Liverpool’s summer transfer window is poised to kick off after the crucial restructuring of the club’s front offices.
New manager Arne Slot is in place, and Michael Edwards is back in an all-encompassing role as Chief Executive of Football. Julian Ward and Richard Hughes have returned in director roles.
With the off-field changes concluded, the rumour mill has swung into full force. Here are some of the latest murmurings in the media.
Bryan Mbeumo is a target for Liverpool this summer
L’Equipe have linked the Reds with a shock move for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo.
The Cameroonian forward is reportedly a target for the Reds, who are keen on bolstering their attacking options.
Mbeumo bagged nine goals and six assists in 25 appearances for the Bees this season as injuries curtailed his campaign.
The 24-year-old could be a useful addition for the Reds this summer, but it is hard to see them moving for him.
Mbeumo’s best goal tally in the Premier League is nine, and the Reds must look for a more consistent and potent striker in front of goal.
Johan Bakayoko coy on future amid Liverpool links
PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko is on Liverpool’s radar.
Eindhovens Dagblad recently reported that Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund are monitoring the 21-year-old.
However, when asked which club he will play for next season, he told Het Belang van Limburg (page 8 sports section), “The only thing I can say is that next year I will be on a football pitch somewhere.”
Bakayoko contributed 12 goals and nine assists in 33 league games, helping Peter Bosz’s side clinch the Eredivisie title.
The Reds are after a long-term Mohamed Salah successor, and the Belgian international fits the bill.
He is an exceptional talent, and Liverpool must do everything to secure his services.
Liverpool submit an offer for Assan Ouedraogo
Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs that have submitted a proposal to sign Schalke 04 starlet Assan Ouedraogo.
The 18-year-old is one of the brightest talents in German football, and many clubs are keen on taking him away from the fallen giants.
The German youth international will prioritise a club where he can jump to the first team, and Liverpool have created a pathway for young players to shine, which could entice him.
However, the race for his signature is not straightforward, with several competitors queueing up. Bayern Munich are among his suitors and have reportedly made the most compelling offer.
Saudi Pro League plot Merseyside raid
Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs did plenty of shopping at Liverpool last summer, taking Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson.
The SPL is plotting a return to Merseyside for more transfers this summer. Salah, Alisson Becker, Luis Diaz, and Joe Gomez have been linked with moves to the Middle East.
Salah and Gomez were targeted last summer and remain on the SPL’s radar heading into the transfer window.
They have also added Diaz and Alisson to their shortlist as they look to move away from transferring veterans in the twilight of their careers to signing players in their prime.
