Liverpool news round-up as Andoni Iraola prepares to lead the team into pre-season
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has had some good news in the transfer market(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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A pivotal pre-season is underway at Liverpool as Andoni Iraola looks to put his stamp on the side. Preparations will step up a gear on Saturday when the Reds take on Sunderland in Nashville.
Further friendlies on American soil, against Wrexham and Leeds United, will follow before Anfield fixtures against Monaco and Como ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser at Newcastle on Sunday, August 23.
Two new signings have arrived at the club so far this summer, with Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz joining from Rennes and Osasuna, respectively. Following such an underwhelming title defence, which cost Arne Slot his job, more work is required to transform Liverpool back into the title contenders.
World Cup stars Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola are amongst a host of players to have been touted with a switch to Anfield. As the new season draws ever closer, here's a round-up of some of the latest Reds news...
Reds beat Bayern
Liverpool have pipped Bayern Munich to the signature of Samuel Martinez. As reported by the ECHO, the Reds have agreed a fee of around £740,000 with Atletico Nacional for the attacking midfielder.
As part of the arrangement, he will remain at the Colombian club for a further 12 months before making the move to Anfield next summer, having turned 18 in April. The 17-year-old had attracted interest from a string of European heavyweights, including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
Samuel Martinez representing Colombia in an U17 World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
Samuel Martinez representing Colombia in an U17 World Cup qualifier against Argentina(Image: Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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It has also come to light that Bayern were serious contenders for Martinez's signature. The youngster had been monitored by the German champions for some time and featured on their summer shopping list, according to TZ. Bayern scouts reportedly compared Martinez's playing style to that of Brazilian icon Kaka.
They also possessed an ace up their sleeve in the form of the player's representative, Daniel Neumuller, who hails from Bavaria. Nevertheless, it is Liverpool who seem to have secured his signature, even though supporters will need to wait 12 months to see him in action.
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Mbaye on the move
The Reds have been placed on alert following news that Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye is set to move on. It's well documented that the Reds are searching for one or two wide players.
The prospects of landing Diomande seem to have diminished, with the Ivorian reportedly holding out for a switch to PSG and willing to remain at RB Leipzig for another campaign. Consequently, Liverpool may pivot towards 18-year-old Mbaye, regarded as one of Europe's most exciting young prospects.
Ibrahim Mbaye
Ibrahim Mbaye looks set to leave PSG(Image: Getty Images)
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According to Fabrizio Romano, the Senegal star will depart PSG this summer, with super agent Jorge Mendes reportedly "in control of his future." He adds that Premier League and Bundesliga sides are waiting in the wings to capitalise.
While competition will be fierce, the Reds would represent an appealing destination given the clear vacancy on the right wing following Mohamed Salah's departure.
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