Liverpool transfer news is slowly starting to heat up. Arne Slot has begun the process of assessing the first batch of players back in pre-season training, and as more and more come through the door, an idea of what still needs to be done will take greater shape.
Euro 2024 is delaying that, but the tournament has also seen a number of names shoot to prominence. Riccardo Calafiori appears to be nearing a Premier League move off the back of a good tournament with Italy, while Nico Williams of Spain continues to impress in the competition.
Speaking at Slot’s first press conference, new sporting director Richard Hughes acknowledged that business could take place a little later this summer, given the effect of the international calendar among other things. But with Germany now out of the Euros, Liverpool may need to get a move on if it wants to sign Joshua Kimmich, with other suitors circling.
Hughes also said that Liverpool will continue to be opportunistic in the market. As such, the club will be keeping half an eye on rivals as they attempt to seal deals, amid claims that Manchester United has run into an “issue” as it seeks to wrap up a deal for Joshua Zirkzee.
We’ve got all that and more covered for you here. And we’ll keep you up to date on any developments throughout the day as the transfer rumor mill rumbles on.
Keep an eye on the Liverpool.com live blog for all the latest transfer updates…
10:28Key Event
Joao Neves ‘contact’ made and ‘talks held’
Liverpool has made contact with Benfica about a move for 19-year-old wonderkid Joao Neves, O Jogo in Portugal is reporting. The player has a $130m (£102m/€120m) release clause.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are all keen on Neves, the report states. PSG has also been credited with an interest in the past. Efforts to tie him down to a new contract on a bigger wage have so far failed.
09:52Matt Addison
Liverpool “working” on $33m for Euro 2024 star
Liverpool started working on the signing of Turkish winger Baris Alper Yilmaz “immediately” after watching him at Euro 2024, it has been claimed by Milliyet.
Yilmaz, 24, got seven goals and 12 assists last season for Galatasaray. Since impressing for his country, it is suggested that “several” clubs are keen on snapping him up this summer.
Under contract until 2027 and valued at around $33m (£25m/€30m), Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be taking a look at the player.
09:20Matt Addison
Liverpool “hell bent” on Teun Koopmeiners
Liverpool and Teun Koopmeiners. It is one of those transfer links that simply will not go away, and this time, it’s Tutto Juve claiming that the Reds are absolutely “intent” on signing the 26-year-old.
Koopmeiners has agreed personal terms with Juventus but the Dutchman is valued considerably higher than the $49m (£38m/€45m) offer that has been submitted by the Italian giant to Atalanta.
Atalanta, for its part, is desperate to sell Koopmeiners abroad rather than to a Serie A rival and Liverpool is an easy link to make because the player played under Arne Slot in the Netherlands.
08:50Key Event
Rayan Ait-Nouri wanted
Liverpool wants to sign Wolves left-back Rayan Ait Nouri this summer, according to Football Insider. The Algerian full-back is supposedly wanted as back-up for Andy Robertson with a view to one day taking over from the Scotland man.
Manchester City and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the highly rated player.
08:21James Martin
Man United hits Zirkzee ‘issue’
Manchester United faces a potential “cashflow issue” as it pushes to finalize a deal for Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. That’s per The Athletic.
It’s expected that a deal will be finalized, with Man United having agreed the terms of Zirkzee’s contract and commission for his agent. The latter package is described as “sizable”, although the overall good value of the deal has eased concerns at Old Trafford.
But triggering the $43m (£34m/€40m) release clause in full could present a problem. The club is currently “exploring” whether to activate it or negotiate separately with Bologna over the terms of the payment.
Previously, it’s been claimed that Liverpool could try and hijack a deal.
07:56Key Event
Man City joins Anthony Gordon transfer race
Liverpool and Manchester City could both compete to sign England winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, according to Football Insider.
The Reds, of course, have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old but Pep Guardiola is said to be an admirer of him too. The Etihad side could provide competition for his signature if Newcastle is willing to sell.
07:37James Martin
PSG to ‘steal’ Joshua Kimmich
PSG has emerged as the favorite to sign Joshua Kimmich. TeamTalk makes the claim, citing reports from Spain.
Manager Luis Enrique is believed to be a big fan of Kimmich, who has been linked to Liverpool. He and Bayern Munich are believed to be open to a parting of the ways as his contract enters its final year.
And PSG’s financial clout could allow it to “steal” Kimmich away from other suitors, Liverpool included. The Reds had supposedly identified the 29-year-old as a possible “statement signing”.
07:02Key Event
Arsenal sets Riccardo Calafiori “date”
Arsenal has made significant progress in its efforts to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. It is “confident” and has even targeted a date next week to complete the transfer.
A final round of talks has been scheduled, per Fabrizio Romano. Meanwhile, a deal with the player has already agreed, with Calafiori accepting a contract until 2029.
The left-footed defender is said to be keen on the Arsenal project. He will earn $4.3m net per season.
07:01Matt Addison
Good morning!
Welcome along to the latest Liverpool.com live blog. We’ll keep you updated with all the latest rumors and speculation all in one place, and you can get in touch on social media as we go!
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
