Liverpool transfer news today: Zubimendi Arsenal AGREEMENT, de Ligt DEAL and £65m Reds WINDFALL

Here's our Liverpool FC transfer recap for Sunday 11 August, with updates on Lewis Koumas, Martin Zubimendi, Stefan Bajcetic and Matthijs de Ligt.

The summer transfer window has been open for quite some time now and whilst the first signing of the Arne Slot era is yet to be announced, there's still plenty of time for business to be done.

Arsenal 'agreed Zubimendi deal' - shock REVELATION

Arsenal had a deal agreed with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi's camp before Liverpool started talks - this according to FootballTransfers.

The site claims that the London club had engaged in discussions with Zubimendi's representatives as early as March, reaching a verbal agreement over a deal. The Spain international had even agreed a contract length and salary with the club.

Communication with the Zubimendi camp went dark, though, and a deal was never completed.

Now of course, Zubimendi is the top summer target for Arne Slot and Liverpool as they look to complete a first summer signing.

Loan deal confirmed

In a double announcement, highly-rated forward Lewis Koumas has signed a new Liverpool contract and joined Stoke City on a season-long loan deal.

The 18-year-old marked his senior debut for the Reds last season with a goal in a 3-0 win over Southampton in an FA Cup fifth-round tie and had been part of head coach Arne Slot’s plans during pre-season, featuring in games against Preston North End and Real Betis.

But with competition for places across the forward line fierce, a decision has been made for Koumas to continue his development elsewhere as he will spend the campaign on loan with Stoke in the Championship.

Expected to be available to make his debut in the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Carlisle United, the Potters' Sporting Director Jonathan Walters is delighed to have secured the teenager's signature.

"In Lewis, we are signing a player of huge potential and I’m excited to see what the 24/25 season has in store for him in a Stoke City shirt," he said.

We are thankful to Liverpool for entrusting us with one of their brightest prospects ahead of other interested clubs."

Zubimendi answer

The Martin Zubimendi transfer saga could draw to a close by the end of the day.

Emerging as Liverpool's midfield target as new head coach Arne Slot seeks to bolster his options in this department, the good news - according to several journalists - is the Spain international is keen on a move.

However, Real Sociedad are doing everything in their power to hold on to the 25-year-old which is understandable given his form over the past few seasons.

As per Basque-based outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa, not only are Sociedad prepared to offer the midfielder a new contract that would make him the club's highest-paid player, but president Jokin Aperribay has returned from his holiday in light of everything that has happened in recent days.

The report goes on to state that it can't be ruled out that the Zubimendi saga will be closed one way or another this weekend as Liverpool want a final answer because they are not going to wait for him.

Bajcetic unlikely to join Real Sociedad

Whilst Liverpool are reportedly willing to let Stefan Bajcetic leave the club on loan this summer, Real Sociedad don't appear to be a possible destination.

The Spaniard broke into the Reds' senior squad during the 2022/23 campaign, but was limited to a handful of appearances last season as a result of several significant injuries.

Having fought back to enjoy a solid pre-season under new head coach Arne Slot, it was believed that the 19-year-old would stick around at Anfield for the upcoming campaign to provide depth in defensive midfield.

However, as revealed by Liverpool news outlet DaveOCKOP, Slot has made it clear that he is willing to let Bajectic leave the club on loan before the transfer window slams shut.

It remains to be seen where the teenager will end up but a switch to Real Sociedad - as a potential replacement for Zubimendi - appears to have been ruled out with San Sebastian-based journalist Andoni Otxotorena telling The Red Men TV: "Wouldn’t make too much sense as he is too young."

Solanke windfall

Liverpool have made a massive profit as former striker Dominic Solanke's move to Tottenham Hotspur has been completed.

As confirmed by Spurs on Saturday afternoon, the 26-year-old has sealed a big-money switch from fellow Premier League outfit Bournemouth as a reward for an impressive 2023/24 season where he netted 19 goals in the top-flight of English football.

"We are delighted to announce the signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth," a post on X (formerly Twitter) reads. "Welcome to Tottenham, Dominic!"

We are delighted to announce the signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

Welcome to Tottenham, Dominic! 🤍

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 10, 2024

Now, as Liverpool held a clause that entitles them to 20% of whatever fee Bournemouth receive for Solanke, a nice windfall is heading to Anfield headquarters.

If the reported figure of £65m is correct, the Reds are set to earn around £9m from the transfer, taking their overall profit on Solanke to around £25m.

De Ligt agreement

Matthijs de Ligt is heading to the Premier League, but to Manchester United amid talk of a potential hijack from Liverpool.

The Dutchman has long been linked with a move to the Red Devils and reunite with his former Ajax manager in Erik ten Hag, but Football Insider claimed the Reds had expressed an interest in the 24-year-old as they viewed him as an ideal partner for captain Virgil van Dijk.

However, as revealed by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Man United have agreed a deal with Bayern Munich for de Ligt which is  worth €45+5m (£38.6m) and pending a successful medical, the defender will put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal - with the option of a further year - at Old Trafford.