Liverpool have secured Victor Munoz as Andoni Iraola's first signing and are wasting no time in pursuing their second as they look to snap up Yan Diomande. Should the Ivory Coast international's arrival be confirmed, the Reds must now turn their attention to bringing in Ayyoub Bouaddi next.
Liverpool's Summer Overhaul
The Anfield club are determined to mount a comeback next season after a disappointing campaign under Arne Slot, with substantial investment in the squad expected this summer. Last year, the Dutch manager was handed a revamped attacking line and defensive reinforcements. Yet those new arrivals largely underwhelmed as Liverpool stumbled to a fifth-place finish without any silverware. Slot was dismissed at the beginning of June, with Iraola taking over following his departure from Bournemouth.
With the World Cup underway, the club have been pushing ahead with transfer activity, including the pursuit of Osasuna's Munoz.
Victor Munoz Deal Completed
The 22-year-old completed his medical on Wednesday and has put pen to paper on a six-year contract to become Iraola's first acquisition at Anfield. The Reds fought off interest from numerous other clubs for his services, including Newcastle. The fee for Munoz will be settled in two instalments, with 50 per cent of the winger's transfer fee going to Real Madrid, who sold the player last summer. Liverpool dispatched a representative to the United States to wrap up the deal, with the player's medical conducted in Tennessee.
Yan Diomande Next in Line
Attention will now shift elsewhere and Diomande could well be the club's next acquisition. Liverpool moved closer to securing the highly-rated RB Leipzig winger on Thursday evening, signalling to the Bundesliga club that they are prepared to pay up to €100million (£86.7m) for his services. The swift pursuit of deals for both Munoz and Diomande has caught many off guard, and further reinforcement in midfield could be the next order of business.
Ayyoub Bouaddi Emerges as Target
Bouaddi is another high-profile name to emerge from the World Cup, with Liverpool reportedly having already held preliminary discussions with the player's camp. The Morocco international turned heads on his tournament debut, orchestrating play as his side fought out a 1-1 draw with Brazil. Liverpool would face fierce competition for his signature, however. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs have all been linked with the talented midfielder, as have European heavyweights Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Nevertheless, Liverpool's impressive recent record in transfer battles - as evidenced by their successful pursuit of Munoz - places them in a strong position as the race for Bouaddi heats up. In terms of club output, the 18-year-old made 42 appearances but managed just one assist for Lille last season, though he predominantly operates just ahead of the defence.
Midfield Reinforcement Needed
Defensive midfield is a position the Reds will be keen to strengthen, given that Ryan Gravenberch is their sole recognised option in that role at present. Stefan Bajcetic can also operate as a No.6 but has been absent for a year due to injury. Wataru Endo is another option, though he recently withdrew from the World Cup due to an ongoing ankle issue before confirming his retirement from international duty. Following a disappointing campaign, Liverpool ought to prioritise players capable of making an immediate impact, and Bouaddi looks to be the perfect answer to Iraola's impending midfield conundrum.
