Liverpool transfer news today: Reds' Yoro DECISION, Matip draws INTEREST, Bakayoko SPEAKS on move

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Here’s our roundup of all the latest Liverpool transfer news. The Reds ultimately decided not to pursue Leny Yoro - here’s why.

Liverpool still haven't given fans anything to shout about - not even any sales. We're still waiting for some magic to happen as the Reds look to build something new under Arne Slot.

One major transfer that has happened - and drawn comments from Liverpool fans - is Leny Yoro to Manchester United. The Reds were linked strongly with Yoro but bowed out of the race. Will that prove to be a mistake?

Their reasoning for doing so can be found below along with all the latest Liverpool transfer news.


Why Liverpool didn't sign Yoro

Anyone but Real getting Leny Yoro was impossible.

At least, that’s how things looked. As it turns out, Yoro isn’t going to Madrid - he’s off to Manchester. United are on the brink of signing the teenager in a £52m deal. Journalist Santi Aouna claims he’ll earn around £145k per week.

And according to the Liverpool Echo, those numbers are ultimately why Liverpool decided to pass on Yoro.

The report suggests Liverpool just couldn’t justify the numbers. After all, the only way to sign Yoro this summer were to pay Lille more than they’d get by having him in their team this season and pay the player so much that he’d be turned away from Real Madrid.

Romano weighs in on Yoro deal

© IMAGO - Leny Yoro Lille OSC FOOTBALL : Paris Saint Germain x Lille OSC - Ligue 1 - Journà e 21 - 10/02/2024 BaptisteAutissier/Panoramic PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxBEL

Man United are reported to be giving the France under-21 international a wage that could reach £140,000 but it appears what swayed the deal was the Red Devils’ offer to Lille. 

The French Ligue 1 giants are facing a financial crisis due to the collapse of the league’s television deal and did everything in their power to push Yoro to accept a move to United.

That’s according to noted transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed Liverpool’s interest but insisted that the Reds believed he was headed to Madrid.

“Liverpool considered Leny Yoro as a target this summer and they also made contact with the agents of the player,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“But the feeling from Liverpool has always been that Yoro was going to be a Real Madrid player. So, Liverpool never had the feeling that it was possible to convince Leny Yoro.

“Manchester United presented an incredible proposal. The feeling is that another crucial part of the story and part of the winning strategy for Manchester United was to present such a big proposal to Lille.

Thiago rejoins Barcelona

© IMAGO - Football - 2023 / 2024 Premier League - Liverpool vs Manchester United, ManU - Anfield - Sunday 19th May 2024 Thiago Alcantara of Liverpool with owner John Henry and club CEO Billy Horgan after the game, at Anfield. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK

Thiago Alcantara left Liverpool this summer and has now had his next destination confirmed. But it’s only temporary.

Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday that Thiago will return to the club as a coach. It’s something that had been heavily rumoured in recent weeks.

Thiago announced his retirement last month - a shock to many. He barely featured in his final year at Liverpool but few expected him to outright call it a day.

Matip on talks with Leverkusen

© IMAGO - Premier League Manchester City v Liverpool Joel Matip 32 of Liverpool during the Premier League match Manchester City vs Liverpool at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom, 25th November 2023 Photo by Conor Molloy/News Images Manchester Etihad Stadium Manchester United, ManU Kingdom Copyright: xConorxMolloy/NewsxImagesx

One player Liverpool let walk for free this summer has now been contacted by a title-winning team. Joel Matip could be landing on his feet, to say the least.

German journalist Patrick Berger claims Bayer Leverkusen have been in contact with Joel Matip over a free transfer. The centre-back left Liverpool after eight years this summer.

The Reds decided not to renew Matip's contract. The reasoning behind it was solid - the Cameroonian turns 33 in August and is coming off a serious injury that ruled him out for the last six months of the season.

"Bayer Leverkusen is interested in Joel Matip,” writes Berger on X. "The defender is without a club, his contract with Liverpool FC was not renewed after eight years.

"The defender and his management are said to have been contacted. [Leverkusen] would like to bring in an experienced central defender, which is why Mats Hummels was also considered."

Bakayoko will only move to 'top' club

© IMAGO - 2024-05-05 PSV v Sparta Rotterdam - Dutch Eredivisie EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - MAY 5: Johan Bakayoko of PSV celebrates after winning the Dutch Eredivisie during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV and Sparta Rotterdam at Philips Stadion on May 5, 2024 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Photo by Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency Eindhoven Netherlands Content not available for redistribution in The Netherlands directly or indirectly through any third parties. Copyright: xBSRxAgencyx

One of Liverpool’s reported summer transfer targets says he’ll only move to a ‘top’ club this summer. He could follow in a former teammate’s footsteps.

Eindhovens Dagblad carries an interview with PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko that goes into his future. The 21-year-old has been linked with a move away this summer after an excellent campaign.

Bakayoko played 47 games across all competitions as PSV strolled to an emphatic title win. They dropped just 11 points in 34 Eredivisie fixtures, scoring 111 times and finishing with a goal difference of 90.

Liverpool have been linked with the Belgian. Het Laatste Nieuws reported a couple of months ago that they were one of a few sides with Bakayoko on their shortlist.

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