Liverpool continue to be connected with a number of potential transfers as we enter August
Andoni Iraola of Liverpool stands with his arms crossed on the sideline during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at GEODIS Park on July 25, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee
Andoni Iraola is looking to add to his squad this summer(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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It's not been the hectic summer of transfer activity that many Liverpool fans would've hoped for so far. That said, the club could be edging closer to landing Bradley Barcola from PSG with the Reds and the European champions reportedly in talks over the winger.
Neither of the club's new signings, Jeremy Jacquet or Victor Munoz, have featured for Andoni Iraola in pre-season yet due to injury and an extended break after the World Cup, respectively.
Liverpool have looked sharp in wins over Sunderland and Wrexham, but new blood is needed. Today's news sees one potential target emerge after the player's club invited offers, while the Reds have been linked with a shock move for a former Premier League defender, with talks said to be underway.
Liverpool given green light to make huge offer
Japanese international Kaishu Sano has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer. The sporting director of his club Mainz, Christian Heidel, has admitted the Bundesliga side could let the midfielder leave, but only for a huge fee.
The 25-year-old scored for Japan at this summer’s World Cup against Brazil. He has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
In an interview with BILD, Heidel opened up on the Mainz star's future, admitting that they'd have to accept a huge offer from a big club if one arrived. "You know we like to prepare transfers in such a way that the public only finds out once we announce them," he said.
"I won't comment on any rumours or discuss any of the clubs mentioned. We don't have to sell Kaishu; we can afford to keep him. If he stays, there will be a lot of happy people in the squad, the club, and the surrounding community.
"But it’s the same as always at Mainz 05: if an offer comes along that makes us gasp for breath, we have to consider it! There’s no doubt there are interested parties,” he told BILD, as quoted by Sport Witness. “It’s well known that England is the league where outstanding players usually move.
Kaishu Sano celebrates scoring against Brazil.
Kaishu Sano celebrates scoring against Brazil.(Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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“Our big advantage is that the player still has a long-term contract, so we’re under no pressure at all and won’t be rushing anything. If a club comes along with an offer, we’ll consider it. If, in our view, it’s not high enough for the player’s market value, then it’s also possible that Kaishu will stay with us longer.
“As of today, everything is still open. But we know, of course, that we have a player who is generating a lot of interest.”
'Talks underway' for ex-Premier League star
Italian outlet Tutto Juve claims that Liverpool have held initial discussions with AC Milan over a move for Fikayo Tomori, who previously played for Chelsea.
The report says that "discussions are currently still in the early stages and negotiations are not yet advanced" as Liverpool evaluate how much a move for the former Chelsea defender would cost.
Tomori has a deal with Milan until 2027, meaning the Serie A side don't need to sell but do risk losing him for free next year. The centre-back came up through the youth system at Stamford Bridge before joining Milan five years ago.
Tomori won the league with Milan in 2022
Tomori won the league with Milan in 2022(Image: AC Milan via Getty Images)
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The 28-year-old former England international's move to the San Siro has been a success. Tomori has played 214 times for the club, winning Serie A in 2022 and the Supercoppa Italiana in 2025.
Iraola's need for a new centre-back was exacerbated this week with the news that Joe Gomez would miss the start of the season through injury. New signing Jacquet is also yet to play for the Reds due to a minor injury.
Defenders Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson have also left the club this summer, while young Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni and right-back Conor Bradley are yet to return to training after their own injuries.
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