Liverpool transfer news as Arne Slot's men look forward to their pre-season tour of Asia and a match against AC Milan
Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer
Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer
(Image: Getty Images)
The next stage of Liverpool's pre-season preparations will see Arne Slot's side jet off to Hong Kong. There they will meet Italian giants AC Milan first, before making the club's first-ever trip to Japan to face Yokohama FM.
Liverpool returned to training one week ago in the aftermath of Diogo Jota's tragic passing. Under the difficult circumstances they played their opening summer friendly against Preston North End, winning 3-1 with poignant tributes made towards the 28-year-old and his brother, Andre Silva.
Making their Liverpool debuts at Deepdale were full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez and goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman.
The quartet are part of Slot's first extensive recruitment drive as head coach at Anfield, one that has seen £217m-worth of talent drafted in on top of the team that won the latest Premier League campaign.
But supporters have been forced to wait to see Liverpool's £116m record signing Florian Wirtz in action as he was rested for the trip to Preston. In an ideal world, the 22-year-old makes his long-awaited first appearance in red as part of the squad taking on Milan on Saturday, July 26.
He should join Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo as the Reds' midfield options. Stefan Bajcetic also deserves the opportunity to stake a claim.
Another player who would feature in the ECHO's dream squad to take on Milan is Luis Diaz. As a look has been taken towards who could be sold, the most concrete interest has been established in Diaz more than any other Liverpool player.
Both Barcelona and Bayern Munich had seen approaches of interest rebuffed earlier this summer and now the German champions have ignored the not-for-sale sign that has metaphorically been put up outside of Anfield and tabled a €67.5m (£58.5m) offer for the winger, which was rejected immediately.
Diaz's 17 goals and eight assists last term made him one of Slot's most reliable in front of goal besides Mohamed Salah and when options at striker were injured, a newfound versatility to operate centrally proved crucial in spearheading the Premier League title charge. Losing him at any point this summer would be a blow and it would be ideal if he is able to continue playing from the Milan friendly onwards.
Another attacker linked with a move away has been Darwin Nunez. If the correct fee can be agreed before the Milan game arrives then there should be no issue taken with that transfer, especially if it helps unlock the door to Slot's next lucrative signing.
Within the latest Liverpool transfer rumours, it is The Athletic's belief that an approach has been made towards Newcastle United officially outlining interest in the Premier League's second-top goalscorer last season, Alexander Isak. No offer has been tabled, merely a willingness to do business at around £120m.
Such a statement of intent would have to be admired from the champions, breaking the British transfer record not once but twice in a matter of months. The dream scenario is having the 25-year-old through the door in time for the tour of Asia so that he can experience playing with his new teammates in good time for the new season to begin.
That would complete a dream attack force made up of Isak, Salah, Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa. It can be supplemented by the highly-talented teenager Rio Ngumoha, who looked comfortable amongst senior stars again in the first 45 minutes vs Preston, and young striker Jayden Danns.
In defence, Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson are in place to compete with the full-backs that made their debuts last Sunday. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are the central options.
So, it comes down to how relaxed the club are in their pursuit of another central defender. In the ECHO's dream squad, Marc Guehi would feature but provided Crystal Palace open a worthwhile door for the England international's signing - if not then it is better to wait to land the most beneficial deal financially.
Liverpool dream squad for AC Milan
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Armin Pecsi
Defenders: Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, Andy Robertson, Milos Kerkez
Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Federico Chiesa, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns