Zubimendi NAMED as target, 'world class' star ready to QUIT - Liverpool FC news recap
Here is all the latest Liverpool news from Wednesday 7 August. Liverpool's mystery no.6 target has been revealed and they may face competition from a bitter rival, Sepp van den Berg edges closer to a move away and a Michael Edwards masterclass could be about to play out.
'World class' Liverpool star wants to QUIT
Caoimhin Kelleher played all three matches of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States as first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker enjoyed extended time off after the Copa America.
Kelleher has legitimate ambitions of making it as a first-choice goalkeeper at another club and despite positive pre-season signs, he STILL wants to quit this summer.
The 14-cap Irishman made 26 appearances last season as injury sidelined Alisson for large spells but realistically is going to have to settle for a place behind the 31-year-old in the pecking order in the long term.
Liverpool's mystery no.6 target NAMED
A trusted journalist has now named the player Liverpool are reportedly pushing to sign this summer after much speculation.
Paul Joyce of The Times claims Liverpool are considering Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder has been one of several names linked to the Reds over the past 24 hours.
A report from the Athletic claimed Liverpool wanted a new no.6 and had finally chosen a player for the role. That came after prior reports that they were unable to find a suitable candidate.
Liverpool move closer to losing WANTAWAY 22-year-old
Liverpool look increasingly likely to lose one of their players after reports that he’s reluctant to remain at Anfield. Sepp van den Berg wants a change.
Kicker reports that Wolfsburg are now in the race for Sepp van den Berg. They join PSV Eindhoven and Mainz in that, with the latter being where Van den Berg was on loan last season.
Wolfsburg want a defender, though, and view Van den Berg as an ideal signing. On top of that, the player himself would like to play in the Bundesliga.
Romano CONFIRMS Michael Edwards masterclass
Liverpool are set to see a Michael Edwards plan come to fruition as Fabrizio Romano confirms a deal is getting very close.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Twitter/X on Wednesday that Tottenham Hotspur will push forward on a deal for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke. The striker has given the 'green light' on a move and negotiations are firmly underway.
One 'problem' Tottenham have in their negotiations is that Liverpool boast a 20% sell-on clause here. They sold Solanke to Bournemouth for £19m back in 2019 and the profit on that could end up being significant.
Barcelona DECISION ends two transfer sagas
Two Liverpool transfer sagas could come to an end when one deal is officially announced later this week.
Dani Olmo is a player that Liverpool have been monitoring throughout the summer, however it now looks like a move back to Barcelona is imminent for the 26-year-old.
Barcelona’s interest in Liverpool winger Luis Díaz has been widely reported but the club's financial issues are well documented and this could mean that, after a big outlay on Olmo, Barca can no longer afford to bring in the Colombian.
Romano CONFIRMS Liverpool will miss out on €45m defender
After having targeted reinforcements at centre-back throughout the summer transfer window, it now looks like Liverpool will have to turn their attentions elsewhere as Fabrizio Romano revealed that one of their top targets is headed to a major European rival.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s 22 year-old Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho is set to move to Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer that could see the French champions pay a fee of €45 million, according to Romano.
Having spent just the one season in Germany, where his solid defensive displays attracted plenty of potential suitors, Romano reports that Pacho is now believed to be on his way to Paris to undergo a medical ahead of signing a five-year deal.
This news could come as a blow to Reds’ boss Arne Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes, given that they have reportedly been looking to sign a new centre-back to fill the gap in the squad left by the departing Joel Matip, especially with Pacho allegedly having been one of the preferred choices when it came to signing a left-footed and consistently injury-free central defender.
Man United CHALLENGE for Liverpool target
Manchester United could create a real problem for Liverpool as the Reds close in on their no.6 target this summer.
Everyone got very excited today with the news that Liverpool have found the no.6 they want to sign, Martin Zubimendi, but it appears Liverpool will have competition for his signature.
Dharmesh Seth of Sky Sports claims Manchester United are also looking at the Spaniard as they seek their own holding midfielder and that could create a problem for Liverpool.