Liverpool tries to get a number of large deals above the line before the opening of the summer transfer for business and has made progress when signing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez
Liverpool did not waste time to get started after the end of the season. The Reds lifted the Premier League trophy in Anfield on Sunday, went on a city-wide parade on Monday and are now working on the negotiating table, in which sports director Richard Hughes came forward.
“I think this is the most important phase of the season to get the team you want as a club – and that's something we are trying now,” Arne Slot told the game of the day after the end of the campaign.
“And the work, not so much of me, but especially from Richard Hughes, our sports director, has started a long way back and now we try to get what we want. But to make it clear, we already have a very good team and we try to make it even stronger if we can.”
That is exactly what Liverpool is trying, with large money movements for Bayer Leverkusen pair Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth Defender Milos Kerkez in the offing. Here are the latest updates from Mirror Football.
Wirtz dilemma comes forward
Liverpool has made their official first attempt to sign Wirtz van Leverkusen, starting with negotiations at around € 100 million (£ 85 million) plus add-ons, but their efforts can ultimately have an unwanted domino effect.
Wirtz was tried by Bayern Munich, who initially had faith that the 22-year-old attacking midfielder would choose to stay in the Bundesliga this summer. Since then they have admitted the defeat and open the road for Liverpool to do the deal.
But there are now worries that Bayern can focus their attention on Liverpool star Cody Gakpo this summer after planks to buy a new No. 10. It is understood that Slot does not want to lose Gakpo this summer, but Liverpool can be tempted by a huge bid for Dutch International.
Conditions have been agreed with Kerkez
Liverpool has already agreed personal conditions with Bournemouth -defender Milos Kerkez. The Hungary International has just concluded an impressive campaign and could start the first left back of the Reds, and exceeded Andy Robertson this summer.
Kerkez posted after the last game of the Cherries of the season and hinted that he could leave. He wrote on Instagram: “38 games, 38 started, we finished the job and broke the record, thanks to the fans and everyone for support, thanks to the Gaffer for the confidence me to start all 38 games and especially thanks to those above to keep me safe and healthy and of course nothing would be possible without my family, I don't know what will happen in the following week, but Cerries Famy You!”
The 21-year-old would like to challenge himself at a higher level. Bournemouth appreciates him at around £ 45 million and with personal conditions already sorted, Liverpool simply has to throw away the financial data with his club.
Red from Race for Simons
Liverpool was previously credited with an interest in RB Leipzig -midfielder Xavi Simons, but their move to Wirtz has seen that possibility decrease. Earlier this month it was claimed that the Reds could even test Leipzig this summer with an £ 51 million bid.
Nevertheless, Bild now reports that Liverpool is no longer interested, so that Chelsea remains as a possible destination for the 22-year-old Dutch international. Simons has left for his Leipzig contract for another two years and is reportedly appreciated at € 70 million (£ 58 million) on the German side.
Asked about his plans for the future earlier this season, he said: “I am still a young player, I have a lot of dreams and the club knows that. But at the moment the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games.” He added: “Then we have the international competitions, and then we sit down and see what happens.”