Liverpool could have an eye on a familiar target for their next big-money signing
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, looks on after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Ipswich Town and Liverpool FC at Portman Road on September 04, 2026 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola spent close to £200million in his first transfer window at Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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After a mixed summer transfer window, Liverpool will once again be looking to splash the cash next year. Despite spending nearly £200million on Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola in Andoni Iraola's first transfer window at the helm, the summer left a bittersweet taste.
Failed swoops for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr - eyed as long-term Mohamed Salah successors - felt like missed opportunities. The right-wing spot left vacant by Salah has so far been filled by Munoz and Rio Ngumoha in the opening few weeks of the season.
However, those setbacks could now push the Reds toward a blockbuster £130m target, while a leading contender has emerged to replace a major outgoing figure at Anfield.
Rayan transfer chance
Liverpool may possess a formidable attacking arsenal, but they do so without having recruited a natural right-winger during the summer just gone. The Reds brought in Munoz and Barcola to strengthen their forward options, yet failed to secure a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah after moves for Minteh and Sarr collapsed in the window's closing stages.
The long-term heir to the Egyptian legend could emerge in the shape of Bournemouth star Rayan. The Brazil international will have a £130m release clause available to be activated from next summer, the Athletic report.
Bournemouth winger Rayan in action during a Premier League match
Rayan has impressed since joining Bournemouth in January earlier this year (Image: Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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The 20-year-old arrived in the Premier League in January under Iraola and made a significant impact with five goals and two assists across 15 matches. The Cherries are anticipated to reject any offers for the winger before his release clause comes into effect.
Richard Hughes successor option
Liverpool announced the departure of Richard Hughes last week, with the former sporting director choosing to leave Anfield a year ahead of his contract's expiry date. The Scotsman's exit creates a substantial void in the Reds' football operations.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Barry Hunter, Julian Ward, Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and David Woodfine pose for a photograph with the Premier League trophy, as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Julian Ward (second left) is said to be the leading option to replace Richard Hughes(Image: Getty Images)
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FSG technical director, Julian Ward, who previously served as the club's sporting director in 2022 following Michael Edwards' departure, has emerged as a prominent candidate to replace Hughes.
According to The Athletic, Ward features among the frontrunners to assume the position, with current assistant sporting director David Woodfine and director of football development Pedro Marques also mentioned as potential internal candidates. However, the possibility of an external appointment hasn't been ruled out.
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