Fasika Zelealem

Liverpool have had a £50 million bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected, although the 22-year-old is reportedly interested in moving to Anfield. Minteh is recovering from a leg injury and could miss two to three months, but a move would give him the chance to wear Liverpool's vacant No. 11 shirt following Mohamed Salah's departure. Brighton are under no pressure to sell because Minteh is contracted until 2029. Liverpool's shortage of right-wing options could also give 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha an opportunity to start the season opener against Newcastle United.

Liverpool are preparing for the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season under new manager Andoni Iraola while considering late transfer activity. Tottenham remain interested in Cody Gakpo, with reports suggesting the move is possible if Liverpool can sign two attacking players. Inter Milan have resumed talks over Curtis Jones and are reportedly preparing a £30 million offer after previous bids were rejected. Jones could leave Liverpool after 228 appearances and six major trophies.

Liverpool are continuing to pursue Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but PSG’s reported £145 million valuation remains the main obstacle. Liverpool are waiting to see whether PSG’s recruitment of Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts will reduce its willingness to retain Barcola, while Ben Jacobs has warned that delaying too long could backfire. If Barcola joins, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha could shift primarily to the right wing and emerge as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. Ngumoha has already played on both flanks in preseason, supporting manager Andoni Iraola’s preference for versatile wide players.

Former Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko revealed that he rejected advanced talks with Barcelona in 2007 because he was happy at Anfield. He fondly recalled winning the FA Cup and reaching the Champions League final, as well as learning from Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in a celebrated Liverpool midfield. Sissoko also discussed Rafa Benitez’s comparison of him to Patrick Vieira, explaining that he preferred to establish his own identity as a player. He left Liverpool for Juventus in 2008 and later played for clubs across several countries before retiring in 2019.

Liverpool remain in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential deal for winger Bradley Barcola, but the clubs are reportedly divided over a fee, with PSG seeking £145 million. Barcola has allegedly agreed personal terms verbally and considers Liverpool his preferred destination, while PSG’s pursuit of Mika Godts and Ferran Torres could facilitate his departure. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also warned that the club’s unresolved midfield problems, particularly the planned use of Dominik Szoboszlai alongside Ryan Gravenberch, could hinder the team’s progress under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool Echo reviews five prominent players who were linked with Liverpool for extended periods but never joined the club. Nabil Fekir’s 2018 transfer from Lyon collapsed after his medical, with the player disputing Liverpool’s explanation and rejecting allegations involving his family. Gareth Barry remained at Aston Villa after Liverpool failed to meet the asking price and later chose Manchester City. Arda Turan joined Atlético Madrid and Barcelona despite years of reported interest, while Benfica prevented Simao Sabrosa from completing a near-agreed 2005 move. Julian Draxler was pursued by Brendan Rodgers and later Jürgen Klopp but opted for Wolfsburg and Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool could have 10 first-team players enter the final year of their contracts and leave as free agents next summer. The club has previously lost Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson, Roberto Firmino and Emre Can without receiving transfer fees, while Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid generated only £10 million. Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas, Stefan Bajcetic, Calvin Ramsay and Harvey Davies are now highlighted as potential departures, with their futures dependent on contract extensions and performances during the coming season.

Liverpool are facing a severe centre-back shortage after Ibrahima Konate’s departure to Real Madrid and injuries affecting Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni. With Virgil van Dijk currently the only fit senior centre-back, the article argues that manager Andoni Iraola should pursue AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, whose Premier League and Champions League experience, pace and defensive versatility would complement Liverpool’s younger options. Tomori’s contract expires next year, potentially making him an affordable signing before the transfer window closes.

Jack Grealish's future remains unresolved after returning to Manchester City from a season-long loan at Everton. Everton and Grealish are reportedly interested in reuniting, but the club will not match City's reported £50 million valuation. Grealish denied claims that he was deliberately omitted from City's pre-season tour, explaining that he is still recovering from a foot injury. His close relationship with Everton manager David Moyes could influence a potential transfer, but the saga may continue through August.

Liverpool are continuing their due diligence on a potential deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but are unwilling to meet PSG's reported £140 million valuation and talks have not yet begun. Barcola could operate on the right, while Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz compete for the left-wing role. Munoz may be favored as a starter because Ngumoha is only 17 and will have his workload managed. Alexander Isak is expected to lead the attack after an injury-disrupted first season, with Florian Wirtz potentially helping him revive his Liverpool form.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is seeking further squad reinforcements ahead of his first season in charge, particularly in defence and on the wing following Mohamed Salah’s departure or replacement needs. Liverpool have added Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, while Iraola confirmed that longtime associate Pablo de la Torre will be his assistant alongside Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper. Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche remains a reported Liverpool target, but Fabrizio Romano says the player has agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain, which is currently in pole position while club negotiations continue.

Liverpool weigh moves for Ayyoub Bouaddi and Yan Diomande as Lille signal a high valuation for Bouaddi based on recent major transfers. Joe Cole advises Diomande to reject PSG and consider Liverpool, though RB Leipzig have already turned down an £86 million offer and are holding out for £112 million. Liverpool continue to monitor options across multiple positions as Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen the squad.

Erling Haaland’s impactful performance in a 2019 Champions League match left Virgil van Dijk frustrated enough to cut short a post-match interview, according to Jan Aage Fjortoft. Haaland’s strong World Cup form has positioned Norway for a historic run, while van Dijk’s Netherlands exited in the round of 32 after a penalty shootout loss to Morocco despite topping their group.

Liverpool prepares further squad changes under new manager Andoni Iraola, with midfielder Luca Stephenson close to joining Bolton Wanderers for £700,000 after two loan spells at Dundee United. New signing Jeremy Jacquet has arrived following his £60m transfer agreement with Rennes, expressing eagerness to contribute as he begins pre-season after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Liverpool could sign Leon Goretzka on a free transfer after the midfielder left Bayern Munich at the end of his contract, nearly ten years after Jurgen Klopp first attempted to bring him to Anfield. New manager Andoni Iraola has already added Victor Munoz and may seek further midfield reinforcements as he reshapes the squad. Goretzka, coming off Germany’s latest World Cup disappointment, previously acknowledged he considered Liverpool before choosing Bayern in 2018. His departure follows a decorated spell in Munich, while Julian Nagelsmann faces scrutiny for Germany’s early exit, with Klopp reportedly open to succeeding him if the German FA makes concessions on the role.

Liverpool, under new manager Andoni Iraola, is exploring free-agent opportunities to strengthen the squad after key departures and ahead of a Champions League return. Four notable unattached players—Julian Brandt, Dani Carvajal, Leon Goretzka and Dusan Vlahovic—are highlighted as potential targets offering experience, versatility and depth across attack, midfield and defence. Each player brings significant top-level credentials, while Liverpool currently faces gaps in forward options and full-back coverage. Interest from other major clubs may increase competition for signatures as the club prioritises rebuilding its frontline and bolstering the squad for the upcoming season.