Liverpool are trying to get some big deals over the line ahead of the summer transfer window opening for business and have made progress on signing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez
Liverpool have wasted no time in getting down to business following the conclusion of the season. The Reds lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield on Sunday, went on a city-wide parade on Monday and are now busy around the negotiating table, with sporting director Richard Hughes coming to the fore.
"I think this is the most important phase of the season to get the squad that you want as a club – and that’s something we are trying now," Arne Slot told Match of the Day after the end of the campaign.
“And the work, not as much from me, but especially from Richard Hughes, our sporting director, started a long way back and now we’re trying to get what we want. But to make it clear, we have a very very very good team already and we’re trying to make it even stronger if we can.”
That is exactly what Liverpool are trying, with big-money moves for Bayer Leverkusen pair Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez in the offing. Here are the latest updates from Mirror Football.
Wirtz dilemma emerges
Liverpool have made their official first bid to sign Wirtz from Leverkusen, beginning negotiations at around €100million (£85m) plus add-ons, but their efforts could end up having an unwanted knock-on effect.
Wirtz had been courted by Bayern Munich, who had initially been confident the 22-year-old attacking midfielder would choose to stay in the Bundesliga this summer. They have since admitted defeat, opening the way for Liverpool to get the deal done.
But there are concerns now that Bayern could turn their attentions to Liverpool star Cody Gakpo this summer after shelving plans to buy a new No.10. It is understood that Slot does not want to lose Gakpo this summer, but Liverpool could be tempted by a huge bid for the Netherlands international.
Terms agreed with Kerkez
Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez. The Hungary international has just concluded an impressive campaign and could begin the Reds' first-choice left-back, surpassing Andy Robertson, this summer.
Posting after the Cherries' final game of the season, Kerkez hinted that he could be leaving. He wrote on Instagram: “38 games, 38 started, we finished the job and broke the record, thanks to the fans and everyone for support, thanks to the gaffer for trusting me to start all 38 games and special thanks to the one above for keeping me safe and healthy and of course nothing would be possible without my family, I don’t know what will happen in next week but cherries family thank you!”
The 21-year-old is keen to challenge himself at a higher level. Bournemouth value him at around £45m and, with personal terms already sorted, Liverpool just have to thrash out the financials with his club.
Reds out of race for Simons
Liverpool were previously credited with an interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, but their move to Wirtz has seen that possibility dwindle. It had been claimed earlier this month that the Reds could even test Leipzig with a £51m bid this summer.
Yet Bild now report that Liverpool are no longer interested, leaving Chelsea as a possible destination for the 22-year-old Netherlands international. Simons still has two years left on his Leipzig contract and is reportedly valued at €70m (£58m) by the German side.
Asked about his future plans earlier this season, he said: “I’m still a young player, I have many dreams and the club knows that. But right now, the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games.” He added: “Then we have the international matches, and after that we’ll sit down and see what happens.”