Liverpool transfer targets: Who the Reds are looking to sign this summer
- Arne Slot has replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool's manager
- Reds have been busy late in the window with incomings and outgoings
- Liverpool have made first signing of the Slot era
A new dawn has begun at Anfield as Arne Slot takes on the unenviable task of continuing Jurgen Klopp's stellar work.
Klopp's Liverpool farewell was understandably prolonged, and while the German won't be forgotten in a hurry at Anfield, the Reds must move on now that Slot's in town.
Champions League-winning boss Klopp attempted to oversee a mini-rebuild last summer off the back of an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign, but Liverpool's stuttering conclusion to a once incredibly promising season highlighted the work that still needs to be done on the recruitment front.
Liverpool have, rather uncharacteristically, left their business until late in the window, but they have now made the first signing of the Slot era.
Positions Liverpool need to strengthen this summer
Many supporters felt that centre-back was an area that the Reds needed to strengthen this summer, especially following the exits of Joel Matip and Sepp van den Berg. Virgil van Dijk's contract expires next summer and injuries have been a little too frequent for Ibrahima Konate. However, the Reds appear happy with their options.
The Reds struggled to acquire their preferred holding midfielder last summer and it was the same story this time around. Martin Zubimendi rejected the chance to make the move to Anfield and Liverpool have declined to sign an alternative - unless there is a dramatic conclusion to the transfer window.
In attack, Liverpool need a Mohamed Salah succession plan and they have been consistently linked with a wide forward. While the Egyptian is set to stay on Merseyside for another season at least, he's set to be given a little help from a new summer recruit.
Liverpool's confirmed transfer targets
Liverpool's search for a new wide forward hasn't been straightforward. Discussions between the Reds and Newcastle for Anthony Gordon have taken place, but sporting director Richard Hughes has instead made an opportunistic move for long-term target Federico Chiesa. The Italian is close to joining the club for an initial £10m, which seems an absolute steal in the modern market.
Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili became the first signing of the Slot era after the Georgian goalkeeper made the move from Valencia. However, he will stay at the Spanish side for the current campaign and join up with the Reds next summer.
The club had prioritised a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi at the base of midfield, but the Reds were unsuccessful in convincing the Spaniard to leave his boyhood club. Liverpool's wait for their Fabinho heir goes on.
Liverpool transfer rumours
- Arsenal are interested in signing Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez, who is keen to work under Mikel Arteta. The Uruguay international is available for the right price. (Date: 29 August; Source: AFCAMDEN)
- Liverpool have set an asking price of at least €110m (£92.6m) for Nunez in the wake of Arsenal's interest. (Date: 29 August; Source: Fichajes - Spain)
- Kingsley Coman intends to join either Liverpool or Saudi sideAl Hilal if he is to leave Bayern Munich before the end of the window. (Date: 28 August; Source: Nabil Djellit)
- Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie are among the top targets for Liverpool heading into the last days of the window. (Date: 27 August; Source: TEAMtalk)
- Crystal Palace are braced for a bid from Liverpool for midfielder Eberechi Eze before the transfer window closes. (Date: 26 August; Source: Miguel Delaney)
- Liverpool could also make an offer for Lille striker Jonathan David, who is valued at around £45m, but expect rival competition from Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Napoli. (Date: 26 August; Source: CaughtOffside)
- Rumour has it that Liverpool are also monitoring Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie. (Date: 24 August; Source: Football Insider)
- Liverpool are looking to sign £42.5m-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie ahead of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Man Utd and Tottenham Hotspur. (Date: 22 August; Source: Diaro Expreso - Spain)
- Also on Liverpool's radar is RB Leipzig's Mohamed Simakan, who is open to a move away from the Bundesliga side. (Date: 22 August; Source: Sky Sports Germany)
- Arsenal are ready to offer Atalanta £42.5m plus Jakub Kiwior in a swap deal for winger Ademola Lookman, who is valued at closer to £59.5m. Liverpool have also enquired about the 26-year-old. (Date: 22 August; Source: Alfredo Pedulla)
Who Liverpool could sell this summer
Veterans Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara left the club at the end of last season but they are not the only Liverpool players who have made permanent Anfield exits.
Despite impressing in pre-season, Liverpool have sold canny young playmaker Fabio Carvalho, who's joined Brentford in a £27m deal. Young defender Sepp van den Berg has teamed up with Carvalho in west London. Bobby Clark has signed for Pep Lijnders' RB Salzburg.
Kostas Tsimikas has fallen down the pecking order, and while the Greek international recently signed a new contract, Liverpool would likely accept a reasonable offer for his services this summer. Wataru Endo has garnered interest from Marseille as well as several Bundesliga clubs, while Joe Gomez could still leave before the window shuts.
There could be loan deals for young Tyler Morton and Stefan Bajcetic. Nat Phillips may finally secure a permanent exit amid interest from Trabzonspor and Calvin Ramsay has joined Wigan on loan for the 2024/25 campaign.
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