Liverpool ‘visit’ transfer news explained and $54m needed in Spurs’ race for fellow Mo Salah

Liverpool’s playing department is almost the only area that will not be overhauled this summer. Jürgen Klopp leaves behind a team that already looks in pretty good shape.

Behind the scenes, a new-look recruitment structure will decide what kind of additions are needed. Michael Edwards has returned to FSG as CEO of Football and appointed Richard Hughes as the new sporting director.

They will work in tandem with the new head coach, who is expected to be Arne Slot. The Feyenoord boss won’t be pulling the trigger on transfers, but he’ll certainly make contributions – and while it could be a quiet summer, he may want to make an addition or two to start building his squad Own.

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At this point, however, it is difficult to predict the areas in which Liverpool could strengthen. Defense seems the most obvious place for reinforcements, but even there, the likes of Ibrahima Konaté, Jarell Quansah and indeed Joe Gomez provide an element of protection for the future.

But with Arsenal and Manchester City finally out this season, the Reds can’t afford to be complacent when it comes to finding ways to improve. Here’s Liverpool.com’s verdict on the transfer gossip swirling around the Reds today, including an explanation for a ‘target’ taking part in a match and the possibility of signing one of Mohamed Salah’s international team-mates ahead of Spurs.

Lutcharel Geertruida (Feyenoord)

Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida caused a stir when he was spotted away during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with West Ham at the London Stadium. Already the subject of mild transfer speculation, this sighting kicked things into overdrive.

Slot’s expected appointment also supercharged Geertruida’s connections. But This is Anfield has poured some cold water on the idea that it is Anfield-related, with an explanation for its visit to the capital.

Citing Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad, it claims Geertruida was only in the country to visit close friend Crysencio Summerville – another who has been linked with Liverpool, funnily enough. The Feyenoord man watched his friend in action for Leeds against QPR the previous night and stayed in London.

Liverpool.com says: It’s still a bit interesting that Geertruida seemed to agree with the away supporters, but otherwise this account of events more or less clears things up. It always seemed like things would be a bit more subtle if Liverpool were actually chasing the young defender.

However, just because Liverpool’s follow-up visit was perfectly innocent, that doesn’t rule out future transfer interest. Although Slot will not have free reign in terms of recruitment, the Reds have been watching Feyenoord’s squad very closely to assess him as a manager and it is very plausible that Geertruida was one of those who caught the eye.

Also, while Slot will become a “head coach” rather than a manager, it’s not like Edwards and Hughes will ignore his opinions. If he is particularly fond of Geertruida, the club will undoubtedly at least run the numbers.

Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Liverpool and Tottenham are both keen on Omar Marmoush, a team-mate of Mohamed Salah on the international stage. This according to Bild.

The 25-year-old only joined Eintracht Frankfurt last summer but has enjoyed a very impressive campaign. The Bundesliga side are reluctant to part with the forward, who is contracted until 2027, and would demand $54m (£43m/€50m) before considering it.

However, both Liverpool and Spurs are “showing an interest”. Marmoush has 31 caps for Egypt, scoring five goals, including one in the most recent Africa Cup of Nations after Mo Salah was sent off against Ghana.

Liverpool.com says: Almost exclusively a centre-forward, it is not immediately clear where Marmoush would fit into Liverpool’s plans. But more depth will be needed as the Reds compete in the expanded Champions League.

And amid talk of Darwin Núñez, there may be more commotion in the playmaking department than expected this summer. Slot could probably have a degree of continuity amid all the changes, but if one or more of the existing forwards move on, perhaps Marmoush could be of interest.