Here’s our Liverpool FC transfer summary for Sunday, August 11, including updates on Lewis Koumas, Martin Zubimendi, Stefan Bajcetic, and Matthijs de Ligt.
The summer transfer market has been open for quite some time, and while the first signing of the Arne Slot era has yet to be revealed, there is still plenty of time to conduct business.
Loan transaction is confirmed.
Lewis Koumas, a highly-rated forward, has signed a new contract with Liverpool while also joining Stoke City on a season-long loan.
The 18-year-old made his senior debut for the Reds last season, scoring in a 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Southampton, and was part of head coach Arne Slot’s pre-season plans, playing against Preston North End and Real Betis.
However, with stiff competition for positions in the attacking line, Koumas has decided to continue his development elsewhere, spending the season on loan with Stoke in the Championship.
The teenager is expected to make his debut in the Potters’ midweek Carabao Cup clash against Carlisle United, and Sporting Director Jonathan Walters is delighted to have signed him.
“In Lewis, we are signing a player of huge potential and I’m excited to see what the 24/25 season has in store for him in a Stoke City shirt,” stated the coach.
We are grateful to Liverpool for entrusting us with one of their top prospects ahead of other interested clubs.”
Zubimendi responds.
The Martin Zubimendi transfer dilemma could be resolved before the end of the day.
The Spain international is emerging as Liverpool’s midfield target as new manager Arne Slot tries to bolster his options in this area, and according to numerous publications, he is eager to make the move.
However, Real Sociedad is trying everything it can to keep the 25-year-old, which is understandable given his recent play.
According to Basque-based outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Sociedad is not only willing to offer the midfielder a new deal that would make him the club’s highest-paid player, but president Jokin Aperribay has returned from his holiday in light of recent events.
According to the source, it is possible that the Zubimendi saga will be resolved this weekend, as Liverpool wants a definite answer and will not wait for him.
Bajcetic is unlikely to join Real Sociedad.
While Liverpool are apparently willing to let Stefan Bajcetic depart on loan this summer, Real Sociedad does not appear to be a viable option.
The Spaniard joined the Reds’ senior squad in 2022/23, but was limited to just a few matches last season due to a number of serious injuries.
After fighting back to enjoy a strong pre-season under new manager Arne Slot, it was expected that the 19-year-old would remain at Anfield for the upcoming season to give depth in defensive midfield.
However, as reported by Liverpool news outlet DaveOCKOP, Slot has stated that he is willing to let Bajectic leave the club on loan before the transfer season closes.
It is unclear where the teenager will end up, but a move to Real Sociedad as a potential replacement for Zubimendi appears to have been ruled out by San Sebastian-based journalist Andoni Otxotorena, who told The Red Men TV: “Wouldn’t make too much sense because he is too young.”
Solanke windfall
Liverpool has made a huge profit when former striker Dominic Solanke’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur is completed.
Spurs stated on Saturday afternoon that the 26-year-old has agreed to a big-money move from another Premier League club Bournemouth as a reward for an excellent 2023/24 season in which he scored 19 goals in English football’s top flight.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth,” a post on X (previously Twitter) said. “Welcome to Tottenham, Dominic!”
We are pleased to announce the signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.
Welcome to Tottenham, Dominic! 🤍
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial), August 10, 2024
Liverpool now has a clause in place that allows them to collect 20% of whatever fee Bournemouth receives for Solanke, so a nice windfall is on its way to Anfield.
If the rumored amount of £65 million is right, the Reds will gain roughly £9 million from the move, bringing their total profit from Solanke to around £25 million.
De Ligt Agreement
Matthijs de Ligt is on his way to the Premier League, but only to Manchester United, amid speculation over a possible transfer from Liverpool.
The Dutchman has long been linked with a move to the Red Devils and a reunion with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, but Football Insider claims the Reds have expressed interest in the 24-year-old, seeing him as a potential partner for captain Virgil van Dijk.
However, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United has signed a deal with Bayern Munich for de Ligt at €45+5 million (£38.6 million), and subject a successful physical, the defender will sign a five-year contract – with the option of a further year – at Old Trafford.
