Liverpool are beginning to firm up their plans for the summer transfer window.
Having seen the dust settle on Jurgen Klopp’s departure last week, the Reds are preparing to welcome Arne Slot.
But although Slot is yet to start work at the AXA Training Centre, it seems likely that he’ll already be deep in thought about the Liverpool squad he inherits.
With FSG putting a new recruitment team in place above Slot, conversations about what’s needed between the likes of Michael Edwards and the new head coach will surely be underway.
One area of focus that looks set to be a priority is in central defence. And according to reports on Saturday, Liverpool may have found their man in that regard.
Liverpool pushing hard to sign Leny Yoro
Having seen Ibrahima Konate drop off so badly towards the end of the season, few would disagree that Liverpool need a new defender.
Jarell Quansah has stepped up and will no doubt improve again, but the Reds can’t rely on the academy graduate.
As a result, they need some fresh blood. So far, the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho have been put forward as possible signings.
As good as Pacho may be though, the dream signing for many fans would be Lille’s Leny Yoro. At just 18, Yoro has already carved a reputation as one of the best young talents in Europe.
This has led to claims that he is ready to move on from Lille this summer. And according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Liverpool are firmly in the race.
Writing on his website on Saturday, Di Marzio claims that over ‘the last few hours’ the Reds have become a rival to PSG, Real Madrid and Man United for the signing of Yoro. Liverpool are claimed to have ‘inserted themselves strongly’ to buy the Frenchman.
How good is Leny Yoro?
If Liverpool could pull off the signing of Yoro, it would be a major statement to the rest of Europe.
Having come through the famed Lille academy at 16, the centre-back has already become a key player for manager Paulo Fonseca.
“For me, he will be one of the best central defenders in France and Europe probably,” Fonseca said of the teenager in November [ligue1.com]
“He is very level-headed, and there is no doubt that he will be a very great player.”
With 60 games already under his belt for the senior team, Yoro is no flash in the pan. He may need time to settle in at a club like Liverpool, but the youngster looks to have the tools to be a top, top player.