Liverpool’s loan push for Chelsea’s Malo Gusto stalls as price stalls

Liverpool's attempt to secure Chelsea right‑back Malo Gusto on deadline day collapsed after the Merseyside club rejected a loan proposal, with Chelsea’s £75 million asking price proving too steep for the Reds. The move was driven by Conor Bradley’s long‑term knee injury, which has left Jeremie Frimpong as the only seasoned option at right‑back for manager Andoni Iraola.

The departure of Trent Alexander‑Arnold last season left Liverpool with a void at right‑back, and the recent injury to Conor Bradley has intensified the shortage. Manager Andoni Iraola has relied on Jeremie Frimpong, whose attacking strengths mask defensive frailties. A permanent solution has therefore become a priority before the season begins. The attempt was first reported by PA Wire.

Loan offer turned down

Liverpool’s proposal centred on a season‑long loan without an obligation to buy, a structure the club believed would fit its cash‑flow constraints. Chelsea, however, insisted on a permanent transfer, citing the player’s £75 million valuation. The Reds ultimately walked away, lacking the financial means to meet the demand.

Other suitors and valuation

Manchester City showed interest earlier in the summer but withdrew when they could not match Chelsea’s £75 million price tag. Chelsea’s own valuation was reinforced by the Frenchman’s contract runs until 2030, limiting his availability on a short‑term deal.

Gusto arrived at Chelsea from Lyon in 2023 for a fee reported as €35 million (£30.7 million) and is now in his fourth season with the Blues. He featured for France at the World Cup this summer, which shortened his pre‑season with Chelsea, yet he has started both of the club’s Premier League victories over Fulham and Brighton this campaign.

Liverpool’s summer spending has already been heavy. The club secured Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain in a deal worth up to £123 million, added Jeremy Jacquet for around £54 million, and signed Victor Munoz for approximately £34 million. Defender Ronald Araujo arrived on loan from Barcelona, while Enzo Fernandez moved from Chelsea to Manchester City for £125 million on deadline day.

Chelsea also reached an agreement with Monaco for Lamine Camara for €55 million (£47.1 million), but the Ligue 1 side cancelled the transfer in the final hour of the window. Fabrice Hawkins said, “Liverpool simply don’t have the financial means to make a permanent deal happen.” Andoni Iraola warned that the club must act before the 11 pm deadline on 1 September, adding, “The word is ‘ideally’, ideally is the magic word.”

With the loan option off the table, Liverpool must explore alternative targets or promote existing squad members to fill the right‑back gap. The club’s ability to do so will hinge on how it balances its substantial outlay with the remaining days of the transfer window.