Reds ready to HIJACK Zirkzee deal, Yoro STILL in balance, Lookman charge REVEALED

Here’s the Liverpool FC transfer round-up for Wednesday, June 26, after another day full of rumors and reports.

The Reds are yet to formalize any deals, but the links keep coming, with Joshua Zirkzee, Ademola Lookman and Leny Yoro on the agenda today.

There are also updates on potential exits for Luis Diaz and Sepp van den Berg.

Fabrizio Romano explains Liverpool’s lack of activity

Now that the summer transfer window is open and new head coach Arne Slot is in place, many Liverpool fans have become concerned about the lack of signings at Anfield.

While in west London, Chelsea have been snapping up young talent left, right and centre, the Reds are yet to make any significant signings. Furthermore, the club lost Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Adrian, all on free transfers.

Now renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has shed light on the situation in his podcast The Debrief.

The Italian attributes the delay to the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament to the domino effect it is creating in the market.

Romano explained: “I think a lot of clubs in England, I mentioned Arsenal, it’s the same for Liverpool and a lot of others are waiting to see what happens in terms of (a) domino (effect) after the Euros.”

Atalanta reveal Lookman price

Atalanta have put a €60m price tag on Ademola Lookman as Liverpool join Manchester United and Chelsea in a chase for the Nigerian winger.

That’s according to Italian publication Calciomercato, who warn that Atalanta would be strong against losing both Lookman and influential midfielder Teun Koopmeiners in a transfer window.

Koopmeiners, 26, has previously been linked with both Liverpool and Juventus but is currently recovering from the injury that ruined his Euro 2024 dream with the Netherlands.

Juve are reportedly closest in the race for former star Arne Slot, but have made plans to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa as a plan b.

If Atalanta end up signing Koopmeiners, then the club will try to keep Lookman “at all costs”, the report adds.

The Reds won’t give up on Yoro

Liverpool are not giving up yet. The club remain hopeful in their pursuit of Lille’s Leny Yoro, despite the player’s preference for a move to Real Madrid.

That’s according to The Athletic’s James Pearce, who writes that Liverpool are ready to step in if the 18-year-old French centre-back’s deal with the European champions falls through.

However, it will be a tough ask. Satisfied with the personal terms offered, Yoro has already informed Real Madrid of his desire to join them.

Lenny Yoro

That said, the two clubs are yet to agree a transfer fee, with Lille holding out for around €60m.

“Anfield seniors have long expected the European champions to win the race for his signature,” wrote Pearce.

But Liverpool view Yoro as a “unique market opportunity”, according to Pearce, “given his age, talent, potential and contract situation (with just one year remaining)”.

This is why “I want to be at the front of the queue if the move to Real fails”.

Selling Raphinha clears the way for Diaz

Barcelona midfielder Raphinha has been tipped to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, potentially opening the door for Luis Diaz to join the Catalan giants.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are desperate to sign former Leeds United star Raphinha in the next few months, with manager Jorge Jesus particularly keen on his signature.

Jesus has already contacted Barcelona over a potential transfer and the Brazil international, who is currently representing his country at the 2024 Copa America, could join compatriots Neymar and Malcom at Al Hilal.

Barcelona would reportedly need between £76m and £85m to allow Raphinha to leave Spain. Offering such a huge amount is not considered to be a problem for Al Hilal, who will also give him a significant pay rise.

It’s worth noting that Raphinha wants to continue in Catalonia, but Barcelona are keen to raise funds this summer given their precarious financial situation. Receiving such a huge transfer fee for the 27-year-old would help them immensely.

Liverpool are ready for the Zirkzee fight

Liverpool could be set to hijack rivals Manchester United in their pursuit of one of their top targets this summer, according to a report from Caught Offside.

The Red Devils, led by manager Erik ten Hag’s request, have made significant progress in their pursuit of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

However, despite ongoing talks, the Dutch striker is yet to agree personal terms, with his £34m release clause proving no obstacle.

While the 23-year-old is reportedly impressed by United’s strong interest, United’s desire to get a deal done is also being slowed by Zirkzee’s participation at Euro 2024 as part of Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad. even if the striker has not appeared on the field yet. the bank.

Van den Berg wants to stay in Mainz

With his season-long loan at Mainz set to expire on June 30, a decision on the future of forgotten Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg must be made soon.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who excelled on loan with the Bundesliga side last season, playing 35 times and scoring three goals, is in demand. However, it would appear that his parent club are not among his suitors and an extension to his stay in Germany is most likely at this point.

Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel revealed, in quotes carried by Kicker: “The only one who has made a decision is Sepp. He definitely wants to stay in Mainz. He made that very clear publicly.”

However, Bild recently reported that Mainz have tried to engage the Reds in negotiations over the 22-year-old’s transfer, but that the lines of communication have effectively disappeared.

All this leaves Van den Berg and Mainz in the dark about the player’s future.