With Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year stint at Liverpool officially coming to close, the Premier League giants will get a new era underway at Anfield next season.
With Arne Slot now the main man in the red half of Merseyside, it has been suggested that Liverpool face what is a crucial summer behind the scenes ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Watching both Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara leave Anfield on respective free transfers this summer, there has been plenty of speculation over who could be heading in the other direction.
Expected to have a small treasure chest at their disposal, we have taken a look at Slot’s reported Premier League targets.
Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa
While Liverpool might have made it clear that attacking talisman Mohamed Salah will not be leaving Anfield this summer amidst continued interest from Saudi Arabia, it has been suggested that the Reds have a new number nine on their wishlist ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
With it reported that Darwin Nunez could be allowed to move away from the red half of Merseyside this summer, it appears that Slot has identified Ollie Watkins as a standout candidate.
Spearheading Aston Villa’s charge to booking a famous Champions League ticket, the one-time Brentford starlet finds his stock at a red-hot high and will certainly be part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for this summer’s European Championships.
Although Villa might have publicly stated that they have no intention of parting ways with the England international, it is no secret that Unai Emery’s men are juggling some financial issues behind the scenes.
Notching 19 Premier League goals last season and eventually finishing fourth in the race for this year’s Golden Boot, Watkins appears to have plenty of admirers in Anfield and Liverpool are willing to test Villa’s resolve this summer.
“I think this one could make a lot of sense for what Liverpool need”
The Back Pages Tonight panel discuss whether Liverpool could be interested in signing Ollie Watkins 🔴🏴 pic.twitter.com/kvcWKy3VCo
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 29, 2024
Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle
Enjoying what was another sensational campaign with Newcastle last season, Bruno Guimaraes has only continued to underline his status as one of Europe’s hottest midfield stars.
Cementing his spot as the backbone of Eddie Howe’s success at St. James’ Park over the past two seasons, the Brazilian international has continued to be linked with a move away from last year’s Champions League outfit.
Guimaraes is said too have a release close of around €115million in his current deal, although it has been speculated that Newcastle could be willing to accept a fee closer to the region of £70million.
Although Newcastle might have seen their controversial Saudi-backed takeover confirmed back in October 2021, there has been plenty of speculation that Howe’s side are working within some serious financial restrictions.
Alongside their midfield talisman, it has also been reported that striking sensation Alexander Isak could also be granted to a blockbuster move away from St. James’ Park if they receive a substantial offer.
🚨(🌖) | @Record_Portugal: Liverpool have identified Bruno Guimaraes (26) as a transfer target for this summer window ✅
↪️ Newcastle need to raise around £68M this summer to stay on the right side of FFP regulations so they could accept a fee of around that sum to sell him ☎️💰 pic.twitter.com/TwU7e9N6ZP
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) June 5, 2024
Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford
Although it might appear almost certain that England international Ivan Toney will be on the move away from west London this summer, the ex-Peterborough striker is not the only big name that could be heading for Brentford’s exit.
Arriving at the Bees back in August 2019, Mbeumo has cement his spot as a real fan favourite and has played a crucial role in Brentford’s charge to becoming an established Premier League outfit.
A long-term ankle injury kept the Cameroon international out from December to March, but he still managed to score nine goals and register six assists in 25 Premier League appearances this season.
In total, Mbeumo has scored 50 goals and provided a further 42 assists in 200 total appearances for the Bees. His current deal expires in the summer of 2026, but Brentford retain the option to trigger another year’s extension.
Continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across England’s elite, Mbeumo recently opened the door about a potential move away from Thomas Frank’s side by stating he wants to play in the “biggest competitions, at the best clubs”.
Bryan Mbeumo is keen on a move amid links with Liverpool. Brentford would demand upwards of £50m for the French forward.
✍️ @GraemeBailey pic.twitter.com/l1FKxdenPY
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) May 31, 2024
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