Liverpool transfer news: De Ligt, Fraser, Brandt, Mignolet
Reds opt out of the race to sign Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt
Reds call off De Ligt chase
Liverpool have “opted against pursuing a move” for Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.
According to talkSPORT the Champions League finalists have concluded that there’s no room in their squad for the 19-year-old defender.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It had been rumoured that Jurgen Klopp was hoping to beat Barcelona to the £60m-rated defender, but apparently the Liverpool boss has “decided to prioritise their transfer business elsewhere”.
That’s good news for Spanish champions Barca, as is the report that Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have also ended their interest in De Ligt because of his price tag.
That leaves the way clear for Barcelona while Liverpool, claims talkSPORT, will look to purchase a versatile forward, a left-back and a new goalkeeper, given that Simon Mignolet is expected to move on.
The Eastern Daily Press reports that newly-promoted Norwich City could land Belgian keeper Mignolet in a £15m deal. The 31-year-old is also linked with Bournemouth and Watford.
Flying Scot an option
The Daily Mail says that Liverpool “are ready to join the race for Bournemouth’s in-demand winger Ryan Fraser”.
The flying Scot has been heavily linked to Arsenal in recent weeks, although Manchester United are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old after his outstanding season on the south coast.
The Mail says that Fraser has been offered a new deal by the Cherries but he is expected to knock back the offer in favour of a summer move.
Aware that Fraser could leave on a free transfer in 12 months, Bournemouth are ready to listen to offers “in the region of £30m”.
Brandt staying put
The Liverpool Echo reports that Julian Brandt is “set to stay in Germany” and sign with Borussia Dortmund rather move to Anfield.
German newspaper Bild says that despite interest from the Reds, the 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder will move to Dortmund.
However, Leverkusen head coach Peter Bosz said he hoped Brandt would stay loyal as they had qualified for the Champions League.
“Julian, I hope he will stay,” said Bosz. “Every player wants to play at the highest level and we have the chance next season to play at the highest level.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Last hopes for justice for UK's nuclear test veterans
Under the Radar Thousands of ex-service personnel say their lives have been blighted by aggressive cancers and genetic mutations
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published