Liverpool is set to be busy in the transfer market this summer, with Curtis Jones linked with a move away from Anfield, and Manchester City rivaling Andoni Iraola's Reds for Ayyoub Bouaddi
10:39, 28 Jun 2026
Andoni Iraola is the new Liverpool head coach
Andoni Iraola is the new Liverpool head coach(Image: Getty Images)
Nearly two weeks into the summer transfer window, and activity is beginning to gather pace at Liverpool.
Andoni Iraola's maiden spell of recruitment at Anfield also appears poised to shift into high gear amid growing interest in a number of prime targets. The Reds have already made significant moves, having brought Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet to Merseyside.
Meanwhile, Manchester City's impending acquisition of midfielder Elliot Anderson could trigger a ripple effect across several areas. Liverpool.com takes a closer look at the latest whispers circulating around Liverpool this weekend, with fresh deals mooted through both the incoming and outgoing channels.
Reds could bank millions
News of Anderson's £116 million ($153 million) move to the Etihad could carry significant consequences for Anfield.
That is, should Nottingham Forest look to aggressively deploy its newly acquired funds following reports linking the club with Curtis Jones as his potential replacement. Given the pivotal role Anderson played at the City Ground throughout his two seasons there, a successor of comparable caliber is very much needed.
And while Jones may not rival England's World Cup star in terms of market value, he could prove to be a highly suitable option in the center of midfield.
Curtis Jones could leave Liverpool this summer
Curtis Jones could leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
The Daily Mail has reported that Forest is giving serious thought to a move for Jones, who has just 12 months remaining on his current deal. This situation has undoubtedly reduced the transfer fee Liverpool would have anticipated receiving for the player, who can reportedly be secured for £35 million ($46 million).
The Reds seem prepared to entertain bids, though they're seeking considerably more than the reported bid Inter Milan tabled for the midfielder last week. Were Jones' contractual circumstances different, Iraola's outfit would almost certainly be demanding a significantly higher price for the 25-year-old.
Jones has expressed his ambition to spend his entire playing days at Anfield, though this now seems unlikely to materialize. The alternatives are to allow the player to see out his contract and depart on a free transfer next summer or to extend his current terms.
However, it seems more probable that the Merseysiders will sell this summer and maximize returns on their academy graduate. City won't particularly welcome the prospect of such a substantial portion of Anderson's transfer fee heading directly to a direct competitor, but that will be of little concern to Forest, as the Nottingham club attempts to extract maximum value from the deal.
City wants Bouaddi
Less positive news for Liverpool comes with reports that City has joined the chase for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
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The Moroccan prodigy had already attracted interest before the World Cup, but has placed himself firmly on virtually every major club's shortlist with his displays this summer, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
City appears to be no exception, with Spanish publication Marca reporting that the club is firmly in contention for his signature as well. The 18-year-old is valued at £69 million ($91 million), drawing comparisons with players such as Rodri and Fabinho.
Bouaddi embodies the emerging generation of top-class holding midfielders and continues to develop his skillset. That said, City's involvement in the race for his services presents yet another significant hurdle the Reds could certainly do without.