Failed! Liverpool's last-ditch deadline day raid collapses
Liverpool's final deadline day gamble has fallen through in dramatic fashion: the Reds failed in an attempt to sign Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto.
Details: According to Fabrice Hawkins, the Merseysiders made a last-ditch attempt to sign the 23 year old Frenchman on loan without a buy option, but Chelsea were only interested in a permanent transfer and the move has collapsed. Gusto will remain at Stamford Bridge.
The failed raid is another twist in a summer-long saga surrounding Gusto. The French defender, signed from Lyon in January 2023 for £26.3 million and tied to Chelsea until 2030, has been exploring his options since June amid a salary dispute, with the Blues slapping a £75 million price tag on him. Manchester City, PSG and Atletico Madrid all showed interest, and the player even turned down a move to the Spanish capital. Last season Gusto played 49 matches in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists, and this summer he featured for France at the World Cup. Liverpool, still hunting defensive cover in the final hours of the window, saw their late gamble rebuffed, leaving Anfield empty handed as the deadline slammed shut.
It's worth noting that this is not the only late setback for the Reds in this window: Crystal Palace rejected two of their bids for winger Ismaila Sarr in the final week, the last one worth £50 million.
Reminder: Here we go! Chelsea agree deal for rising Serie A star.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
