Liverpool could pounce for a World Cup star as Andoni Iraola considers how to bolster his Reds squad despite rumours of a possible exit that would rock Anfield to its foundations
Liverpool’s transfer dealings have slowed down since bringing in Victor Munoz last month when Andoni Iraola acted swiftly to land the Spanish winger from Osasuna in a £34.5million deal.
Defender Jeremy Jacquet has also officially arrived at Anfield, having put pen to paper in January on a move from Rennes valued at approximately £60m. Throughout the transfer window, discussions have focused on potential signings like Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola.
Diomande has handed Liverpool their first setback after reportedly opting to join Paris Saint-Germain instead. Today’s developments involve another prospective target and their choice. Meanwhile, very surprising claims regarding Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk have emerged. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Van Dijk transfer question emerges
Liverpool are prepared to offload Virgil van Dijk during the summer transfer window, according to barely believable reports from TEAMtalk.
The Reds captain has established himself as one of modern football’s finest defenders following his £75million switch from Southampton in January 2018.
The Dutchman’s Liverpool contract expires in the summer of 2027, with mounting speculation that Turkish clubs, including Galatasaray, are monitoring his situation, reports the Mirror.
And TEAMtalk suggests that, while Liverpool aren’t actively seeking to part ways with the centre-half, they remain ‘open to offers’ for the player, who celebrates his 35th birthday this month and has one year left on his contract.
It’s reported that Van Dijk and Liverpool ‘are prepared to evaluate any serious offer on its merits before making a decision’ and the club no longer views their captain as ‘untouchable’. However, new Reds manager Iraola is not advocating for the defender’s departure.
TEAMtalk has also suggested that former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has identified Van Dijk as a key target for his new side, Milan. The Dutch international has been a game-changing acquisition at Anfield.
He has steered Liverpool to two Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2019, and a host of other domestic honours. Van Dijk has also featured in two other European Cup finals with the Reds, suffering defeat to Real Madrid on both occasions.
Transfer setback for Liverpool
Liverpool’s hopes of securing Bradley Barcola may have taken a hit, with the player reportedly leaning towards a switch to Arsenal.
The Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele suggests the Reds are not perceived as an attractive option this year compared to last when they were Premier League champions.
Speaking on the Anfield Index podcast, Steele said: “I do think he probably will end up leaving PSG. He’s got a decision to make and he might prefer Arsenal. He’s probably looking at [Mikel] Arteta, and he might want to live in the capital city of London.”
The journalist added Liverpool have done their homework on Barcola, but, as with Diomande, that may still not secure them the winger.
PSG are reportedly keen to retain Barcola, with a rumoured asking price of around £116m. Steele suggested the European champions could command an even higher fee should France clinch the World Cup, a scenario that currently seems probable.
He added: “It’s going to be very, very hard for Liverpool to get Barcola.”
Another Frenchman a target
According to reports, Liverpool are amongst the clubs approached by representatives looking to generate interest in Barcelona’s Jules Kounde this summer.
The 27-year-old is also being monitored by Arsenal and Manchester City, while Chelsea retain a long-standing interest having nearly secured the then-Sevilla defender back in 2022.
There has been a drop in La Blaugrana’s £70m valuation, with Kounde now available for £55m. This could present an opportunity that Liverpool simply cannot let slip by, given the uncertainty at right-back poses a risk to Slot’s debut campaign in charge.
Kounde, who offers versatility and composure in his wing play, has been praised as “one of the best defenders in the world” by his former manager Xavi.
Predominantly a right-back, the 5ft 11in star can also operate as a centre-back.