£42m Liverpool target has just rejected move to Saudi Arabia

Add as preferred source on Google

The summer transfer window is starting to heat up as Liverpool ponder whether to make any signings.

The Reds have so far stayed unusually quiet during the market and are yet to bring anyone in.

With two summer international tournaments running alongside each other and a new head coach installed after almost nine years, perhaps that shouldn’t be a surprise.

But with both the Copa America and Euro 2024 now finished, some of Liverpool’s rivals are starting to show their hand.

Man United have signed Leny Yoro from under Liverpool’s nose, while there is also movement starting to happen in the Saudi Pro League.

Johan Bakayoko rejects Saudi Arabia move

Liverpool’s transfer plans remain something of a mystery this summer. It could yet turn out that we do not see any addition to the Liverpool squad before August the 30th.

While that would disappoint plenty of supporters, it would not be unique for the Reds. They did notably limited business in the summer of 2019, just after winning the Champions League.

One of the signings they did make that summer, Sepp van den Berg, could be the reason they don’t bother bringing in a new centre-half.

Buying a defender was Liverpool’s priority ahead of the window opening but that need appears to have lessened.

READ MORE: Johan Bakayoko issues nine-word response when asked about his future

Another area the Reds were said to be targeting was in the forward line. As they looked to bolster their attack, Liverpool have been heavily linked with Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven.

With the 21-year-old away at Euro 2024 with Belgium, though, nothing has since progressed, despite claims that PSV could sell Bakayoko for £42m.

Now, according to Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink, the wheels have started to turn. Taking to X, the reporter says that Bakayoko has had an offer from Al Hilal, one he absolutely does not intend to accept.

“Johan Bakayoko does not want and will not go to Al Hilal,” writes Elfrink. “Not now, not tomorrow and not for the rest of this transfer window. Just no. The club from Saudi Arabia is pushing both PSV and the player, but he does not want to go there.”

Liverpool should offer Johan Bakayoko alternative

As Premier League clubs contend with profit and sustainability rules, we appear likely to see a much reduced summer window this year.

Although Liverpool have no such issues staying within the guidelines, the Reds will probably fall into line with that.

Nevertheless, if they are prepared to be brave, it could mean that they have free run at targets in a less crowded market.

What it also means is that the Saudi clubs could be the big spenders. But with Bakayoko obviously dead against a move to the Middle East, Liverpool should swoop in.

Bakayoko looks like a star in the making on the right wing and with the Reds needing a Mo Salah succession plan, the Belgian can be the answer. Time to make that move, Liverpool.