Liverpool are short on attacking and midfield options for new manager Andoni Iraola and there could be incomings and outgoings at Anfield this week
Liverpool have some big decisions to make with one week left in the summer transfer window.
Andoni Iraola’s side opened their new Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Sunday, when the glaring weaknesses in their squad in terms of personel were exposed – namely the lack of options in both attack and midfield.
Next the Reds host Nottingham Forest at home at Anfield on Saturday, but many fans fear their new Spanish coach will be hamstrung this season if sporting director Richard Hughes doesn’t act quickly to address the unbalanced squad he has built during his time at the club. Both incomings and outgoings are on the agenda – here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Van Dijk transfer admission
Virgil van Dijk maintains he has complete faith in Liverpool’s recruitment team to provide Iraola with the necessary resources to compete this campaign, reports the Mirror.
Thus far, Victor Munoz, Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo are the only additions this summer, despite connections to numerous other targets and the Reds clearly short of options in attack and midfield.
Despite limited arrivals, the skipper stays optimistic about the transfer window. Van Dijk said: “Everyone wants to see quality arrive regardless. I fully trust the club and the board to make the right decisions. That’s the only thing I can say.
“Let’s see what they do. Regardless of what happens, we are Liverpool and we have to give everything. For us, we have to show a reaction from last year.
“We have nothing to prove to the outside world, in my opinion. It is to ourselves. The way we train, the way we approach games, it is down to us to show a reaction.”
Emphasising the transformations under Iraola, the Netherlands international continued: “Last year it was very unacceptable, but that was last year. I don’t want to talk about that – we are looking forward and looking to improve. Hopefully next week it will be very close to what [Iraola] wants us to do.
“Like I say, we work on it every day. We do long hours on the training ground and that will only benefit all of us, including our loyal and trusted supporters. It is so early in the season that if we start panicking regardless of what could have happened today then we won’t be in a good place.”
PSG chief sends message
PSG chief Luis Campos remains convinced the transfer window “isn’t over” in his view, keeping the possibility alive for moves involving Mbaye and Barcola.
The Reds have been persistently connected with the duo throughout the summer, particularly Barcola, and an offer could materialise this week.
Claims suggest a preliminary agreement for a contract until 2032 has been reached between the club and player, with only a transfer fee left to finalise. Talks for Ibrahim Mbaye are said to be continuing, though his PSG team-mate Barcola remains Iraola’s top target.
Campos has now informed L1+ that the club will hold off to see what transpires with the two potential departures and that they are awaiting “a good opportunity”.
He stated: “The transfer window isn’t closed. I understand the question, but you have to understand my position. It’s important to defend PSG and the club. You mentioned [Bradley] Barcola and [Ibrahim] Mbaye; we’ll see what happens. It’s like this every year.
“I remind you what happened last year with Gigio Donnarumma; it was really late. This transfer window isn’t over at all; it’s open. Even on the incoming side, if we find a good opportunity, we’ll take it.”
Gakpo surprise swoop
Manchester City have stunned fans by joining the pursuit of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as they look to pip Tottenham to his signature.
Gakpo, 27, has been touted for a departure from Anfield this summer – despite him being one of the very few proven goalscorers in the Reds squad.
Spurs had emerged as potential buyers, having already seen an offer rejected for his services. The Dutchman has reportedly agreed personal terms on a switch to North London.
However, it seems they now face competition from Enzo Maresca’s side. According to reports, City have made their opening move to secure the Dutchman, who is rated at around £70m.
Gakpo signed for Liverpool from Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven in 2023 and has bagged 51 goals in 181 outings – including one in the opening day 2-2 draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park.