Liverpool transfer news as Éderson ‘assault’ planned and $22m deal finally in place

Liverpool have an exciting summer ahead of them. First under Arne Slot and indeed under a new-look recruitment structure, all eyes will be on the Reds’ business.

Having been appointed head coach rather than manager, Slot will be a voice of many rather than the one calling the shots in the transfer market. The returning Michael Edwards installed Richard Hughes as sporting director and David Woodfine tempted back to the club as assistant.

However, for all this change, a deal that was launched last summer could apparently be revisited. Meanwhile, Éderson is a relatively new name on the radar and Liverpool are said to be planning a big push for his services.

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Here’s Liverpool.com’s verdict on the transfer gossip swirling around the Reds today. We will start with the Atalanta midfielder.

Ederson (Atalanta)

Liverpool have had plenty of time to take a look at Éderson this season, having been upstaged over two legs against Atalanta in the Europa League. The Italian side would go on to win the competition, becoming the only side to beat Bayer Leverkusen since Xabi Alonso throughout the campaign.

In fact, the Brazilian stood out neither more nor less than any of his teammates against Liverpool, which was remarkable precisely because Klopp’s men appeared to be outplayed in every position. But Éderson did not do his reputation any harm this season en route to lifting the trophy.

And according to Tutto Atalanta, Liverpool could launch an “assault” to sign the 24-year-old, prioritizing that deal over a move for team-mate Teun Koopmeiners. That, in turn, could benefit Juventus, who are still keen on the Dutch international (who played under Slot at AZ Alkmaar).

Liverpool.com says: Either Koopmeiners or Éderson would appear to be reasonably smart transfer moves. Liverpool invested heavily in their midfield last summer but could still add some steel.

In this regard, it might make sense to focus the “attack” on Éderson. While Koopmeiners can play in the deeper midfield role, one of his biggest strengths is his versatility, while his teammate is a specialist when it comes to providing the platform for others to get forward.

Not quite the same kind of ‘destroyer’ as Fabinho, compatriot Ederson could still add a similar dimension to this Liverpool team. Despite major improvements in 2022/23, the midfield remains a bit light, an issue that may require a transfer fix.

Khéphren Thuram (That’s great)

Liverpool are one of two “rich and powerful” sides in the race for Khéphren Thuram. That’s according to the print edition of Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Paisley Gates).

The publication claims this could complicate any pursuit of the midfielder by Juventus – a story opposite to Koopmeiners’ apparent situation. Aston Villa are the other team keen, while Liverpool spent much of last summer being linked with the Nice star.

According to Nice-Matin, Thuram could now be available for as little as $22m (£17m/€20m). His contract expires next summer and the time could finally be ripe for Liverpool to complete a deal.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool have probably evolved beyond Thuram. He was one of the good options in that number eight position, but he wouldn’t add much to an already strong crop with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and possibly even Alexis Mac Allister if he operates. higher up the pitch more permanently next season.