Liverpool officials deny Nunez return, Leipzig wants €130M for Diomande

On June 16, The Athletic published the "Transfer Weekly" for the 2026 summer transfer window, which discussed Liverpool's transfer plans.

What happened this week?

Liverpool U21 defender Carter-Pennington has agreed to a permanent move to West Brom, with West Brom not required to pay an upfront transfer fee for the 19-year-old center-back, but the contract includes performance-related add-ons and a sell-on clause.

Liverpool and West Brom have a good relationship. West Brom's technical director, Dominic Price, previously worked as a first-team analyst at Anfield. Pennington joined the Liverpool Academy at U7 level but never played for the first team.

Which positions/players are they looking at?

Liverpool's top priority in this summer's transfer window is to sign a winger. They have already contacted RB Leipzig, hoping to sign Jan-Diomande. RB Leipzig stated that an offer of at least €130 million would be needed to convince them to release the player.

Barcola is also highly sought after. With Salah leaving, Chiesa's future uncertain, and Ekitike still recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture, Liverpool is expected to sign at least two attacking players.

Earlier, Uruguayan media reported that Nunez might return to Anfield, but Liverpool officials insisted this was not the case. Midfield and right-back are also positions that need strengthening.

It is generally believed within the club that due to the World Cup and Iraola's desire to assess the capabilities of the players he inherited in the early stages of pre-season, transfer window operations are more likely to occur later.

With the arrival of a new head coach, is it still possible for Liverpool to change its stance on Salah?

No chance. After nearly nine years playing for Liverpool, Salah received a deserving farewell at Anfield at the end of the season. All parties believe it is the right time to part ways. Salah initiated negotiations, and Liverpool eventually agreed to terminate the contract.

Slot's departure and Iraola's arrival have changed nothing. Liverpool's top priority this summer is to fill the void left by Salah, while the 34-year-old Egyptian star is also weighing his options and preparing for new challenges.

Which players might leave?

Salah, Robertson, Konate, and Rhys Williams have all left as free agents. Curtis Jones has one year left on his contract with Liverpool, and Internazionale are very interested in him. Liverpool values him at approximately £35 million.

Chiesa stated that he intends to hold talks with Iraola to determine his place in Iraola's plans before deciding his future. Luca Stephenson is still negotiating a permanent transfer, with Bolton currently leading the race.