Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has admitted the club must strengthen their squad this summer, with fans growing restless over a lack of investment from owners Fenway Sports Group.
So far, the Premier League giants have only signed two young talents: French defender Jeremy Jacquet and Spanish winger Victor Munoz. With gaps in their understocked and injury-hit squad at centre-back, fullback, central midfield, on the wing and up front, Iraola acknowledged the need for reinforcements.
Iraola on transfer plans
Iraola said: "You have to always be open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations that we know where we need to sign players. A winger, for example - we definitely need to sign a winger. But there are other situations that we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what's the cost, how we also see the players we have."
Akliouche 'learning English'
France international Maghnes Akliouche has been studying English as he considers his transfer possibilities, according to the Press Association. The Monaco ace has been linked with a Liverpool move, though Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be eager to retain him in Ligue 1.
The Liverpool Echo reports the Reds made initial contact with Monaco during the early stages of the transfer window about the £43m-rated winger. However, there is not thought to have been any fresh developments, despite claims suggesting otherwise from other sources.
Akliouche, 24, has netted once for France at international level. He featured once at the World Cup, appearing as a substitute against Iraq during the group phase. He struggled to break into a forward line that featured another Liverpool target, PSG superstar Bradley Barcola.
Two stars heading elsewhere
Iraola has agreed to the departure of two Liverpool stars during the club's pre-season tour of the United States. Young centre-back Amara Nallo is set for a move to HJK Helsinki in a temporary deal, reports the Mirror.
The Finnish campaign runs from April through to October, meaning he's anticipated to be back at Anfield prior to the January transfer window opening. The defender, 19, who arrived at the Reds' academy from West Ham in 2023, was dismissed on his debut as a substitute in a Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven. He collected a second red card as a substitute in a Carabao Cup loss to Crystal Palace last season, becoming the first player in Liverpool's history to be sent off in consecutive appearances for the club. Nallo also featured for the closing 15 minutes against Qarabag in a European triumph last term.
HJK ended fifth in the table last season but secured their place in the Conference League qualifying stages after claiming the domestic cup. The Helsinki outfit boast former Premier League frontman Teemu Pukki spearheading their attack after the experienced striker returned to Europe following a stint in Major League Soccer.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have also confirmed that shot-stopper Armin Pecsi has departed the club on a temporary arrangement as well. The Hungarian talent, 21, joined the Reds 12 months ago, but has now moved on loan to TSV Hartberg of the Austrian Bundesliga.
