As they come off successful wins against Norwich and Burnley respectively in the opening games of the new season, Liverpool are still looking to invest in new players to create an even better squad to face the challenges of the upcoming season. The Reds weren’t quite able to replicate their 19/20 exploits in the 20/21 campaign, and many felt the group had become stale and needed major overhauling to maintain their competitive edge.
Transfer News – Additions
While looking for new faces, it’s also important to tie down several core members to long term deals and Liverpool have done just that in August. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has inked a new contract this month as has Virgil van Dijk. The duo, especially the latter, are probably the Reds’ most important players- title winning squads are formed as much on defence as they are on attack.
Apart from VVD and Alisson, the club have also managed to tie left back Andy Robertson, versatile midfielder Fabinho and exciting right back Trent Alexander Arnold to new deals. They have made only one major new signing in the form of Ibrahima Konate from Leipzig, but there is no shortage of names being linked with the Reds in the current transfer window.
An especially exciting time for fans, there have been extensive discussions across social media and major news outlets. Transfer time is so highly anticipated that fans here in the UK and across the pond are even betting on who will go where, with websites such as the mighty Bonusfinder US offering odds on potential moves as well as other general and niche outcomes.
Those rumoured to be in talks with the club include:
Adama Traore
The Wolves winger has apparently impressed LFC club manager Jurgen Klopp, who is believed to be a ‘big fan’ of Traore, wanting him to join Liverpool as part of the attacking squad. The offer for him currently stands at around £30m, but Liverpool however are not the only club after him as it’s rumoured that Chelsea are also interested.
Kylian Mbappe
This Paris Saint-Germain forward is also rumoured to be in talks with Liverpool, with the club having a plan to transfer him next summer. Mbappe has yet to agree to any terms to extend his contract and has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, with PSG even rejecting a 160 million euro bid from Los Blancos for their star forward.
Jeremy Doku
Jeremy Doku, the Belgian forward for Ligue 1 club Rennes, as well as a player for Belgium, is reportedly in the sights of Liverpool too after some impressive showings at the recently concluded European Championships. Often compared with the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, Doku would feel at home as part of the Liverpool squad.
Saul Niguez
Atletico Madrid and Spain’s midfield Niguez is also alleged to be in talks with LFC. Reports claim that Liverpool sent an opening bid for him, which was rejected for reasons unknown. The Reds again face competition from domestic rivals for his signature, with Man Utd and Chelsea also linked with him.
Jarrod Bowen
West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen is another target Liverpool have their eyes on for transfer. His work rate (doesn’t shy away from defensive duties as a winger) and ability to pop up with key goals are significant reasons why the club is interested in him.
Transfer News – Leaving
As well as those staying with the club, some have already agreed they’ll be leaving and some are rumoured to have signed new deals elsewhere.
This includes Xherdan Shaqiri, who has moved to Lyon for £9.5m. In addition, the midfielder Ben Woodburn has joined Scottish Premiership side Hearts on loan till January, and a move could also be on the cards for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been linked with his old club Southampton. The likes of Harry Wilson and Marko Grujic have joined Fulham and Porto respectively, and there is speculation that Jordan Henderson, who has not been offered a new contract, is thinking of a switch to rivals Arsenal.