Liverpool given green light to sign £34million wonderkid as Xabi Alonso sends message

Arne Slot will be eager to put his spin on Liverpool this summer. The Reds have already been heavily linked with some big names, but for now it remains to be seen whether or not John Henry will pull out the war chest.

In 2022, Liverpool shelled out almost £150 million for two strikers – Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. Then, 12 months later, Jurgen Klopp brought four new midfielders – Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo – to Anfield following wholesale departures.

This summer, Slot could finally decide to strengthen the Reds’ backline, with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold entering the final year of their contracts. While the Dutchman will be keen to strengthen his new squad, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz face somewhat uncertain futures.

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Especially Salah, who also sees his contract at Anfield expire in June 2025. So, with that said, the ECHO has rounded up the latest transfer news and gossip from Kirby.

Why Alonso rejected Liverpool

Xabi Alonso has revealed why he decided to stay on as Bayer Leverkusen manager, suggesting he has held talks with FSG about replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to several Premier League clubs following an incredible campaign in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to CNN, Alonso was asked if he had been in contact with the Reds. The 42-year-old said: “That’s kind of behind the curtain. All these decisions must be thorough.

“You have to really think about them. And it was more about what I had, not what I’m missing. For sure, my link with Liverpool is there and it’s still there. So there’s no problem with that. “

Liverpool Echo says: “Arne Slot has signed a three-year contract at Liverpool, but the Anfield higher-ups will now be reluctant to keep a close eye on Xabi Alonso’s managerial career and it will be interesting to see if they act if he becomes available. The Spaniard has had a great season in Germany so it will be interesting to see if he can keep up his results.”

Liverpool have given the green light to sign Yoro

Bacary Sagna has given Liverpool the green light to sign Leny Yoro. The 18-year-old defender has been heavily linked with moves to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid following a brilliant campaign for Lille in the French top flight.

Yoro, who is out of contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in 2025, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to superstardom this season. He played 32 times in Ligue 1, helping Paulo Fonseca’s side secure Europa League qualification.

Speaking to CoinPoker, Sagna said: “Yoro is ready to play at a higher level. This kid is a real talent. He’s only nineteen years old, but I think he’s ready to test himself in the Premier League.

“It certainly looks like he will continue this summer and I think he could be an excellent signing. He has the potential to be one of the best players in the world in his position and is a very exciting talent.”

Liverpool Echo says: “Leny Yoro would be an excellent signing for Liverpool. If the Reds can get Virgil van Dijk to sign a contract extension of at least a year, then the Dutchman could take him under his wing.. The CIES football observatory they also value the teenage centre-half alone at €40m (£34m), which would be quite the bargain.”

Alisson’s stance on the Saudi switch is clear

Alisson has already revealed his stance on a potential move to Saudi Arabia in the summer transfer window. The 31-year-old goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League after six fruitful years in the Premier League.

According to TeamTalk, Alisson has been identified as a target by clubs in Saudi Arabia and could be the subject of a “monstrous offer”. In March, goalkeeper Ze Maria Neis’ agent told Revista Colorada: “It’s nothing. There was no contact. At this moment, it’s impossible.”

Then, speaking after Jurgen Klopp’s last game in charge of the club last month, the Brazilian said: “Now we have a huge challenge ahead of us. The change of manager, we don’t know much about him but I’m sure he will work hard to- and express the mentality.”

Liverpool Echo says: “It’s hard to see Alisson leaving Liverpool this summer. If it were, though, it would be a tremendous blow to Arne Slot. The Dutchman already has plenty on his hands in terms of recruiting in attack, midfield and defence. It also has to be said that while Caoimhin Kelleher would be a sufficient short-term option between the sticks, Liverpool would need to sign a world-class replacement..”