Liverpool are set to be busy in the transfer market this summer, with one of their stars a target for a Premier League rival and Andoni Iraola looking to sign a big replacement
Nearly a fortnight into the summer transfer window and activity is beginning to intensify at Liverpool.
Andoni Iraola’s inaugural investment period at Anfield also appears poised to shift into high gear amid growing interest in several priority targets. The Reds have already completed significant business after splashing £34.5million to secure Victor Munoz from Osasuna. This comes alongside the pre-arranged agreement bringing Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for a potential £60m.
Nevertheless, Manchester City’s looming acquisition of Elliot Anderson for a staggering £116m rising to potentially £130m according to some sources could trigger a domino effect across multiple areas. Here’s all the latest news surrounding Liverpool this weekend, with fresh deals being mooted through both incoming and outgoing channels.
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Anderson windfall could seal Jones transfer
Reports of Anderson’s £116m switch to the Etihad could end up carrying major consequences at Anfield, reports the Mirror.
This applies if Nottingham Forest choose to go all guns blazing in deploying their newly acquired wealth following speculation the club fancies Curtis Jones as his replacement.
Considering just how vital Anderson proved at the City Ground throughout his two campaigns at the club, a successor of comparable calibre is essential. While Jones may not rival England’s World Cup star in terms of market value, he could prove a highly suitable option in midfield.
The Daily Mail has reported Forest are seriously weighing up a bid for Jones, who has entered the final 12 months of his deal. This situation has certainly lowered the fee Liverpool would anticipate in exchange for the player, who can supposedly depart for £35m.
The Reds seem prepared to entertain offers, though considerably higher ones than the £21.7m Inter Milan allegedly tabled for the midfielder last week. Were Jones’ contractual circumstances any different, Iraola’s outfit would probably demand a significantly steeper price for the 25-year-old.
Homegrown star Jones has expressed his ambition to spend his entire career at Anfield. The alternative is to permit the player to wind down his deal and depart for nothing next summer or hand him fresh terms.
Instead, it looks more probable the Merseysiders will sell this summer and extract maximum value from their academy graduate.
City enter Bouaddi pursuit
Less promising for Liverpool are the claims that City have joined the hunt for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The Morocco wonderkid already had admirers before the World Cup but has thrust himself onto virtually every elite club’s wishlist with his displays this summer, including Real Madrid and PSG.
And City appear no different after Spanish publication Marca reported City are firmly in contention for his signature as well. The 18-year-old is said to carry a £69m valuation, drawing parallels to the likes of Rodri and Fabinho.
Liverpool have their own reasons to pursue reinforcements in the engine room. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are established as crucial components at Anfield but Alexis Mac Allister’s future remains uncertain amid speculation linking him to Real Madrid.
The Argentinian found it difficult to replicate his earlier form while playing under Arne Slot last season. Nevertheless, Iraola will undoubtedly be keen to assess Mac Allister personally before making any definitive decisions regarding his future.