Liverpool's transfer business continues to move along slowly, but the team looks set to miss out on a potential midfield addition to Premier League rival Manchester City
Head coach Andoni Iraola of Liverpool FC reacts during the second half of a preseason friendly against Leeds United
Andoni Iraola could miss out on a potential transfer target at Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images))
Liverpool looks set to miss out on a potential midfield option this summer, as the Rodri to Barcelona transfer will have a knock-on effect on the Reds.
It comes as the Merseyside outfit continues to survey the market for possible additions, with Andoni Iraola needing some improvement in quality and depth in the team. The backline has been one key area of focus, with Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo making their way to Anfield in search of more game time and progression in their careers.
The forward line has been an area of interest too, with Victor Munoz added to the roster, while interest remains in two other potential additions out wide.
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PSG duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye are targets for Liverpool this summer, with the pair able to cover both the left and right flanks moving forward.
After deals for those two, or any other wingers, are sealed, then perhaps focus will shift to the midfield. The central ranks remain among the areas that are well-stocked for Iraola, though changes are expected.
An expected exit for Curtis Jones, combined with uncertainty over Alexis Mac Allister's contract situation, has led to links over potential arrivals in midfield this summer.
Ayyoub Bouaddi during Quarter final FIFA World Cup 2026, France and Morocco
Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool this summer(Image: (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
Ayyoub Bouaddi was one of those rumored to be of interest to Liverpool, after the Moroccan star impressed at the World Cup with his displays.
The 18-year-old may be an option, but according to Fabrizio Romano, he is now closing in on a move to Manchester City in the coming days, following Rodri's exit from the club to join Barcelona.
Personal terms have already been agreed, though it is unclear what the club-to-club agreement between Man City and Lille is for the star, after reports claimed that the valuation could exceed well over $100 million.
Included in previous reports were claims that the French club wanted Bouaddi to return for a year on loan, but Romano adds that the midfield ace will join immediately this summer to bolster Enzo Maresca's options, which include the $157 million addition of Elliot Anderson earlier this window.
It takes away a potential target for Liverpool in the midfield, which could come as a blow, though it is an area that doesn't need urgent attention.
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Trey Nyoni's breakthrough last season has been followed up by an impressive preseason, which could see him take up a long-term role in the heart of the midfield moving forward.
Add to that the long-term deals for Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Florian Wirtz, and Liverpool has the foundations for an engine room that can be stable for some time yet.
That need could change next summer, especially if Mac Allister enters the final year of his contract, but Bouaddi won't be among those available, it seems.