Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast) gestures during Group E FIFA World Cup 2026, Germany v Cote D'Ivoire, Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada on June 20 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast) gestures during Group E FIFA World Cup 2026, Germany v Cote D'Ivoire, Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada on June 20 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Morning everyone and welcome to the ECHO's live Liverpool transfer blog. With the World Cup in full swing, the Reds have been linked with a host of stars currently on show in the USA, Canada and Mexico. From talk of moves for Yan Diomande and Ayyoub Bouaddi to rumours of a return for Darwin Nunez, it's been a lively few weeks on the transfer front. Of course, the capture of Spanish international Victor Munoz means Andoni Iraola has already begun his recruitment and more is expected to follow.
Let's take a look at today's news for all things Red.
Jurgen Klopp has some sage advice for incoming Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola: Get the ball to Florian Wirtz.
The 23-year-old struggled at Anfield last season. Wirtz is currently with Germany at the World Cup, where he played the full 90 minutes in his side's 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on Saturday night, having done the same in the 7-1 win over Curacao.
Klopp watched the game in Toronto as a pundit for German channel Magenta TV, and he said that Wirtz needs to be given the ball as high up the pitch as possible to create space for his side.
“The important thing is that we involve him in the game. There were moments against Curacao when I thought, just give him the ball,” said Klopp.
“Not even because he was the best passing option, but because, as a team-mate, I want Flo Wirtz to feel good.
“If I were (defender Nico) Schlotterbeck, I’d just give him the ball five times for no particular reason and see what he does.
“If you really want Flo Wirtz to get into a rhythm, if you want the place to really be buzzing, then give him the ball, because that’s when he feels completely at home."You can read more about what Klopp had to say about Wirtz right here.
DALLAS, TEXAS - JUNE 17: Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager ahead o the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has given his thoughts on Florian Wirtz's performances at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has been warned that he needs to hit the ground running at Liverpool, as he has only signed a two-year contract with the club.
Eyebrows were raised over the short length of the contract that Iraola signed, even though he signed similar agreements earlier in his managerial career.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James warned that with just a short deal, the Basque will have to impress quickly in the role. Found out more about what James had to say here.
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah showed Liverpool what they'll be missing next season as stunned on the World Cup stage on Sunday night. The iconic winger, who left the Reds in the summer, scored the goal that helped Egypt rally past New Zealand.
The Egyptian scored his first goal of the tournament in the 67th minute as Egypt overturned an early deficit to defeat New Zealand 3-1.
Receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, Salah surged toward goal before exchanging a quick one-two with Zico. He then took a return pass in stride and finished first time. He later bagged an assist as Trezeguet headed home to seal the points.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between New Zealand and Egypt at BC Place Vancouver on June 21, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Salah scored on Sunday night(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Puzzling rumours of Wirtz heading to Chelsea this summer have been shut down. The German moved to the Reds last year for £116million but has struggled in the Premier League.The 23-year-old mustered seven goals and 10 assists for the Reds across 49 appearances in all competitions throughout his debut season. It was claimed Chelsea Xabi Alonso, who worked with Wirtz at Leverkusen was eyeing a reunion.
One report featured on the BBC Sport website on Sunday claimed Chelsea were 'keeping tabs' on Wirtz and could make a move
Our colleagues at Football London put that to a source close to the west London club and it has been dismissed. Read more here.
Florian Wirtz
Chelsea have been loosely linked with a move for Florian Wirtz this summer(Image: Alexander Hassenstein)
Fresh details have emerged about Liverpool’s reported bid for Yan Diomande. Liverpool are in pursuit of the 19-year-old, who has gained even more attention following his impressive showings at the World Cup.
Our colleagues at Liverpool.com understand that the Reds have made it clear to Leipzig that they would be willing to do a deal at around £87million for Diomande.Various other outlets have claimed that a bid has already been made and rejected. TalkSPORT has detailed the specifics of the reported bid, claiming that the offer comprised an upfront fee of around £69m and add-ons worth £17.3m, rather than £78m plus £8.6m. Leipzig are said to be holding out for a staggering £104m.
Yan Diomande during the World Cup game between Ivory Coast and Germany.
Yan Diomande during the World Cup game between Ivory Coast and Germany.(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)