Liverpool have moved swiftly in the transfer market, securing a deal for Colombian attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez and setting their sights on Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye as Andoni Iraola's pre-season campaign gets underway.
Martinez Deal Seals Victory Over Bayern
Liverpool have beaten Bayern Munich to the signature of Samuel Martinez, according to the ECHO. The Reds have agreed a fee of around £740,000 with Atletico Nacional for the 17-year-old attacking midfielder. As part of the arrangement, Martinez will remain at the Colombian club for a further 12 months before moving to Anfield next summer, having turned 18 in April.
The teenager had attracted interest from a string of European heavyweights, including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. It has now emerged that Bayern were serious contenders for Martinez's signature. The German champions had monitored the youngster for some time and featured him on their summer shopping list, according to TZ. Bayern scouts reportedly compared Martinez's playing style to that of Brazilian icon Kaka. They also possessed an ace up their sleeve in the form of the player's representative, Daniel Neumuller, who hails from Bavaria. Nevertheless, Liverpool have secured his signature, though supporters will need to wait 12 months to see him in action.
Ibrahim Mbaye on the Move
The Reds have been placed on alert following news that Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye is set to move on. It is well documented that Liverpool are searching for one or two wide players. The prospects of landing Yan Diomande seem to have diminished, with the Ivorian reportedly holding out for a switch to PSG and willing to remain at RB Leipzig for another campaign. Consequently, Liverpool may pivot towards 18-year-old Mbaye, regarded as one of Europe's most exciting young prospects.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Senegal star will depart PSG this summer, with super agent Jorge Mendes reportedly 'in control of his future.' He adds that Premier League and Bundesliga sides are waiting in the wings to capitalise. While competition will be fierce, the Reds would represent an appealing destination given the clear vacancy on the right wing following Mohamed Salah's departure.
Pre-Season Underway
A pivotal pre-season is underway at Liverpool as Andoni Iraola looks to put his stamp on the side. Preparations will step up a gear on Saturday when the Reds take on Sunderland in Nashville. Further friendlies on American soil, against Wrexham and Leeds United, will follow before Anfield fixtures against Monaco and Como ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser at Newcastle on Sunday, August 23.
Two new signings have arrived at the club so far this summer, with Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz joining from Rennes and Osasuna, respectively. Following an underwhelming title defence which cost Arne Slot his job, more work is required to transform Liverpool back into title contenders. World Cup stars Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola are amongst a host of players to have been touted with a switch to Anfield.
