Liverpool ‘watching’ $10.8m wonderkid as plans set for Arne slot transfers

Liverpool have joined Brentford in the race to sign IFK Gothenburg midfielder Malick Junior Yalcouyé ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports. The 18-year-old is said to be being monitored as the Reds consider making a move for the Ivory Coast prospect.

The 2023/24 season has ended for Liverpool with just one game remaining in the Jürgen Klopp era. The German boss, who took charge of the club back in 2015, will manage his final game at Anfield on Sunday against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Having soaked in the atmosphere for the last time and bid farewell, attention will then turn to the summer as the club look to prepare for the imminent arrival of Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot. With Michael Edwards and Julian Ward returning to FSG as CEO of football and technical director respectively, and Richard Hughes arriving as the club’s new sporting director, the infrastructure is in place to arm the new boss with a strong recruitment plan on throughout the summer.

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According to CaughtOffiside, one of the possible signings the club are eyeing is 18-year-old Junior Yalcouyé. Liverpool – along with other Premier League clubs — he is said to have watched the young midfielder in action. He made eight appearances for the Swedish team, all of them making the starting line-up and scoring one goal.

Gent, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven are also interested in the player who will be available for around $10.8m (€10m/£8.6m) this summer.

Liverpool invested heavily in midfield last summer with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endõ. However, additional bodies will be needed in midfield, with Endõ lacking backup in a defensive role and Thiago Alcântara also set to leave when his contract expires this summer. Yalcouyé is represented by Unique Sports Group, which is also the same agency that Thiago uses.

Liverpool.com says: Given his ability to play in central midfield or on the right, Yalcouyé would be a useful addition for Liverpool. He would be a prospect for the future and the club have enough numbers to cope without him while they adapt — whether away on loan or in the first team squad.