Liverpool transfer news as Joao Neves ‘in talks’ worth $130m and signing begins ‘immediately’

As more players link up with Liverpool for pre-season training, transfer links continue to grow as well. Arne Slot has only just started working with the group he has and will run through their management before making any big decisions, but the Reds are prepared to do business when potentially exciting additions appear on the market.

While there are no glaring holes in the squad as there were a year ago, with the midfield in desperate need of an overhaul, the addition of a centre-back and a new striker would seem most pressing. In an ideal world, there would also be a top-flight midfielder for Liverpool to snap up, but there are no obvious names to fit there.

READ MORE: Anthony Gordon transfer ‘development’ comes as Liverpool should still pursue ‘$90m’ deal
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Joao Neves talks, Anthony Gordon development, Rayan Ait-Nouri wanted

Here’s Liverpool.com’s verdict on the transfer gossip swirling around the Reds today. There are a few new names linked with transfers to Anfield, with one having a particularly large release clause.

Joao Neves (Benfica)

Portuguese station O Jogo reports this Liverpool, among other clubs, have spoken to Benfica about 19-year-old prodigy Joao Neves. The player has a release clause of $130m (£102m/€120m), although any interested party would try to negotiate that price, not least because of how young and inexperienced he is still Neves, as well rated as in his native country.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and PSG are keen on Neves, the report says. Efforts to tie Neves down to a new contract with a higher salary have so far failed, which could suggest he is exploring a move elsewhere. Premier League clubs are also said to be tracking Antonio Silva and several other Benfica stars.

Liverpool.com says: Neves feels like a player who will get a big move sooner rather than later, but if Benfica want to get his release clause out in full, he could be frustrated this summer. He is contracted until 2028, so the Portuguese outfit have a strong enough negotiating position.

Baris Alper Yilmaz (Galatasaray)

Liverpool are understood to have started working on signing Turkish winger Baris Alper Yilmaz “immediately” after tracking him at Euro 2024, Milliyet has claimed. Yilmaz, who has not yet turned 24, scored seven goals and made 12 assists last season for Galatasaray.

After impressing for his country, it has been suggested that “several” big clubs are keen on him this summer. Under contract until 2027 and valued at around $33m (£25m/€30m), Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be taking a look at Yilmaz.

Liverpool.com says: This seems like a classic example of a player who is mainly linked on the back of an international tour, and Liverpool won’t just go all out when it comes to selecting signatures. While adding another advance option wouldn’t be a bad thing heading into the new campaign, it doesn’t seem particularly likely.