Liverpool face Newcastle in their Premier League opener on Sunday but the Reds continue to be busy in the transfer market
Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio at Anfield
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has promised the fans more transfer business before the summer window is over(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool kick off their Premier League campaign away to Newcastle on Sunday. Alexander Isak will line up against the club that sold him but it is business off the pitch that continues to dominate the conversation at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola has taken charge on Merseyside this summer with expectations high. Predecessor Arne Slot guided the club to Champions League qualification in his second season, yet it was considered a largely underwhelming campaign and the new boss has been tasked with closing the gap to England's elite.
To do that, Iraola will need reinforcements and the Reds' transfer business is far from finished ahead of the deadline. The Liverpool ECHO rounds up the latest news surrounding the club ahead of Sunday's trip to Tyneside.
Iraola makes transfer promise
Liverpool supporters appear set for a flurry of transfer activity over the coming week after Iraola pledged further additions to his squad. The Spaniard has conceded his current options look "thin" and said on Friday there will "definitely" be more new faces through the door.
The club has already secured the loan signing of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona in the wake of Joe Gomez's pre-season injury. Concerns persist, however, over a lack of cover at right-back given Conor Bradley's ongoing fitness troubles, while Curtis Jones has departed for Inter Milan.
This could prompt Liverpool to pursue a new midfielder before the transfer deadline on September 1. Regardless of which position is targeted, however, Iraola has assured fans further activity is forthcoming.
"We will definitely sign some players. Some deals you have to wait until the end," he told Sky Sports. "But the end is the important picture, the one we will have on September 1, because it is true that we are still quite thin."
For many supporters, the primary concern remains finding a worthy successor to Mohamed Salah on the right flank. Rio Ngumoha is anticipated to receive increased opportunities on that side of the pitch, while Victor Munoz is also capable of operating on his less preferred wing.
Endrick not interested in Anfield move
Endrick of Real Madrid trains with his teammates during a training session
Endrick wants to stay at Real Madrid and fight for his place despite interest from Liverpool(Image: Real Madrid via Getty Images)
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Real Madrid forward Endrick has reportedly rejected approaches from Liverpool to compete for his position under Jose Mourinho. The Brazilian is anticipated to face a struggle for playing time after returning to Madrid following a productive loan spell at Lyon.
Endrick, 20, registered eight goals and eight assists in 21 outings in France last season. The forward had hoped to come back to Spain with renewed opportunities to shine for Los Blancos, only to see his prospects diminished by the signing of Yan Diomande.
Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe are guaranteed starters at Real and occupy two of the three primary attacking berths. That leaves £100million acquisition Diomande as the most probable candidate to fill the remaining position on the right flank.
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Real also have winger Rodrygo, who is currently sidelined through injury but is understood to feature in Mourinho's vision. Yet despite that formidable wall of competition at the Bernabeu, ESPN has reported Endrick believes he can force his way into contention.
The youngster could have represented an astute addition for Iraola, offering cover for Isak through the middle while also providing an option out wide on the right. Liverpool are yet to find a worthy successor to club icon Salah following his premature departure this summer.
The Reds also saw a £50m bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh knocked back this week, though they are widely anticipated to return with a stronger offer.