Liverpool are beginning to stir in the summer transfer market.
The Reds have a lot of change going on over the course of the next couple of months, with so many new members of staff arriving.
It isn’t just Arne Slot coming in to kick-off a new era at Anfield. Liverpool also have a new sporting director and at least three new members of the recruitment team in Michael Edwards, Julian Ward and Pedro Marques.
With all of that to contend with, it isn’t a surprise that Liverpool are yet to add to their first-team squad.
As rumours of new additions begin to ramp up though, it feels as though some new faces are not too far away. It’s time for Reds supporters to get excited.
Liverpool sensing Leny Yoro opportunity
Most would agree that what Liverpool need the most this summer is a new central defender.
The Reds lost Joel Matip at the end of the season and have seen Ibrahima Konate take a downturn in form as well. Something else is needed.
Thankfully, Edwards and co look to be on it. Over the past week it has become clear that Liverpool like Leny Yoro a lot. And although it looks likely that Yoro is going to Real Madrid, journalist Graeme Bailey says the Reds are sensing a bit of ‘opportunism’ in the market.
“He’s a generational talent which is why all the top teams, Liverpool and Man United in particular, like him a lot and have watched him for a long time,” Bailey exclusively tells Rousing The Kop. “He’s only got one year left on his deal.
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“We understand that Lille’s price-tag is around 50 millions Euros, that’s not something that Real Madrid are willing to pay,” adds the reporter. “They’re still in talks with Alphonso Davies at the moment and they’re not willing to go above 30 million Euros for him so I don’t think so for Yoro either.
“Madrid won’t say this publicly but if neither Bayern or Lille agree to deals they’d want both players to wait until next summer and they can get them when they’re out of contract.
“Obviously that’s a risk for Yoro and that’s where maybe Liverpool and Man United could come into it. Would it be a big thing to turn down Liverpool and or Man United if they’re offering him first-team football now or does he wait.
“Liverpool and Man United are trying to get him because this might end up being the only time you can get him for a decade. If you can try and get him, try and get him.
“He’s such a talent that I think it’s different to a case of ‘we need a centre-back, let’s look at Yoro’. I think it’s a slightly different situation with him, a bit of opportunism from Liverpool.
Liverpool waiting on Real Madrid decision
It feels likely that Yoro is not necessarily Liverpool’s primary centre-back target for this summer.
Instead, it seems as though if the Reds can get the 18-year-old, they will bring him in as a simple act of opportunism.
Certainly, for as good as Yoro appears to be, Liverpool should not pass up a chance to get him to the club. Yoro could dominate the Reds back-line for a decade.
For all of that though, Madrid are obviously in the box seat. Liverpool will only be able to have a stab at the Lille defender if the European champions decide the price-tag is too high.
Even then, Real are very good at turning players heads. As also seems likely to happen with Davies, the Spanish giants will instead ask Yoro to run his contract down and join for free next year.
In that scenario, Liverpool will be relying on the defender’s sense of loyalty towards his club. Bearing everything in mind, this does seem like a long shot. But it isn’t over just yet.