Following a quiet January transfer window, fans and professionals alike are eagerly awaiting Liverpool’s first summer move.
Last year, the Reds were busy in the transfer market to address a significant midfield exodus. Both captain Jordan Henderson and vice-captain James Milner departed, alongside Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keïta, leaving Liverpool with few senior midfielders.
Jurgen Klopp and his staff prioritised signing new midfielders, securing Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō, and Ryan Gravenberch. Since their arrivals, however, activity at Anfield has stalled.
Arne Slot is gearing up for his debut season as Liverpool’s manager amidst a flurry of rumours. The Reds are in the market for several new players, with their primary target being a new defender after last season’s injury woes with Joël Matip and Andy Robertson.
Leny Yoro has been a long-standing target, and according to James Pearce, the 18-year-old remains Liverpool’s only significant active link at the moment.
“The rumour mill has gone into overdrive, but the only link with real substance so far involves Lille centre-back Leny Yoro,” Pearce wrote for The Athletic.
“Liverpool’s interest is strong, but competition is fierce and they expect European champions Real Madrid to win the race for his signature.”
Last month, David Ornstein reported that Liverpool are ‘actively pursuing’ a deal with Lille to sign Yoro, with Manchester United also in the running. However, it has been known for weeks that both clubs have ‘accepted’ that Real Madrid are likely to secure his signature this summer.
Liverpool seem focused on strengthening their current backline while also aiming to bring in new talent. Over the weekend, it was disclosed that the Reds had turned down the chance to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Although Liverpool admired Gordon this transfer window, the deal would have involved sending Jarrell Quansah in the opposite direction. The club had been interested in the former Everton star, who idolized Steven Gerrard growing up.
Quansah made a significant impact last season, appearing in 17 Premier League matches, with 13 as a starter. He is widely regarded as a potential future partner for Virgil van Dijk, and possibly even his successor when the captain departs.
Consequently, the idea of letting a promising talent like Quansah leave during such a crucial time is not being entertained.
There is still ample time for Slot and his team to assemble his first Liverpool squad. However, with only one concrete prospect currently in sight, they will need to accelerate their efforts as they enter this new and exciting, yet uncertain, era at the club.
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