Liverpool's transfer business could dramatically speed up upon the end of the World Cup
Manu KONE of France and Ayyoub BOUADDI of Morocco during the 2026 FIFA World Cup - Round of 4 match between France and Morocco at Gillette Stadium on July 9, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Liverpool have been touted to improve their midfield this summer, with Manu Kone now linked(Image: Getty Images)
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With Liverpool's pre-season preparations for the 2026/27 campaign officially underway at Anfield, new head coach Andoni Iraola has welcomed back several returning stars as he looks to shape his squad. The 43-year-old Spaniard - who succeeded Arne Slot in June - has already seen two new faces join the ranks.
Centre-back Jeremy Jacquet completed his £60million move from Rennes - a deal set in motion during Slot's tenure - while Spanish winger Víctor Munoz has arrived from Osasuna in a £34.5 million deal.
Despite these early additions, the Liverpool hierarchy is under pressure to deliver more following what was a disappointing campaign last season. A major priority for Iraola's high-intensity system will be rebuilding a midfield unit that struggled for consistency last term. We examine the latest transfer stories coming out of Anfield.
World Cup star interest
Liverpool's pursuit of Manu Kone has reportedly been rekindled years after first being associated with the Frenchman. The Roma star was initially linked with a move to Anfield during Jurgen Klopp's time at the club, with fresh reports resurfacing just a day after Andoni Iraola took his seat at his first Liverpool press conference.
According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, the Premier League heavyweights are keen to bring Kone - currently representing France at the World Cup - into their midfield, with Roma facing considerable financial pressures.
Youri Tielemans battles with Manu Kone
Manu Kone was linked to Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp's reign(Image: (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images))
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The Serie A outfit need to generate £42million (€50m) to comply with UEFA's financial fair play requirements. Kone had attracted attention from Atletico Madrid, who were reportedly optimistic about wrapping up a deal for the 25-year-old worth £38m (€45m).
However, Roma have now apparently increased Kone's asking price to £51m (€60m) after UEFA granted them a month's extension beyond their July 1 deadline. Liverpool's midfield endured significant struggles last season, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch experiencing sharp declines in form.
Curtis Jones offer
Curtis Jones' future has remained uncertain throughout much of the summer, as the 25-year-old has attracted considerable attention from Inter Milan. The Serie A champions reportedly had a £27m bid knocked back for the midfielder last month, with the Reds placing a £35m valuation on him.
With summer transfer activity expected to accelerate following Sunday's conclusion of the World Cup, Inter have stepped up negotiations with a fresh approach made for Jones via intermediaries, according to Ben Jacobs.
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Curtis Jones of Liverpool looks dejected during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium
Curtis Jones has one year left on his contract(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
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Amid the speculation surrounding his future, Iraola acknowledged his desire for Jones to stay at Anfield this summer. Speaking on Monday, the Spaniard said: "I will have the chance to speak with him today.
"I rate Curtis very highly. For me, he is a great, great player, and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing. It's very important that he's Scouse, that he's from here."
"I also like the personality. From the outside, at least, he looks like a player with good character, and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time."
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