The summer transfer window is officially upon us, and from early signs, it looks to be one of the most significant in football’s recent history. For Liverpool, it is no different. After a disappointing fifth-placed finish in the Premier League in 2022/23, they will be contending in the UEFA Europa League after a six-year UEFA Champions League stint.
Alexis Mac Allister is already through the door from Brighton and Hove Albion, with the 24-year-old set to spearhead a new look Liverpool midfield.
With James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all departing on free transfers, this area of the Reds’ side needed the most attention. It won’t be the only position on Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist, however.
Here are five Liverpool transfer targets that FSG could sanction this summer:
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Ryan Gravenberch
This is by far the biggest Liverpool transfer story as we approach the deadline day. Not only that – this is the most likely of all Liverpool transfer targets to result in a successful deal before 11 PM this Friday. As you can see, the man I am referencing here is Ryan Gravenberch, and Liverpool has reportedly been able to agree personal terms with the Bayern Munich midfielder. However, personal terms are just one part of this possible deal. The other part of the deal is arguably going to be the biggest hurdle for Klopp and Liverpool as Bayern Munich will want to get a fair price for the 21-year-old. On that note, given his abilities and his age, reports indicate that Bayern Munich will not want to let Gravenberch go for less than £30 million.
Of course, that is a stretch for Liverpool after their busy summer, but there is absolutely no denying that Ryan Gravenberch will be a great asset to the team. As for some added fuel to the rumors that Gravenberch is one of the likely Liverpool transfer targets that will pull through, the midfielder didn’t train with Bayern Munich today. Therefore, could it be the case that Gravenberch is already on his way to Liverpool and the public just doesn’t know yet?
One thing is for sure – the answer will be revealed over the next 24 hours.
Arthur Theate
It has been particularly clear throughout the summer transfer period that Liverpool have focused heavily on the midfield region. But all of that could be set to change when looking at the current Liverpool transfer targets shortlist. On this list, it seems as though Liverpool is pushing hard to try and bring in Arthur Theate from Rennes. This 23-year-old defender currently plays as a center-back for Rennes, yet there is a real possibility that Theate could be swayed to come to Liverpool before the Friday deadline. As for just how possible this deal is, according to numerous reports, Rennes would want somewhere in the region of £30 million for this defender.
Now, with other targets like Gravenberch on the horizon, such a sum of money might not be stumped up by the club. However, news has come through over the last 24 hours that Klopp is potentially eyeing up a swap deal involving Joel Matip. This would actually be a dynamite move for Liverpool with Matip having less than one year remaining on his contract, especially given his age of 32. Therefore, Liverpool could swap out the old for the new, so to speak, and they’d be bringing in a Belgium international without needing to meet such a large price tag.
As for how hard Klopp will push for Arthur Theate between now and 11 PM on Friday since the swap deal would mean that Liverpool could bring in Theate for just over £20 – I feel he will definitely do whatever it takes to secure Theate’s services.
Ibrahim Sangare – Defensive Midfielder – PSV Eindhoven
We all know that Liverpool are capable of scoring goals – that cannot be called into question. However, if they are to win the Premier League or challenge for other prestigious titles, they need to be rock solid at the back. This includes how they deal with the ball when they need to contain possession and build from their own half. On that note, it seems as though the Liverpool transfer targets of late would echo these thoughts. Specifically, Liverpool has been linked with Ibrahim Sangare, and he could be the missing piece of the puzzle in the defensive midfield region.
This Ivory Coast international is pretty content at his current club, PSV Eindhoven, but when big clubs like Liverpool show interest, it’s logical for Sangare to entertain any and all offers. Yet Liverpool isn’t the only club looking to sign the 25-year-old before August is over. According to recent reports, Bayern Munich are pretty keen on securing Sangare’s services. So it will no doubt come down to a two-club race over the next 10/11 days, and ultimately, it looks like £32 million will be the required fee to get the deal done.
Sofyan Amrabat – Midfielder – Fiorentina
The next of the many Liverpool transfer targets who are shortlisted right now is Sofyan Amrabat. Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on Amrabat in recent weeks, and he would provide a major boost to the club’s midfield ranks if signed. Don’t forget – Liverpool has lost several key players in this section of the pitch this summer, with names like Henderson and Fabinho both making a move to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Liverpool has an obvious gap that must be filled by one or more top-level midfielders, which is where Sofyan Amrabat steps into the picture.
Amrabat has been at Fiorentina since 2020, and he plays for Morocco on the international stage. And at 26 years of age, he could be a long-term solution to Liverpool’s midfield dilemmas, but the price must be right. As per Fiorentina’s stance on a possible Amrabat Liverpool transfer, it looks as though Liverpool will need to shell out around £30 million to get the deal over the line. However, much like some of the other Liverpool transfer targets mentioned here, Liverpool is facing competition – particularly from Manchester United.
Leroy Sane – Winger – Bayern Munich
Liverpool’s attacking game isn’t exactly the primary concern at the moment, hence the moves they’ve made to sign players in midfield/defence this summer. Yet just because this isn’t the number one priority, it doesn’t mean that Liverpool won’t swoop in to grab a bargain if one is available. After all, Mo Salah has already entertained the prospect of a Liverpool exit according to several transfer rumors, and Liverpool needs a suitable replacement if their star man bails. Even if this doesn’t occur this season, Liverpool still needs to set things up appropriately for the inevitable day that Salah does leave. And as you can see, Leroy Sane is reportedly the replacement that Liverpool is considering.
