Liverpool transfer news: The club is prepared to make a bid for a Barcelona star, while Declan Rice may still be available despite an agreement with Arsenal
Liverpool will be the first to make a move in the transfer market. The signing of Alexis MacAllister now appears to be a formality, with an announcement expected soon, marking the first major piece of activity in the Premier League’s upper echelons.
That would be a huge deal for Liverpool to complete, not least because it would only mark the beginning of the midfield transfer rebuild. Another two names are expected to join before the end of the summer, with FSG determined to demonstrate that moving away from Jude Bellingham and pursuing a more traditional model was the right decision.
Time will tell, but Declan Rice is one of the few players who is likely to be the subject of a similarly high-profile transfer this summer. It appears that the time has come for him to leave West Ham, with almost every major club expressing an interest at some point.
Arsenal appeared to have stolen a potentially decisive advantage in that race, but the latest news suggests that Liverpool still has a chance of hijacking the move. Meanwhile, Jürgen Klopp’s search for new midfielders may lead him to Barcelona, where a bid is reportedly ready to be tabled.
Here’s Liverpool.com’s take on the latest transfer rumors swirling around the Reds.
West Ham United’s Declan Rice
Rice’s big move has seemed inevitable almost from the moment he first appeared on the scene. The situation will come to a head this summer as he enters the final year of his West Ham contract.
Rice agreed personal terms with Arsenal earlier this week, according to FootballTransfers. However, the same outlet now claims that the player has agreed to terms with multiple clubs — and that a lack of agreement between the Gunners and West Ham over a transfer fee could pave the way for a hijacking.
Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool have all been mentioned as possible last-minute suitors. It’s unclear which of these clubs, if any, have already reached an agreement with Rice. He is said to prefer Champions League football, but he also believes West Ham should be fairly compensated.
Liverpool.com believes that with Liverpool out of the race for Bellingham, it would be surprising to see Rice targeted. He will not be cheap, especially given the current hold-up caused by the transfer fee West Ham is demanding.
Nonetheless, it would be a surefire way to appease any discontent within the club and its fanbase, with Rice one of the few players who could arrive at Anfield with similarly’marquee’ status. He also fills a different, and perhaps more pressing, need than Bellingham, with the ability to sit deeper and provide some protection, all while having proven himself in the Premier League over multiple seasons.
Until Arsenal (or anyone else) completes this transaction, it will remain an intriguing potential option for Liverpool. Rice may be able to overcome his desire for immediate Champions League football if FSG stumps up the cash, with Klopp plotting a quick return to the top.
Barcelona native Franck Kessié
Given all of Barcelona’s ‘levers’ last summer, the transfer success rate appears surprisingly patchy. With the marquee signing of Robert Lewandowski playing a big part in helping the club to the La Liga title, Xavi will not mind too much, but many of the other signings have been underwhelming.
Franck Kessié, who joined on a free transfer from Milan, is one of them. According to Sport, Barcelona is willing to sell him as it looks to offload at least two players before June 30. Liverpool could be a willing buyer, with a $37 million (£30 million/€35 million) bid prepared in the event that the player expresses a desire to move.
Liverpool.com believes that Liverpool has progressed beyond Kessié, with Mac Allister unquestionably a more exciting addition and the likes of Khéphren Thuram and Manu Koné potentially more appealing. The situation in Barcelona may appear to be a ‘bargain,’ but this is a player who was available for nothing last summer.
Still, it’s an option for Liverpool to consider, and it’s an encouraging sign that the club has learned its lesson from last summer, when there were no backup plans after failing to sign Aurélien Tchouaméni.
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