Romano EXPLAINS lack of activity, Zirkzee MOVE, Lookman price REVEALED - Liverpool FC news recap

Fabrizio Romano explains lack of Liverpool activity

Now that the summer transfer window is open and new head coach Arne Slot is in position, many Liverpool fans have been becoming concerned by the lack of incomings at Anfield.

While in West London, Chelsea have been snapping up young talent left, right and centre, the Reds are yet to make any significant signings. What's more, the club have lost Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Adrian, all on free transfers.

Now, renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has shed light on the situation on his The Debrief podcast.

The Italian attributes the delay to the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament and the domino effect it creates in the market.

Romano explained, “I think many clubs in England, we mentioned Arsenal, it’s the same also for Liverpool and many others are waiting to see what happens in terms of [a] domino [effect] after the Euros."

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Mane on the move again

Liverpool legend Sadio Mane appears to be on the move once again. The 32-year-old, still held in very high regard at Anfield, is no longer wanted by Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

During his time at Liverpool, Mane was instrumental in the club's success, helping secure the Premier League and Champions League titles.

However, since leaving the Reds to join Bayern Munich in June 2022, Mane's journey has been less than stellar. He lasted just one season in Bavaria before joining the Saudi Pro League last summer.

Now, as reported by Okaz, Al-Nassr chiefs are in negotiations with rivals Al-Ittihad over a season-long loan.

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Calafiori tipped for greatness

Liverpool transfer target Riccardo Calafiori has been tipped to become ‘a great defender’ by former Real Madrid and England manager Fabio Capello. 

The 22-year-old Bologna sensation has taken Euro 2024 by storm, starring for Italy as they qualified from the group of death to take their place in the round 16. 

Calafiori has stood out with his versatility being a key weapon for Luciano Spalletti, capable of playing left back, centre back and even stepping into defensive midfield when required. 

He was on hand to provide a brilliant assist for Mattia Zaccagni’s 98th-minute equaliser against Croatia on Monday night, ensuring the Azzurri finished second behind Spain in the group. 

They now move on to the knockouts with a chance of defending the title they picked up against England at Wembley at Euro 2020.

Calafiori was unlucky to score an own goal which decided the result in the Spain clash but has otherwise been imperious for the title holders throughout the group stage. 

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Atalanta reveal Lookman price

Atalanta have put a €60 million price tag on Ademola Lookman as Liverpool join Manchester United and Chelsea in a chase for the Nigeria winger. 

That’s according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, which warns that Atalanta would be heavily against losing both Lookman and influential midfielder Teun Koopmeiners in the one transfer window. 

Koopmeiners, 26, was previously linked to both Liverpool and Juventus but is currently recovering from the injury setback which scuppered his Euro 2024 dream with the Netherlands. 

Juve are reportedly to be closest in the race for the ex-Arne Slot star but have been making plans to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa as a plan b. 

If Atalanta end up signing Koopmeiners then the club will seek to hold onto Lookman ‘at all costs’ adds the report. 

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Reds won't give up on Yoro

Liverpool aren't giving up just yet. The club remain hopeful in their pursuit of Lille's Leny Yoro, despite the player’s preference for a move to Real Madrid.

That's according to James Pearce from The Athletic, who writes that Liverpool are prepared to step in if the 18-year-old French centre-back's deal with the European champions falls through.

However, it will be a tough ask. Satisfied with the personal terms offered, Yoro has already informed Real Madrid of his desire to join them.

That said, the two clubs are yet to agree on a transfer fee, with Lille holding out for around €60 million.

“Senior Anfield figures have long since expected the European champions to win the race for his signature," Pearce wrote.

But Liverpool regard Yoro as a "unique market opportunity", according to Pearce, "given his age, talent, potential and contract situation [with only one year left]."

This is why "they want to be at the front of the queue if the switch to Real falls through.”

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Endo wants midfield helper

Wataru Endo has admitted that Liverpool probably should sign a new defensive midfielder this summer to help strengthen the team for Arne Slot's first season in charge. 

Speaking about Liverpool potentially signing a new midfielder this summer, Endo revealed that he would be happy for the club to enter the market for a player in his position.

Endo said, as quoted by MSN: "I don’t care about those reports, but I also think it would be better to get a No. 6 midfielder. I think there is a possibility that they are viewing Mac Allister as a No. 6, but at the moment there aren’t many No. 6 players to begin with.

"I had the most opportunities to play, and so did Mac Allister. We also had Thiago Alcantara, but he had a lot of injuries and is set to leave the club at the end of this season.

"We also have [Stefan Bajcetic], but it’s still unclear as to whether he will be able to contribute immediately.

"Considering my age [31], I think it might be OK for me to get the No. 6. But if it ultimately makes the team stronger then I’m all for it [a new signing], because there will be competition and I just have to win my position again.

"So I’m not really worried about it, and in fact I think it might be OK if I win!"

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Raphinha sale clears way for Diaz

Barcelona winger Raphinha has been tipped for a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, potentially opening the door for Luis Diaz to join the Catalan giants. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal are desperate to recruit former Leeds United star Raphinha over the next few months, with manager Jorge Jesus particularly keen on his signature.

Jesus has already contacted Barcelona over a potential transfer and the Brazil international, who is currently representing his country at the 2024 Copa America, could join his fellow countrymen Neymar and Malcom at Al Hilal.

Reportedly, Barcelona would need somewhere between £76m and £85m to allow Raphinha to leave Spain. Offering such a huge sum is not thought to be an issue for Al Hilal, who will also grant him a sizeable wage increase.

It's worth noting that Raphinha is keen to continue in Catalonia but Barcelona are eager to raise funds this summer given their precarious financial situation. Receiving such an enormous transfer fee for the 27-year-old would help them massively.

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Liverpool ready for Zirkzee fight

Liverpool could be about to hijack rivals Manchester United’s pursuit of one of their top targets this summer, according to a report from Caught Offside.

The Red Devils, driven by manager Erik ten Hag’s request, have reportedly made significant strides in their chase of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

However, despite ongoing discussions, the Dutch forward has yet to agree on personal terms, with the £34 million release clause proving no obstacle.

Though the 23-year-old is reportedly impressed by United’s keen interest, United's desire to secure a deal is also being slowed down by Zirkzee's participation in Euro 2024 as part of Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squad—even if the forward has yet to feature off the bench.

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Van den Berg wants Mainz stay

With his season-long loan at German side Mainz set to expire on 30 June, a decision on the future of forgotten Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg must soon be made.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who excelled on loan with the Bundesliga outfit last season, playing 35 times and scoring three goals, is in demand. However, it would seem that his parent club is not one of his suitors, and an extension to his stay in Germany is most likely at this moment.

Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel revealed, in quotes carried by Kicker: "The only one who has made a decision is Sepp. He definitely wants to stay in Mainz. He has made that very clear publicly."

However, Bild recently reported that Mainz attempted to engage the Reds in negotiations over the transfer of the 22-year-old but that the lines of communication have effectively gone dead.

All that leaves Van den Berg and Mainz in the dark over the player’s future.

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