Liverpool could step up their transfer activity this week, with five potential deals that could be finalised in the coming days. The Premier League season opener is less than a fortnight away, and new manager Andoni Iraola is preparing for his competitive debut against Newcastle United on August 23.
A significant summer shake-up has already taken shape on Merseyside. Mohamed Salah's high-profile exit to Trabzonspor has headlined the outgoings, while Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have arrived, along with young centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
Pre-Season and Squad Assessment
Pre-season preparations are in full swing, though Iraola's Anfield bow ended in a 3-2 defeat to Monaco on Sunday. With two friendly games against Como looming next weekend, the new manager has had ample opportunity to assess his squad's deficiencies and has publicly hinted that reinforcements are needed.
As the countdown to the opening day accelerates, the revolving door at the club is expected to see further traffic moving in both directions.
Ronald Araujo
One transfer which appears to be a question of when rather than if is Ronald Araujo's arrival from Barcelona. The Uruguayan will join on an initial loan deal, with Barca manager Hansi Flick already confirming the switch.
"We couldn't include him like I wanted and also I think he wants to make something new," Flick said. "You know it more than me because in the past, something has happened, so this affected him. I saw him this morning and I said goodbye and I think he was very happy and Liverpool is also a fantastic club. I wish him all the best because he deserves it. He's a fantastic guy and fantastic player and was a great captain."
Curtis Jones
Plenty of Liverpool supporters remain hopeful Jones will stay put. Yet, he could still depart should Inter Milan match the Reds' valuation. Jones has entered the final 12 months of his deal, and this may explain why the Italian outfit have been hesitant to commit substantial funds. A fee of £35m might well prove sufficient.
Whether that represents the correct decision is an entirely different question. The England international is a homegrown product who has delivered during crucial moments, but his departure could generate resources for recruitment elsewhere.
Bradley Barcola
Among the high-value targets continuing to be associated with an Anfield switch is France international Barcola. The winger has become the primary wide option, following earlier target Yan Diomande's transfer to Real Madrid. Paris Saint-Germain's pursuit of Ferran Torres might ease the disappointment of parting with Barcola. As might a price tag of approximately £110m, which appears to be what the French giants would accept.
Arsenal also remain connected with the former Lyon star. Barcola, who reaches 24 in September, netted 11 league goals for PSG last term and shone during France's journey to the World Cup semi-finals.
Ibrahim Mbaye
Barcola may not be the sole player to swap PSG for Liverpool. Ibrahim Mbaye is prepared to depart the Ligue 1 club, and the Reds are amongst prospective destinations. Senegal star Mbaye has found his route to regular action in Paris obstructed. Several Premier League clubs have been mentioned, with Liverpool far from the only possible landing spot.
The 18-year-old featured 30 times for PSG last term, although numerous outings came from the bench. His youth means he would represent both an immediate and long-term addition, while a potential price tag exceeding £40m reflects his considerable promise.
Cody Gakpo
Should Liverpool manage to complete that £150m double-signing from PSG, it might enable them to part with Gakpo. Tottenham hold interest in the Dutch attacker, but the Reds are understood to desire two fresh forwards before considering a departure.
Gakpo has found the net 50 times in 180 matches across all competitions since arriving from PSV Eindhoven. Yet, there are no signs of Iraola being keen to sanction a sale. A substantial offer might alter that, however. Figures around £70m have surfaced in certain quarters online, and that type of return could prove welcome to balance a major Barcola investment.
