Liverpool have agreed a deal for their third signing of the summer after beating Bayern Munich to the star’s signature as Andoni Iraola learns of more good news in the transfer window
The World Cup is now over and Liverpool can fully turn their attention to a pivotal pre-season as Andoni Iraola strives to restore the club’s fortunes following a miserable title defence under Arne Slot.
Liverpool will take on Sunderland in Nashville next weekend as work begins to ramp up with more friendly matches in the US, against Wrexham and Leeds United, to come before the Reds return home to play against Monaco and Como ahead of the opening clash of the Premier League against Newcastle on 23 August.
So far this summer, two new faces have joined the ranks, with Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz making the switch from Rennes and Osasuna respectively. However, with the World Cup now completed, full attention can be given to transfers as all the stars return home from North America. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Reds news.
Reds outmanoeuvre Bayern
Liverpool have pipped Bayern Munich to secure the signature of Samuel Martinez. According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds have settled on a fee of approximately £740,000 with Atletico Nacional for the attacking midfielder.
As part of the agreement, he will stay with the Colombian outfit for an additional 12 months and will join Liverpool during next summer’s transfer window after celebrating his 18th birthday in April. The 17-year-old was on the radar of numerous European heavyweights, including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
It has also come to light that Bayern were serious contenders for Martinez’s signature. The youngster had been monitored by the German giants for months and featured on their summer wishlist, according to TZ.
Bayern scouts are believed to have compared Martinez’s playing style to that of Brazilian icon Kaka.
They also possessed an ace up their sleeve in the form of the player’s representative, Daniel Neumuller, who hails from Bavaria. Nevertheless, it appears Liverpool have triumphed in the battle to secure his services, though supporters will need to wait a year before witnessing him in action.
Mbaye on the move
The Reds have been alerted after Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain was placed on the transfer list. It’s well-documented that the Reds are hunting for one or two wide players.
Expectations of landing Diomande seem to have diminished, with the Ivorian allegedly holding out for a switch to PSG and willing to remain at RB Leipzig for another campaign. Consequently, Liverpool may pivot towards 18-year-old Mbaye, regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young prospects.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Senegal sensation will depart PSG this summer, with super-agent Jorge Mendes said to be “in control of his future.”
The report states that Premier League and Bundesliga sides are waiting in the wings to capitalise on the circumstances.
While the competition will be fierce, the Reds would represent an appealing destination given the clear opening on the right wing following Mohamed Salah’s exit.