After Liverpool’s fast-pace start to the transfer window, things may finally be starting to slow down.
Jarell Quansah’s exit to Bayer Leverkusen means there are no Liverpool transfers expected to go through imminently, with a sense that the Reds are now waiting for the dust to settle on the first stage of the window before making any major additions.
That may even be preceded by exits, with several players linked with moves away from the club. Luis Diaz’s name has featured prominently in reports over recent days, and Bayern Munich, like Barcelona before it, saw an approach knocked back by Liverpool on Wednesday.
La Liga could still be his ultimate destination if Barcelona can raise the funds needed to arrange a transfer, although the latest reports indicate a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams remains more likely.
It’s a subject midfielder Dani Olmo discussed at a recent media briefing. He knows Williams well from the Spanish international set-up, and revealed he recently met Diaz in Ibiza. Whether they discussed the possibility of teaming up at Barcelona remains unknown.
“If we talk about it, I'll keep it to myself,” Olmo told Mundo Deportivo, when asked about the Liverpool star potentially joining him at the Nou Camp. “It was a private conversation.
Luis Diaz of Liverpool looks on
Diaz's future continues to dominate the transfer agenda at Anfield (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“I didn't know him. He's a great person. He's a world-class player, and Barca should have the best players.
“He's proven it. He's a world-class striker and winger, there's no doubt about that.”
As for Williams, Olmo added: “Nico is another example. I don't know anything. We'll talk during the holidays.
“Nico is a very top player, but we have to respect the fact that he's not a Barca player. The best have to play at Barça. He's shown the level he brings with his club and the national team. We already know how he would adapt. I like to play with the best.”
Castello Lukeba
Castello Lukeba has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
In terms of incomings, while nothing looks imminent, Liverpool will no doubt be making plans behind the scenes. That could involve a move for Castello Lukeba, if reports are to be believed.
French outlet FootMercato claims the RB Leipzig defender has “piqued the interest of several major European clubs”. That includes Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur.
Lukeba has a release clause of €90 million ($106m/£78M), although Leipzig would consider a lower offer for a player who is open to leaving this summer, claims the report.
The 22-year-old has already played over 100 league matches across Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga and has earned one senior cap for France. He featured in the Under-21 European Championships this summer, starting four of the five games at the tournament.