While the full focus of Liverpool’s weekend is rightly on saying goodbye to Jurgen Klopp, transfer plans are being formulated in the background.
Following Sunday’s Premier League finale against Wolves, the summer transfer window beckons once again for Liverpool.
And although Sunday at Anfield is going to be an incredibly emotional day, excitement surrounds what the Arne Slot era could bring for Liverpool.
Klopp is already leaving Slot with an excellent squad to take over. But with the Reds having fallen short this season, there are also a couple of areas that ne ed to be addressed in the transfer market.
One of those areas is reportedly likely to be in the attack. According to journalist David Ornstein, Liverpool will aim to bring in a new wide forward. And speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop, reporter Graeme Bailey has given an update on one possible option.
Nico Williams set to demand huge wage packet
Attacking additions are always the most exciting for any football fan. And although Liverpool already have a stable of explosive options, they have been far too wasteful this season.
As a result, you can understand why Liverpool feel Slot may need something more at his disposal.
While scouring the world for a player who could tick all the boxes, the Reds have reportedly been impressed with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
But according to Bailey, although Liverpool do like Williams, the 21-year-old’s incredible wage demands have put them right off.
“The won’t pay him what he’s looking for at the moment,” says Bailey. “He’d be Liverpool’s highest paid player, as he would if he went to any club in England.
“He’s been asking for £250,000 per week plus appearance money,” he added. “The English clubs who like him, and they all like him a lot, they think he’s a terrific player, but it seems as if he’s edging towards Barcelona. So, I think that’s what they’re putting it down to really.
“Will the situation change? Possibly. But at this moment in time it doesn’t look as if he’s pushing to come to England which is part of the reason for his demands.
“Liverpool very much like him, he’s a top winger, top performer. Liverpool were one of the ones who have done their homework on him.”
How much would Nico Williams cost Liverpool?
In terms of wage demands, there’s clearly no way on earth that Liverpool would pay that to a new signing.
Under Michael Edwards, the Reds’ model is very clear. They bring players in on a slightly low-ish deal and if performances warrant, they then up that within the first couple of years with a new contract.
For someone at the level of Williams, that would seem like an appropriate step again. After scoring just four La Liga goals all season, the Spain international certainly wouldn’t deserve the numbers being talked about here.
As for a transfer fee, Marca report that Williams has a release clause of around £47m. That would be do-able for Liverpool, but with the wages on top, it surely isn’t.
As Bailey mentions, if it’s part of some grand plan to join Barcelona, then the Reds would do well to steer well clear.
