Liverpool have made only two summer signings with the new Premier League season under a month away. Mohamed Salah is also yet to be replaced, but one £100m World Cup star could be the answer.
The Reds have so far parted with a combined £100m for defender Jeremy Jacquet, whose transfer was sealed in January, and winger Victor Munoz. But Andoni Iraola's team is likely to need a few extra squad members if he is to inspire a Premier League title charge. The Spanish manager, who guided Bournemouth to European football for the first time in their history last term, has stressed the need to sign a winger and bolster defensive cover.
Ferran Torres
Every World Cup final needs a hero and this year's was Spain and Barcelona winger Ferran Torres. The 26-year-old hammered home the winner in New Jersey after the match had entered extra-time, securing a 1-0 triumph. While an entire nation celebrates him, at club level Torres' future remains unclear. Reports in Spain indicate Barcelona would move him on in the coming months. With Liverpool seeking a winger, the former Manchester City player could suit their needs, although rumours from France that the Reds are poised to go toe-to-toe with PSG for his £40m signature are unfounded.
Bradley Barcola
Finding a replacement for Salah is unquestionably Liverpool's primary objective and France forward Bradley Barcola remains linked with a switch to Anfield. The PSG winger shone for Les Bleus in the States, frequently displacing stars such as Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki from Didier Deschamps' starting XI. He also found the net three times during the competition. It is understood that Barcola would command a fee exceeding £100m. Despite this, The Athletic has reported that Liverpool are keeping close tabs on his situation and would be keen to bring him into their squad. Barcola has two years left on his deal and the general view is that he will depart this summer. The Reds would probably encounter competition from other European heavyweights should they chase the 23-year-old.
Ibrahim Mbaye
One of PSG's emerging stars could become Liverpool's present. Senegal heartbreakingly departed the World Cup, forced to extra time by Belgium, only to be eliminated after new Manchester United signing Youri Tielemans slotted a 125th-minute penalty. But Ibrahim Mbaye shone. He netted against France in the group stages and displayed brilliance out wide, featuring in his nation's 5-0 victory over Iraq. At only 18, the PSG winger is not yet established, but neither is a player like Rio Ngumoha, who many would prefer to see handed a starting role by Iraola. Reds supporters are accustomed to witnessing Senegalese talent flourish at Anfield and L'Equipe claims that Mbaye could be secured for between £34m and £42m, which might prove to be genuine value.
Maxim De Cuyper
Shifting away from wingers, left-back might be another area of worry for Iraola this campaign, considering that Robertson has departed and Milos Kerkez appeared exposed at times last season under Arne Slot. Consequently, recruiting another left-sided full-back who will not cost the earth to share duties with Kerkez, should Kostas Tsimikas be deemed surplus to requirements, could be under consideration. Belgium's Maxim De Cuyper was linked with a switch to Anfield before joining Brighton, and he impressed for his country at the World Cup, featuring from the start in five matches during their run to the last eight. He would represent good value and already has top-flight experience in England.
Jarell Quansah
Liverpool will require defensive reinforcements with Konate's departure and Virgil van Dijk's slowing down. They may soon turn to one of their former academy prospects. Admittedly, Jarell Quansah's World Cup was hardly flawless. His dismissal against Mexico in the last 16 was an impulsive tackle and nearly eliminated the Three Lions. However, the 23-year-old England defender, who departed for Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a £35m deal, impressed against Panama and appeared remarkably assured at right-back versus France. Quansah offers flexibility, understands what is required to represent the Reds and would return a considerably more experienced professional should his boyhood club bring him back. If Anfield officials hold off for a year, they will allegedly have a £56.2m buy-back option to trigger.