Of course, Sane has played in the Premier League before, representing Man City from 2016 – 2020. He’s been at Bayern Munich since, but Sane certainly loved his time in England, and Liverpool could be the perfect club for him to come back to. With this said, while Liverpool has got Sane on the radar right now, he won’t come back for cheap as he is at the top of his game.
Romeo Lavia
After Fabinho swapped Liverpool for Saudi Pro League’s Al-Ittihad, there was a hole at the center of the park that coach Klopp was eager to fill. It seems that Romeo Lavia checks all of Jurgen Klopp’s boxes when it comes to the role of a defensive midfielder.
Southampton’s midfielder played a total of 29 Premier League games last season, scoring once and getting booked on nine occasions.
Romelo Lavia has the right stuff to fill the Fabinho-shaped hole in Liverpool’s starting XI. Merseyside have been persistent in snapping up Romeo Lavia, but so far, Saints aren’t letting go of their star player.
On Monday, Southampton’s board rejected Liverpool’s third offer for Romeo Lavia’s services. According to rumors, the offer included a whopping £46m plus add-ons. However, Southampton are reluctant to sell at the moment, as they are searching for a deal around the £50m price range for their prized asset. Saints enter these negotiations knowing they can strongarm Merseyside for the £50m they so desire, as Klopp’s side is in dire need of a top-notch defensive midfielder.
Gabri Veiga
21-year-old Gabri Veiga is one of the top young players in La Liga at the moment. The Celta Vigo central midfielder has the arsenal to boost the attacking phase as well as provide security at the back.
Napoli, Manchester City, and Real Madrid joined Merseyside in the race to sign Gabri Veiga, so there’s no telling what future the up-and-coming midfielder will choose for himself. Spain’s under-21s midfielder will surely have his fair share of options to pick, as coach Jurgen Klopp is eager to boost his midfield before the 2023/24 Premier League season kicks off on Friday.
Reportedly, young Veiga has a €40m release clause that Merseyside are trying to negotiate down. Given the fact that Celta Vigo aren’t known for their financial might, we could see the club accept a tad lower offer for Veiga’s services.
Khephren Thuram
If you have found yourself in the chasm of Liverpool Twitter so far this summer, you wouldn’t have to scroll too much before seeing Nice midfielder Thuram’s name.
A famous footballing surname has done little to deter Khephren’s rise, however, as he’s cemented himself as one of France’s most exciting prospects this campaign.
The 21-year-old, standing tall at 6’4”, is often misconceived as a Fabinho-like defensive midfileder – but has found himself shifted to a more conventional number eight position this season for Nice, who finished ninth in Ligue 1.
Known for his close relationship with current Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, it is a transfer that would totally makes sense for the Reds now and in the future, with plenty of improvement yet to be sculpted.
The transfer looks evermore likely and could be completed before Liverpool return for pre-season in 19 days time.
Manu Kone
Another French midfielder linked with Liverpool this summer is Borussia Monchengladbach man Kouadio ‘Manu’ Kone. Valued at around £35m by his current club according to the Daily Mail, Kone is also being tracked by fellow Premier League clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.
Chelsea and Newcastle United have also been linked with the 22-year-old former Toulouse midfielder. A little more raw than his compatriot Thuram despite being a year senior, Kone’s potential is through the roof having already made 60 appearances for the Foals, scoring four times.
In similar form to Thuram though, he is adept at playing multiple midfield roles – but has more recently been deployed in front of the back four in a screening role.Kone is contracted until 2025, and the German club have the option to extend his deal by a further year.
Gabri Veiga
Another midfielder this time, and one who is sought across the European elite in 21-year-old Spanish starlet Gabriel Veiga.
The Celta Vigo midfielder carried the weight of the club on his shoulders in his debut campaign, scoring 11 goals in all competitions in a disastrous campaign for Os Celestes.
Veiga is a more attacking option in the middle and is statistically very similar to Liverpool’s new recruit Mac Allister, but three years his junior.
Coming through the Vigo youth ranks, Veiga made his debut for Celta in 2019 but spent the majority of his career in the ‘B-Team’ setup until this season. He made such an impact that he won La Liga’s Player of the Month award for February.
In terms of depth in the offensive area of midfield, Veiga would be an ideal addition – and is thought to be worth between £30-35m, a bargain price in today’s market for a young midfielder.
Kyle Walker
It won’t be often that you see a Manchester City player in a Liverpool transfer target list, but in recent developments it looks increasingly likely that Walker could depart the Etihad Stadium this summer, with Bayern Munich linked.
But Liverpool, in the unique position that they’re starting right-back is set to move into midfield, could be an ideal destination for the 33-year-old – and have been considering a bid according to the Daily Mail.
The former Spurs defender could sign a short-term contract with the Reds and help fulfill their homegrown quota, whilst also helping fill the leadership void left by the likes of Milner.
An unlikely one, but a very attractive one for Jorg Schmadtke and the recruitment team.
Jurrien Timber
An ideal signing for Liverpool’s new system, Jurrien Timber would be the perfect utility signing to play in the 3-2-5.
The Ajax wonderkid can play in any of the right-back, centre-back and defensive midfield positions, and has accrued a vast experience in such a short career – amassing 121 senior appearances for the Eredivisie side.
Manchester United have long been tracking the defender, but Liverpool’s need for a player with Timber’s specific skillset could swing the Dutchman to join the Reds – not to mention his compatriots Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.
Timber did play under United boss Erik ten Hag though, and was in attendance at their FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
