Liverpool news round-up: Adeyemi transfer still possible,
Ligue 2 prospect linked, Reds handed Raphinha setback
Liverpool would reportedly ‘gladly take’ RB Salzburg’s Karim Adeyemi in the summer,
but a transfer to Borussia Dortmund is more likely at this moment.
The German has emerged as one of the hottest prospects
in Europe over the last year, establishing himself as the key man for Die Roten Bullen
and enjoying his international debut with his country’s national team.
This season Karim has 14 goals and two assists in
17 matches in the Austrian Bundesliga and also three goals and two assists in six outings
in the UEFA Champions League, numbers which have not gone unnoticed around Europe.
All of the elite clubs are interested in the 20-year-old’s signature, including Jurgen Klopp’s
side, who have been named as potential buyers on numerous occasions in the last multiple months.
Back in November, it was reported that the Anfield outfit would be appealing for the talent,
and a call from the manager would make the player think twice about his future.
At the minute, Die Borussen appear to be leading that hunt and the attacking
sensation has already turned down an offer from RB Leipzig, Bild reports.
That means there is still time for the Merseysiders to get their man if they want,
although Adeyemi is clearly leaning towards BVB at this point.
Whether Liverpool would want to, given they have just signed Luis Diaz, is another topic,
but there are still doubts about star winger Mohamed Salah’s future,
with his deal expiring next summer and no extension signed as yet.
Liverpool are closely watching the development of
Le Havre’ 17-year-old sensation Andy Logbo, Foot Mercato.
The youngster is already making waves in France with his showings in the youth competitions,
which have now put several clubs on red alert.
While Ligue 1 outfits are already keeping a close eye on his development,
the centre-forward has also emerged as a possible target for them.
Manager Jurgen Klopp aims to build the base of the future
Reds attack amid the uncertain long-term future of some of the front three.
Mohamed Salah, for one,
is yet to reach an agreement with the board with his contract expiring in June 2023.
The Egypt international may well leave Merseyside in the summer,
whereas Roberto Firmino’s future at the club isn’t guaranteed either.
The Premier League heavyweights could lose another player in the attack in the form of Divock Origi.
He remained with the side in January in spite of interest from West Ham United, but the Belgian
is guaranteed to part ways in the summer in search of regular playing time elsewhere.
It has accentuated the need for new players in the offensive area, with Klopp especially looking for
youngsters that have the ability to become an asset for Liverpool in the future.
Leeds United are confident that Liverpool-linked
Raphinha will put pen to paper on a ‘huge’ fresh contract, according to a recent report.
The Whites star winger has been heavily linked with a host of Premier League clubs
including Jurgen Klopp’s side, West Ham United and Chelsea,
with the Hammers believed to have failed with a club-record proposal late in the January window.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been in talks with the 25-year-old and his agent,
former Blues midfielder Deco, for a while over a contract extension,
with his existing deal at Elland Road set to expire in the summer of 2024.
According to a recent report from Football Insider, the management are prepared to make
the Reds target the highest-paid player in the squad, offering the Brazilian a significant
pay rise as a reward for his brilliant performances over the last two campaigns.
The same report continues, by saying that the club are confident
the in-demand South American will agree to fresh terms ‘within weeks’.
He has excelled for the Yorkshire outfit since signing from the Ligue 1 side Rennes
in October 2020, scoring 14 times and providing 11 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions.