Liverpool transfer news: Jürgen Klopp is believed to have his eye on a possible replacement for Thiago, while a monstrous offer for Kylian Mbappé appears to have been made.
Liverpool have started the summer transfer market almost perfectly. Before the start of the pre-season, two major parts of the restructuring have already taken place, with the return of the first batch of players to the AXA Training Center on Saturday.
Under Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool have swapped two-thirds of their midfield position and more could come, both in that position and further back in Jürgen Klopp’s defence.
It was supposed to be a great summer spell to get Liverpool back on track, but the Reds have made a great start, ahead of many rivals to capture two big stars. However, that won’t be enough to satisfy the hunger of the Liverpool fans. Two signings in midfield, even of that quality, are not a reconstruction.
Almost as soon as Szoboszlai walked through the door and had himself photographed in his new number eight shirt, the Hungarian was forgotten rather than who would come in next.
Romeo Lavia
(Southampton)
Liverpool are set to sell Thiago Alcântara this summer and could sign Southampton star Roméo Lavia for $64m (£50m/€58m) in Southampton’s midfield, according to The Telegraph.
Thiago is seeking interest from the Saudi Pro League and has already turned down an offer from a club in the region, according to The Athletic. However, with the Spaniard’s contract expiring next summer, a Liverpool exit cannot be ruled out.
Lavia, meanwhile, is on Liverpool’s agenda as their next midfielder, with the Reds considering their next move in the transfer market following Szoboszlai’s arrival earlier this week.
Liverpool.com says: Lavia would be a good long-term option for the Reds and while he’s not a direct Thiago replacement, one would need to be swapped and brought in. Liverpool don’t necessarily need more numbers in midfield thanks to a much better injury record from those currently there.
Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Liverpool and Kylian Mbappé: a story that keeps telling. Speaking to El Chiringuito TV this time, journalist Edu Aguirre said the Reds had made a whopping $217m offer for the Frenchman, who put PSG up for sale.
PSG are not planning to lose Mbappé for free next summer, as the 24-year-old has made clear he has no intention of signing an extension with Ligue 1.
But the most realistic place where Mbappé will end up is Real Madrid. He’s been that way for some time and Liverpool are well aware of his talent and his abilities, but also the price of him.
Liverpool.com says: There’s simply no way the Reds would spend that much money on one player. Even if it would be less than Neymar’s move to PSG from Barcelona, it won’t happen. Mbappé would cost a huge sum in salaries let alone transfer fees and Liverpool will never approve.
