Liverpool are still waiting to make their first move of the summer transfer window.
Ordinarily, the Reds would have perhaps made a signing by this stage of the off-season. In each of the last three years they’d made one big addition by mid-June.
Ibrahima Konate was signed in May 2021, while Darwin Nunez and then Alexis Mac Allister were bought by June 14th of 2022 and 2023 respectively.
With the Euros and Copa America ongoing though, and with Arne Slot having only just arrived at Anfield, this time is different.
Nevertheless, there are some signs that Liverpool are finally beginning to whir into action this summer.
Rayan Ait Nouri ready for Wolves exit
Despite there being nothing concrete to go on yet in the transfer market, there are still plenty of rumours surrounding Liverpool.
New names are being spoken about almost every day as Slot and FSG plan what needs adding to the first-team squad.
There looks to be the possibility of several outgoings that will need factoring in, with Kostas Tsimikas one of those potentially leaving.
If Tsimikas does leave, then it would be prudent for Liverpool to replace him. There is the option of promoting academy youngster Owen Beck, but the Reds could look to the market, too.
READ MORE: All confirmed Liverpool incomings, outgoings, loans and releases for 2024/25
In that scenario, it looks like Wolves defender Rayan Ait Nouri could be a genuine option.
After reports on Thursday that Liverpool are in pole position to sign Ait Nouri, Algerian outlet La Gazette Du Fennec have reiterated that the move has a ‘significant’ chance of happening.
They claim that Liverpool scouts have been following Ait Nouri for a long time and the club has an ‘excellent’ relationship with his agent, Jorge Mendes.
The Reds reportedly see Ait Nouri as a succession plan for Andy Robertson, but would supposedly see any bid of less than £34m rejected by Wolves. It’s claimed that as per sources close to Ait Nouri himself, he has a £38m release clause in his contract.
Liverpool can’t afford Rayan Ait Nouri mistake
Links with Ait Nouri are not a new thing. The Algeria international’s name has been mentioned alongside Liverpool plenty before.
While he is a really good player who could still improve quite significantly too, we’re not sure that he’s what the Reds need right now.
There are other areas of Slot’s squad which could do with some attention before left-back. Robertson is still going strong and is more than fine for another year at the very least.
If Tsimikas leaves then the question of back-up becomes prominent, but Joe Gomez is still there while Beck and Luke Chambers wait in the wings.
As a result, we don’t think Liverpool can afford to be paying £30m plus on a second choice left-back. If Ait Nouri would be brought in as a starter, then that’s a different story.
But we just don’t see why Robertson needs replacing just yet.
