Here’s a summary of Liverpool FC’s transfer news for Sunday 23 June, including updates on Nico Williams, Lenny Yoro, and Roberto Firmino.
The transfer window has officially started, but Liverpool has not made any official moves to acquire new players. Nevertheless, the rumors of a transfer have not ceased.
YORO INTEREST CONFIRMED.
Liverpool have shown their interest in Lille’s talented young central defender, Leny Yoro, although it is widely believed that he will eventually join Real Madrid.
Fabrizio Romano, a journalist, has reported that the Reds are actively seeking a new center back to replace Joel Matip, who will officially depart the club when his contract concludes on June 30.
Yoro is nearing the end of his contract with Lille, and there have been speculations that his asking price could be lowered to approximately £50 million this summer. This news has caught the attention of Liverpool and Manchester United. Unfortunately, both clubs are aware that Real Madrid is the favorite to secure the signature of the 18-year-old player.
‘Liverpool already expressed their interest to the player side, so Liverpool took some initial steps in this, but also Liverpool believe that Real Madrid are the favorites in this story,” Romano stated, as per GIVEMESPORT.
‘In case of any unforeseen circumstances between Real Madrid and Leny Yoro, Liverpool will be available to step in.’.
‘In case of any unforeseen circumstances between Real Madrid and Leny Yoro, Liverpool will be available to step in.’.
Liverpool is participating in the race for Calafiori.
Liverpool have recently shown interest in Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Following an impressive season in Serie A as well as a strong performance in the Azzurri’s Euro 2024 opener against Albania, the 22-year-old may have become the most sought after defender as he’s also been linked with moves to Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham.
Furthermore, TuttoMercatoWeb have suggested that Real Madrid scouts have also been monitoring Calafiori’s performances at the European Championships.
Now, you can add Liverpool’s name to the mix. Well, that’s if TEAMTalk are to be believed as they claim that new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is a reported admirer of the Italy international as he looks to shape the squad in his image ahead of the new season.
Whether the Reds are prepared to do battle for Calafiori’s signature remains to be seen but the defender has already stated it’s his dream to play in English football’s top-flight at some point in his career: “I have two images: Going back to Italy, perhaps in Rome, or my dream would be to play in the Premier League,” he revealed in a 2022 interview with Voce Giallorossa.
GUEHI INTEREST
Despite connections to Yoro and Calafiori, Liverpool is closely monitoring Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
According to the Mirror, the Reds really like the idea of signing the former Chelsea academy starlet and are monitoring his situation at Palace amid links to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
The 23-year-old has benefitted from an injury to Harry Maguire to start both of England’s games the European Championships and hardly put a foot wrong playing alongside John Stones at the heart of the Three Lions’ defence.
However, there is one potential issue – Guehi’s cost.
Apparently valued at £60m by Palace, with two years left on his contract at Selhurst Park, his price-tag could increase if he continues to perform at a high level at Euro 2024 which would leave Liverpool facing a dilemma especially as they have options in central defence with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah.
SLOT APPROVES WILLIAMS DEAL
The new Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot, has given the go-ahead to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club.
According to Caught Offside, Slot has had a conversation with the club’s sporting director Richard Hughes to give his approval for the winger who caught the attention earlier in the week as Spain defeated Italy in the Euro 2024 tournament.
Williams is said to have a release clause of £47 million in his contract with the La Liga team, making him an attractive option for any club, especially considering the current financial situation.
The 21-year-old is concluding another outstanding season with Athletic Club, tallying eight goals and contributing 19 assists in all competitions. He could potentially step into the shoes of Luis Diaz on the left-wing if the Colombian international decides to join Barcelona.
However, it will not be easy for Liverpool to sign Williams.
This is because several clubs have shown interest in the winger, as indicated by a report that Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are all keeping a close eye on the situation.
FIRMINO UP FOR SALE
Roberto Firmino appears to be searching for a new club in the near future, as it has been disclosed that he is no longer interested in Al Ahli.
The Brazilian is a popular choice among Liverpool fans due to his significance under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership during his tenure at the club. In fact, it was often suggested that the forward system was the one that allowed Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, in particular, to excel in attacking.
Firmino bid adieu to Merseyside last summer and finalized a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, without any financial obligations.
However, amidst rumors that he was available for sale in January, journalist Rudy Galetti now claims that manager Matthias Jaissle has requested the club to let go of the Brazilian this summer.
“Al Ahli, no change in the position of Matthias Jaissle – confirmed for the next season as their head coach – towards Roberto Firmino,” Galetti mentioned on X, formerly Twitter.
“The German manager requested to terminate the contract with the Brazilian and search for a new ST: The Saudi club is actively pursuing this path.”.
