Liverpool have had a quiet summer transfer window so far and as the clock ticks down towards Deadline Day on 1 September, the harder it will be for the Reds to get their preferred signings.
Yan Diomande has already rejected a move to Anfield, but pressure is now increasing with sporting director Richard Hughes yet to deliver the signings many are hoping for.
Liverpool signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna in what was a surprising, if not unwelcome, signing while a deal arranged with Rennes in January saw Jeremy Jacquet join the Merseysiders at the start of July.
However, there remain a number of issues within the squad that Andoni Iraola has inherited from Arne Slot.
Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all leave the club this summer on free transfers which leaves them a bit light in terms of squad depth.
The need for a Salah replacement is most pressing while Iraola also needs a new left winger, central midfielder and a centre-back.
Liverpool see attacking targets shortlist dwindle further after Koln stance on selling Said El Mala revealed
Two weeks ago, The Athletic‘s James Pearce reported that Liverpool were assessing a number of wingers in light of Diomande’s rejection, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh, Koln star Said El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo all of interest.
Now, it would appear as though El Mala is no longer an option, according to TEAMtalk, with journalist Fraser Fletcher reporting that Koln will not sell the 19-year-old.
“FC Koln are increasingly confident they will keep star winger Said El Mala at the club for at least another season,” Fletcher reports.
“Recent developments suggest he is set to remain at the RheinEnergie Stadion.
“The club’s valuation remains firm at approximately €50m, including add-ons, and they are under no immediate pressure to sell.
“With other outgoing transfers providing financial flexibility, Koln can afford to take a patient approach.”
There is time to get this summer’s transfers done but nerves are beginning to creep in
It’s only the third week of July, so there’s no reason to believe Liverpool will not make more signings, but it is increasingly concerning to see the club’s targets become unavailable one by one.
Diomande rejected the Reds, and El Mala is no longer available. The dream is that Liverpool will sign Bradley Barcola and hopefully now that France are finished at the World Cup, progress will be made.
However, nerves are certainly creeping in.
Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.