Liverpool’s late push for Malo Gusto ends in failure as Chelsea stand firm
Liverpool made a final attempt to sign Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto on Deadline Day, but the move collapsed after the clubs could not agree on the structure of the deal.
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, the Reds submitted a loan offer without a mandatory purchase option. Chelsea, however, were only prepared to sanction a permanent transfer. Liverpool do not currently have the financial resources to meet that demand, and the talks ended without success.
The interest in Gusto is understandable. Since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid, Liverpool have struggled for consistent performances at right-back. Jeremie Frimpong has not fully convinced as his successor, leaving a clear need for reinforcement in that position.
Gusto, the France international who joined Chelsea from Lyon, has shown solid form but faces competition for the starting role. With Reece James expected to be first choice when fit and new signing Marco Palestra also in the mix under Xabi Alonso, regular game time is not guaranteed at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City had also been linked with the defender earlier in the window, but that interest likewise failed to develop into a concrete move. As things stand, Gusto will remain a Chelsea player beyond the summer window, barring any extraordinary late development.
The episode underlines Liverpool’s ongoing search for right-back options and the financial constraints that limited their options this late in the market.
