Liverpool have moved quickly to kickstart Andoni Iraola's reign at the club by signing Victor Munoz, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. After securing Munoz, the Reds are now focusing on adding Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with reports suggesting a fee of around £87 million has been indicated. Once that deal is completed, Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to be the next target.
Rebuilding After a Disappointing Season
The club is aiming to return to glory next season after a dismal showing under Arne Slot, who was sacked at the beginning of June. Slot had spent nearly £450 million on a new-look attacking line and defensive reinforcements, but these expensive signings did not live up to expectations as Liverpool finished fifth and failed to win any silverware. Iraola was brought in following his departure from Bournemouth, and with the World Cup in full swing, the club has been busy working on transfers.
Victor Munoz: The First Signing
The 22-year-old Osasuna winger underwent his medical on Wednesday and signed a six-year deal to become Iraola's first signing at Anfield. The move caught many off guard, as Liverpool fought off competition from Newcastle, Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United, and Real Madrid. The fee will be paid in two instalments, with 50% going to Real Madrid, who sold Munoz last summer. A club representative traveled to the United States to complete the deal, and fitness tests were conducted in Tennessee.
Yan Diomande Next in Line
With Munoz secured, attention has turned to RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande. Reports on Thursday night indicated that Liverpool have informed Leipzig they are willing to pay around £87 million for the Ivory Coast international. If that deal goes through, strengthening the midfield could be the next priority.
Ayyoub Bouaddi: The Midfield Target
Bouaddi is another key target emerging from the World Cup, with reports suggesting Liverpool are already in talks with the player's agent. The 18-year-old Morocco international impressed in his debut at the tournament, controlling the midfield in a 1-1 draw with Brazil. He is expected to leave Lille this summer. Fabrizio Romano claimed the Reds have met with Bouaddi's agents multiple times since the start of the year, but they face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
Addressing the Midfield Gap
Liverpool are keen to strengthen the defensive midfield position, with Ryan Gravenberch currently the only recognized option. Stefan Bajcetic, who plays as a number six, has been out for a year with an injury and has been linked with a move away. Wataru Endo recently withdrew from the World Cup due to an ankle issue and subsequently retired from international football. Therefore, adding a ready-made player like Bouaddi is a priority for Iraola.
Liverpool's recent success in securing Munoz against strong competition bodes well for their pursuit of Bouaddi. The club is determined to build a squad capable of competing for top honors next season.
