With Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool at the end of the season and the sports director position presently empty, the Reds may face an uncertain summer on the market.
Liverpool will need to strengthen regardless of who is in the Anfield dugout, with a number of players already being linked with a transfer to Merseyside.
Here’s the most recent Liverpool transfer news on Friday, February 9, with more Kylian Mbappe, Lloyd Kelly discussions, and Leory Sane’s unclear future.
KYLIAN MBAPPE’S EYE-WATERING DEMANDS.
While a move to Liverpool becomes increasingly implausible, Kylian Mbappe is still linked with a move to Anfield.
However, one of the reasons a transfer appears unlikely is the Frenchman’s exorbitant wage demands, which dwarf the amount Liverpool’s top earner, Mohamed Salah, presently earns.
According to Spanish broadcaster Cadena Ser, Mbappe’s transfer has three conditions: a gross salary of €50 million (£43 million) per year, a signing bonus of €120 million (£103 million), and other unnamed compensation related to his image rights.
Liverpool and Real Madrid may not be able to afford such a large financial package, but Paris Saint-Germain is willing to pay whatever the forward wants to stay in the French city.
Meanwhile, Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, has previously stated that his client earns “between €54m (£46.8m) and €62m (£53.7m)” each year, but these estimates include Salah’s third-party endorsement deals with Pepsi and Adidas.
LLOYD KELLY’S ‘ADVANCED DISCUSSIONS’ WITH REDS
Liverpool target Lloyd Kelly is allegedly in ‘advanced conversations’ with the Reds and Tottenham Hotspur over a free transfer this summer.
The 25-year-old is poised to leave Bournemouth at the conclusion of the season, with journalist Seb Ecrivain reporting that Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are in ‘advanced conversations’ to recruit Kelly this summer.
According to Football Insider, Kelly is not in a hurry to decide his future and is not interested in signing a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club at this time, which adds to Liverpool’s chances of acquiring him.
Kelly would be an astute addition, especially on a free transfer, since Liverpool is anticipated to add a left-footed centre-back to their squad ahead of next season.
LEROY SANE ‘OPEN’ FOR SUMMER MOVE
Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane has not ruled out a summer exit, despite interest from Liverpool if Mohamed Salah departs for Saudi Arabia.
As a result of his outstanding performances this season, the 59-cap Germany international has piqued Liverpool’s interest and may be Salah’s replacement if he departs for the Saudi Pro League in the summer.
According to German football journalist Christian Falk, Sane is one of Liverpool’s top targets if Salah leaves, stating: “Leroy Sane is aware that he is on the Reds’ list if Mohamed Salah leaves for Saudi Arabia.
“His contract at Munich lasts until 2025. His future is open. He changed his management a few weeks ago. He does not rule out a summer transfer.
The former Manchester City winger is undeniably gifted, but it remains to be seen how serious Liverpool is about the 28-year-old.
Arsenal Competing for Liverpool Target
Liverpool will face competition from title rivals Arsenal in their pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.
The 11-cap Spanish international, brother of fellow Athletic Club star Inaki Williams, has previously been linked with the Reds, although he recently signed a contract extension with the Basque club in December.
The 21-year-old has five goals and ten assists in 24 games this season, bringing his total goal contributions to 34 since joining the Athletic Club first squad.
According to The Mirror, the Gunners regard Williams as a potential backup to Bukayo Saka, but the attacker will not come cheap, having recently signed a new contract in Bilbao.
However, Athletic Club insists that Williams, who has previously been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Aston Villa, is not for sale.
David Hancko has signed a new contract with Feyenoord.
David Hancko, a Liverpool transfer target, has signed a new contract with Dutch club Feyenoord amid interest from the Reds.
The Slovakia international has impressed in the Eredivisie in recent seasons and is one of the Reds’ top centre-back targets.
After signing a new contract with Feyenoord, the 26-year-old is expected to cost Liverpool considerably more if they decide to pursue him in the summer.
However, the Reds will face competition from French champions Paris Saint-Germain for his services, with Hancko’s agent saying that both Liverpool and Luis Enrique’s side contacted him in January.
