With new faces expected on the field and a new manager in the dugout, Liverpool is gearing up for a hectic summer. Richard Hughes will become the next sporting director of the Reds at the conclusion of the current campaign, the team announced this week.
His major priority will be selecting Jürgen Klopp’s replacement, with Xabi Alonso, the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, continuing to be the front-runner. Liverpool’s appointment will not be simple, though, as Bayern Munich is also interested in the Spaniard.
Together with Liverpool’s new manager, Hughes will have to decide where to make strategic transfers. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk all have contracts expiring in the summer, therefore decisions will need to be made over their futures.
However, transfer rumors on possible targets are widespread as Liverpool attempts to maintain its position in the Premier League title race following the international break. This comes after the club made one of its two significant appointments.
This is Liverpool.com’s assessment of the transfer rumors that have surfaced regarding the Reds today, which include a Premier League player who is being watched closely and a Serie A midfielder who has publicly expressed his desire to join a new team.
Koopmeiners Teun (Atalanta)
Teun Koopmeiners, an Atalanta midfielder, is still rumored to be leaving the Serie A this summer, with Liverpool being mentioned as a potential destination. The 26-year-old said earlier this week that the weather wouldn’t even deter him from playing in England in the future.
His current contract is scheduled to expire in 2027, but Tutto Atalanta claims that his admission has “raised eyebrows” at the team. Juventus has also been mentioned as a possible destination for the Dutch international; nevertheless, his valuation may have an influence. The player is presently valued at $75 million (€70 million/£60 million) by Atalanta.
Koopmeiners, who has scored ten goals in Serie A this season, is reportedly the target of Liverpool, who may take advantage of the two-leg Europa League game to begin early talks.
Liverpool.com comments: Although Koopmeiners would relieve Endō of some of his responsibilities as a defensive midfielder and in other areas, $75 million is a significant amount to part with. Liverpool should keep an eye on the possible sale and might try to lower the asking price, depending on how much the team has to spend this summer.
Guimarães Bruno (Newcastle United)
Bruno Guimarães, a midfielder for Newcastle United, has opened out about his future in public as he is still being linked to a move away from St James’ Park. The Brazilian has reportedly piqued the interest of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City.
After joining from Ligue 1 team Lyon in 2022, the 26-year-old has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exceptional midfield players. He has a $126 million (£100 million/€117 million) release clause this summer, but FFP constraints might force Newcastle to sell for less, according to The Mail.
Before Saturday’s friendly between Brazil and England at Wembley Stadium, Guimarães stated, as reported by Metro: “It has always been my ambition to play here. I’ve been a Premier League fan my entire life. My life has, I believe, been going well both personally and professionally ever since I moved to Newcastle.
“I’m thrilled to be competing in the greatest league in the world with the top players. Of course, I want to play here for a very long time, but I also have other objectives. However, this is something more in the future; I’m thrilled to be in the league.”
According to Liverpool.com, Guimarães is a very skilled player who can instantly elevate any team’s midfield level upon signing him. Even though Newcastle was successful the previous season, Eddie Howe’s team has struggled this year, and if Guimaraes wants to play Champions League games, a sale may be imminent. Liverpool might be able to do it, but it won’t be cheap.
