a permanent deal, while Chelsea refused to change their position. As a result, the proposed move collapsed before the deadline.
Another defensive option slips away
The failed Gusto pursuit highlights Liverpool’s desire to strengthen their squad before the window closed.
With Bradley’s fitness situation uncertain and Frimpong still adapting defensively, Liverpool clearly felt that additional competition and cover at right-back were necessary.
Gusto would have provided Liverpool with an experienced Premier League option without requiring the club to immediately make another huge financial commitment.
From Chelsea’s perspective, however, allowing an established 23-year-old defender to join a direct Premier League rival on loan without a purchase commitment offered little incentive.
The collapse of the deal is unlikely to be viewed as a disaster at Anfield, but it does leave Liverpool with fewer options in the position.
If Bradley continues to struggle with injuries or Frimpong takes longer than expected to adapt defensively, Liverpool could potentially look back at the failed deadline-day move with some regret.
For now, though, Malo Gusto remains a Chelsea player after Liverpool’s late attempt to bring him to Anfield ended without an agreement.
