The genius Liverpool and Crystal Palace swap deal that would massively benefit both clubs

Despite Liverpool's less than desirable injury problems this season, they appear to be taking a rather calm approach to the January transfer window, especially compared to some of their closest rivals. If the winter market was a water park, the Reds would be riding the lazy river while others around them are rushing to fit all the different slides in. At least for now, anyway.

The latest transfer rumours suggest that Liverpool could be putting their ducks in a row ready for the summer, rather than scrambling for game-changing recruits this month. The Reds could well bring in some beneficial reinforcements before February, but there have been very few reports of any advanced talking stages between the club and their targets.

Liverpool have a lot to consider as the summer approaches. Three players are now into the final six months of their contracts — Thiago, Joël Matip and outcast goalkeeper Adrián are all set to leave Anfield in June, unless some last-minute extensions are agreed. They may not be the only names on the outgoing list either. Last summer's six-player exodus left Jurgen Klopp and co with big gaps in their squad, and their search for replacements went all the way down to Deadline Day.

Following the intense interest in Mohamed Salah from Saudi Arabia, Liverpool would be foolish not to expect a revisit from the Pro League. Al-Ittihad came knocking just six months ago with wheelbarrows full of cash, trying to convince the Reds to part ways with their star winger. Salah's contract is due to expire next summer and conversations are reportedly being held over a new deal, which would be a huge breakthrough if Liverpool can tie the Egyptian down.

But there is still the chance that Salah will want to leave after this season, and Liverpool can't afford to lose him for free when there's been so much money offered before now. This leaves them visiting the market for a suitable replacement. Even if Salah stays, he remains the only natural right-back on Klopp's roster. The club should start thinking about signing someone who can come in to initially serve as back-up to the 31-year-old, with the vision to eventually become the first choice.

Liverpool are considering their options and one of the latest names to crop up on the radar is Michael Olise of Crystal Palace and there's an interesting story to go with it. Manchester United have been linked with the winger for some time now but ESPN has reported that their interest could have reduced from a boil to a simmer, as it is not a vision 'universally supported within Old Trafford'. Some figures at the club are said to be basing their uncertainty on how Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Wilfried Zaha have struggled to adapt to 'the more demanding environment' at United in the past.

This leaves a window open for Liverpool to take pole position for Olise, who Palace have decided to add to the summer outgoings list in order to aid their rebuilding plans. Convincing the Eagles to part ways with the 22-year-old will not be a problem, but how can the Reds approach the deal?

United were reportedly looking to offer up Wan-Bissaka as part of the deal to bring Olise to Old Trafford. The winger signed a four-year contract extension earlier this season, which includes a new buy-out clause. According to the Daily Star, the release clause figure could be close double the initial amount of £35 million prior to the new deal.

Swap deals are very interesting narratives to follow on the transfer window, and with United opening up the floor with their initial proposal, it could encourage other clubs to follow a similar route. Palace are currently on the market for a new defender and Liverpool could provide them with what they need.

That sounds like an absurd idea given their current injury crisis but this summer is shaping up to be a window of change. Matip may well have played his last game in red and Klopp is said to be looking for suitable players to eventually replace Virgil van Dijk, who is still solid but isn't getting any younger. Recent reports have claimed the aim is to find a future partner for Ibrahima Konaté.

Joe Gomez has been superb this season, slotting in wherever he has been needed. The 26-year-old has played at centre-back, right-back, and even left-back during the absence of key players. But when those missing return to fitness, Gomez is sadly not guaranteed a spot in the starting lineup. With years still ahead of him and plenty of experience proving he is reliable on the biggest stages, he deserves to be the focal point of a club's backline.

Tottenham Hotspur recently emerged as an interested party keeping tabs on Gomez, whose contract runs until 2027. Liverpool will surely not want to sell to a title rival — let's not forget Spurs are currently just five points behind the Reds in the Premier League table — so they may turn their noses up at Tottenham's interest.

Approaching Crystal Palace instead would take away the sting of losing a long-term player like Gomez, as the Eagles do not pose a threat to Liverpool's position in the table. The player would likely get the lion's share of starting chances too, and the Reds in return would get someone of Olise's calibre, who Klopp can mould into the player he wants.

Olise missed the majority of the first half of this season due to injury, but since his return, he's tallied five goals an assist in nine Premier League appearances. Last term, the versatile winger notched two goals and 11 assists in the league, which was a very impressive return for a player in a side that finished 11th. His assist tally was the fourth highest in the league last term, level with Bukayo Saka and behind only Leandro Trossard, Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne. Now, imagine the numbers Olise could reach under the guidance of Klopp and with Liverpool's bursting creativity around him.

This potential swap stands a good chance of delivering both clubs with something they really need, and both players would also benefit in their own way. Gomez's chances of challenging for silverware will be reduced, but his opportunities to lead the backline will be greater. Olise will have to settle for the other end of the deal at first — probably less time on the pitch to begin with but bigger chances of winning trophies and an eventual starting spot, if he can continue his impressive upward trajectory.