Liverpool have a lot to deal with before the summer transfer window slams shut next Monday as they are still want to add more attacking firepower and defensive steel to their squad
The dust has barely settled on a classic Premier League encounter between Liverpool and Newcastle United that saw teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha score a dramatic late winner for the champions.
Yet while Reds manager Arne Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk praised the 16-year-old winger’s contribution, and the club’s top brass have long been aware of his talent, his prodigious talent doesn’t mean the Merseyside giants aren’t keen on signing more attacking recruits this summer transfer window.
Liverpool are still pursuing a controversial deal for Newcastle’s wantaway striker Alexander Isak. And attention has also turned to whether they will make a move for Crystal Palace’s centre-back Marc Guehi, following concerns over their defensive displays in the campaign’s opening fortnight.
Here’sthe latest transfer news from Anfield and beyond, with fewer than seven days left before the window closes on September 1.
Isak dilemma needs swift resolution
Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes insists the squad want Alexander Isak’s transfer situation sorted out without delay, with the striker continuing to push for a switch to Liverpool, reports the Mirror.
Isak, 25, hasn’t appeared for Eddie Howe’s team this term following his refusal to link up with teammates during pre-season, instead training in isolation throughout the summer months.
He has subsequently issued a statement expressing frustration over “broken promises” from Newcastle’s leadership, who responded with their own declaration rejecting claims they had assured him of a sale during this transfer window.
Liverpool have already seen a £110million offer for the Swedish star turned down, with Newcastle reportedly holding out for around £150m.
Following Monday night’s match, Guimaraes revealed he hadn’t discussed the situation with Isak, but urged the club to resolve the ongoing saga so that the team can concentrate on the upcoming season.
He said: “As captain, and for us as players, it’s a tough situation because we want to have the best players with us. But that’s something we can’t control – the club, the management, the owners are dealing with it, and I hope it gets sorted out in the best way.”
He added: “We’re really missing our striker, a player who scored more than 20 goals in the Premier League last season, so of course he’s someone we feel the absence of. We hope to have our best player back, but unfortunately this is a situation that neither I nor any other player can control.”
Marc Guehi chain reaction
In related news, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has been identified as a potential target for Crystal Palace, a move which could pave the way for Marc Guehi’s switch to Liverpool.
Palace are actively seeking central defenders in the event that Liverpool meet their asking price for their FA Cup and Community Shield winning captain before the summer transfer window shuts on Monday.
With Guehi, 25, entering the final year of his contract, Palace chairman Steve Parish has conceded they may have no choice but to sell now to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Manager Oliver Glasner has made it clear that they won’t approve Guehi’s exit before the second leg of their Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday.
However, a deal could still be struck over the weekend if a middle ground is found between Palace’s £45million valuation and Liverpool’s estimated £35m.
Ngumoha exception
Liverpool typically adhere to a rigid salary framework for their youth players, but they broke with tradition in 2024 to entice Rio Ngumoha to Anfield.
Whilst the youngster is technically on a scholarship deal valued at £1,200 monthly, his contract includes a series of performance-related add-ons that could significantly boost his income.
According to ESPN, such financial incentives are seldom provided at youth level, highlighting just how much Liverpool value Ngumoha and the lengths they went to in order to prise him away from Chelsea.
The London-born talent initially joined Chelsea’s academy system in 2016 and was considered a potential first-team prospect.
Ex-Blues skipper John Terry, who has been involved with the academy in recent times, praised him on social media as “a top, top player” following confirmation of his switch to Merseyside.
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