Liverpool’s summer transfer plans are already starting to take shape, and there has been plenty to dissect.
The Reds appear to be looking at changes across several areas of the squad, with attacking depth, midfield power and defensive cover all coming into focus before the window opens.
Federico Chiesa’s future is now a major talking point, while Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has emerged as a possible option in attack. There are also fresh updates on Marcos Senesi and Assan Ouedraogo.
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The biggest update concerns Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool future.
The Italian has struggled for regular minutes under Arne Slot this season, despite Liverpool needing more options on the right side of attack. He has played 24 Premier League games, but those appearances have only added up to 281 minutes.
Chiesa has not been trusted often enough to suggest he will have a major role next season.
Reports in Italy now claim the 28-year-old has made up his mind about leaving Liverpool this summer. He is said to be open to returning to Serie A and could even accept a pay cut to make that happen.
That decision would leave Liverpool with a clear issue. With Mohamed Salah leaving, the Reds could be quite short on attacking options if this isn’t an active window.
That links neatly into the latest on Liverpool interest in Eli Junior Kroupi.
The Bournemouth forward has been excellent since arriving in English football. He has already scored 12 league goals this season, which is more than any Liverpool player has managed. It’s also the highest tally from a teenager in Premier League history.
Kroupi is still only 19, but he has already shown he can handle this level. Bournemouth do not want to sell him so soon after signing him, but they have shown before that they will do business if the price is right. That would be a considerable figure.
There is also a defensive update around Marcos Senesi’s Liverpool transfer preference.
The Bournemouth centre-back is out of contract this summer and is expected to leave on a free transfer. Liverpool are now strongly in the race, while the player’s preference is to remain in the Premier League.
Senesi would be an experienced, low-cost option. Liverpool already have good numbers at centre-back, but injuries have been a problem this season, and his availability could be tempting.
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Finally, Liverpool are back in for Assan Ouedraogo.
The RB Leipzig midfielder was looked at during Jurgen Klopp’s time at Anfield, and the Reds are now being linked again. He is only 19, stands at 6ft 4in and offers power, carrying ability and technical quality in midfield.
Leipzig want to keep him, but a major offer could change the situation. At around £40 million, Ouedraogo looks like exactly the type of young midfielder Liverpool should be monitoring closely.
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