Bakayako signing, Guehi deal – Liverpool’s next move decided as Man United complete Leny Yoro deal

Leny Yoro looks set to be on his way to Manchester United this summer, leaving Liverpool fans disappointed after missing out on a promising player for the future. Although he is only 18, big things are expected of the Lille star.

Arne Slot will now have to turn his attention to alternative targets in that position, with the Reds still in need of reinforcements in the centre-back area following the recent exit of Joel Matip.

It remains to be seen which individual will now be pursued by sporting director Richard Hughes, who spoke of the need to be “opportunistic” during the window.

With that in mind, we pondered who Liverpool could now be plotting a move for following their recent Yoro setback.

Theo Squires – Johan Bakayoko

Liverpool’s current transfer stance is that they do not consider a new centre-back an immediate transfer priority, despite the summer exit of Joel Matip, and instead believe that other areas of the squad need strengthening more. Given the transfer fee and wages that Leny Yoro was commanding, it is perhaps no surprise to see them ditch Manchester United when it comes to the Frenchman.

Despite Ibrahima Konate’s checkered past, they still boast four senior centre-backs after all. And with Sepp van den Berg currently impressing in pre-season training, who knows, maybe he can be added to the quote if Arne Slot convinces his compatriot to stay put.

So the Dutchman’s first signing shouldn’t actually be a centre-back. But which areas of the team actually need strengthening the most?

In fact, a number of roles depend on spending. Liverpool don’t need a goalkeeper unless Alisson Becker or Caoimhin Kelleher leave, for example, amid transfer speculation. They won’t need a left striker unless Luis Diaz moves on etc etc.

Meanwhile, a move for a new holding midfielder has also been ruled out, with Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Stefan Bajcetic all options available. If I were holding the purse strings, I’d prioritize a new world-class applicator, but it is what it is.

So that leaves one area in my book – a new one on the right side forward. Mohamed Salah is out of contract next summer and, now 32, needs a long-term successor regardless of what happens to his existing contract. PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko could be a possible solution.

Although if we want to look at this question another way, shouldn’t Trent Alexander-Arnold be Liverpool’s next signing? Out of contract next summer, the Reds vice-captain has been linked with Real Madrid again this week. With Euro 2024 coming to an end, an extension for the 25-year-old should be a matter of urgency for club chiefs and the first signing they need to secure.

Tom Cavilla – Piero Hincapie

The Reds have been on the hunt for a left-handed centre-back since last summer, when Micky van de Ven and Levi Colwill were hotshots, and this is a requirement that has yet to be met.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is a good fit and would arrive on the back of a very successful season at club level.

The 22-year-old played a starring role for Leverkusen, winning both the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal despite his young age, and is clearly someone who could provide plenty of background for the Reds.

A stumbling block could be that Xabi Alonso is unwilling to part ways with the defender, who he understandably holds dear. Assessing Hincapie’s quality in a previous interview, the former Liverpool midfielder said: “I think he’s a very modern full-back. He can play in different positions. He’s served us as a full-back in the last few games, but he’s also been a left-back. central when I played with a back three.

“He is aggressive, makes better decisions when he has the ball, leans more to play diagonal passes and get in behind. It motivates me to have a player with his potential and desire because he helps you and you help him . He’s a great player.”

Isaac Seelochan – Marc Guehi

Liverpool could do with a statement signing to start the Arne Slot era and Marc Guehi would certainly be it. The England international from Crystal Palace featured at the Euros for Gareth Southgate’s side, having played every minute in all but one for the Three Lions.

Guehi is likely to be expensive, but at 24 and with plenty of Premier League experience, he is exactly the type of player Liverpool should sign. The centre-back is likely to be looking to take the next step in his career and play for a team that can compete for Premier League and Champions League glory.

Signing him will not be easy and after selling Michael Olise to Bayern already this summer, Palace may not want another star of theirs to leave. But if a deal can be reached then Guehi would be an excellent signing.

Amie Wilson – Murillo

Liverpool have been linked with several centre-backs as their search continues. Yoro’s move to Manchester United may have meant a reported target slipped away, but they are much more highly rated centre-backs.

One that stands out for me is Nottingham Forest’s Murillo. The 22-year-old caught the eye with his performances at the City Ground after his move from Corinthians last summer.

Not only in defense did he impress, but also his quality on the ball. The year in the Premier League only helped him and, just after turning 22, he still hasn’t reached his peak.

The only problem will be the transfer fee. Forest are said to be looking for a fee of around £70m this summer should they cash in, this is similar to the fee Everton are seeking for Jarrad Branthwaite.

Chelsea have also been linked with an interest in Murillo, which could drive up the price. If Forest do show signs of coming down in price, then it’s a move Liverpool should definitely look to make.

Tom Coley – Antonee Robinson

This is a slightly rogue one, but Liverpool could look to backup in defence. If Conor Bradley can match his performances from last season, the right side is sorted, but the left is a different story.

There have been reports of a possible summer exit for Kostas Tsmikas this year and if Liverpool were to let the Greek go, Antonee Robinson is a brilliant alternative. Tsimikas played just 13 league games last season and logged just under 2,000 minutes in all competitions.

With Andy Robertson out of spring chicken and Liverpool back in the Champions League, having a solid second choice is more important than ever. While Robinson isn’t flashy, his rebound speed and outside delivery are both extremely impressive.

At only 26 years old there is room for improvement. Liverpool need to prove their future backline and Robinson would be a good start. The biggest problem here is Everton’s past (and probably the contract signed last year).