Almost a fortnight into the summer transfer window and business is starting to ramp up at Liverpool. Andoni Iraola‘s first period of investment at Anfield also looks braced to kick into overdrive amid a swell of interest in several key targets.
The Reds have already conducted major business after spending £34.5million to recruit Victor Munoz from Osasuna. That’s in addition to the pre-agreed deal bringing Jeremy Jacquet on board from Rennes to the tune of potentially £60m.
However, Manchester City’s imminent signing of Elliot Anderson could lead to a knock-on effect on multiple fronts. Mirror Football examines the latest murmurs emerging around Liverpool this weekend, with new deals touted through both the arrival and departure doors.
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News of Anderson’s £116m transfer to the Etihad could end up having big implications at Anfield. That’s if Nottingham Forest wish to go hammer and tongs in utilising their newfound funds following speculation the club is interested in Curtis Jones as his replacement.
Given just how crucial Anderson was at the City Ground during his two seasons at the club, a successor of similar quality is required. And while Jones may not match England’s World Cup ace in terms of value, he could be a very accommodating solution in midfield.
The Daily Mail has reported Forest are seriously considering an offer for Jones, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract. That fact has undoubtedly reduced the fee Liverpool would expect in return for the player, who can allegedly leave for £35m.
The Reds appear willing to listen to offers, albeit larger ones than the £21.7m Inter Milan reportedly submitted for the playmaker last week. If Jones’ contract situation were any different, Iraola’s side would likely demand a much larger sum for the 25-year-old.
View 3 ImagesNottingham Forest could use some of their Elliot Anderson transfer fee to buy Curtis Jones(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
Jones has voiced his desire to see out his entire career at Anfield, though that doesn’t appear feasible at present. The alternative is to allow the player to run down his contract and leave for free next summer or offer him a new contract.
Instead, it appears more likely the Merseysiders will cash in this summer and maximise profit off their homegrown product. City won’t necessarily like the idea of such a large portion of Anderson’s fee going straight to a direct rival but that won’t matter a jot to Forest as they seek to squeeze as much value out of the transfer as possible.
View 3 ImagesManchester City are reportedly ready to rival Liverpool for the signature of Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)
Less encouraging for Liverpool are the reports that City have entered the race in targeting Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Morocco sensation already had suitors prior to the World Cup but has put himself on just about every major club’s radar with his performances this summer, including Real Madrid and PSG.
And City are seemingly no different after Spanish newspaper Marca reported City are well in the hunt for his signature, too. The 18-year-old is purported to have a £69m price tag, earning comparisons to the likes of Rodri and Fabinho.
It stands to reason that City are so intent on upgrading their midfield after spending so much of the past campaign without Rodri. And it looks like the club is casting a wide net if it hopes to add Bouaddi in addition to the arrival of Anderson.
Liverpool have their own motivation to chase reinforcements in the engine room. Ryan Gravenbech and Dominik Szoboszlai are nailed on as key staples at Anfield but Alexis Mac Allister’s future is less secure amid links to Real Madrid.
The Argentinian struggled to maintain his previous levels playing under Arne Slot last term. However, Iraola will surely be eager to work with Mac Allister himself before casting any long-term judgement on his future.
Bouaddi represents the next generation of elite holding midfielders and keeps adding new strings to his bow. However, City’s presence in the pursuit of his services represents another major obstacle the Reds could most likely do without.
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