Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has opened up on how Liverpool beat Bayern Munich and Manchester City to secure the transfer for German sensation Florian Wirtz this summer. Wirtz opted to move to Anfield for a British record transfer fee of £116 million ($159m) despite strong interest from Bundesliga champions Bayern and the Cityzens.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, a Dutch legend from his playing days at Arsenal and Barcelona and a successful manager in his own right, has been added to Liverpool’s coaching ranks. The former Netherlands international joins manager Arne Slot’s technical team, stepping into the position left vacant after John Heitinga’s recent appointment as Ajax’s head coach.
Lyon’s rising star Malick Fofana has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in European football, with the French club setting a minimum asking price of £51.5 million (€60m/$71m) for the talented 20-year-old as several Premier League heavyweights, including Liverpool, Arsenal & Chelsea, scramble for his signature. The English sides are not alone in the chase, with Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Napoli also engaged in talks.
Liverpool have set their terms for Harvey Elliott’s potential departure following his stunning performances at the Under-21 Euros with England. With interest rising, the Reds reportedly want £40 million ($55m) with a buy-back clause or £50 million ($69m) without a buy-back, as the player eyes more consistent minutes at a top-level club, possibly abroad with RB Leipzig.
Bayern Munich are ready compete with Barcelona to secure a transfer for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz this summer. The Bundesliga giants are looking for a quality left-wing option and have put the Colombian in their shortlist. The German champions, though, are yet to initiate formal transfer talks with the Reds as they are still evaluating their options.
Barcelona are keen on signing a left-winger this season as Hansi Flick has demanded another starter on the left-side with plans to shift Raphinha to the No. 10 spot. They are fully invested in striking a deal for Nico Williams, however, their deal has now hit a snag and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is re-emerging as an option for the Blaugrana.
Jurgen Klopp has come under fire from Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov for his scathing comments on the Club World Cup format. The former Liverpool boss questioned the demands of the revamped tournament, but the 1994 Ballon d'Or winner wasn’t having it, suggesting that Klopp’s comments stemmed from RB Salzburg’s early exit and mocking his new Red Bull affiliation.