Liverpool
Liverpool’s Reinforcement Options After Isak Transfer Setback
Liverpool explores top winger and striker options after Isak deal stalls amid key player exits.
Liverpool entered the summer transfer window with seamless business progress but now face an unsettled chapter following complications in signing Alexander Isak. The club must assess how far it will challenge Newcastle United’s stance or if it must pivot to alternative targets for forward reinforcements.
Luis Díaz’s recent transfer to Bayern Munich combined with the potential departures of Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa has thrust Liverpool back into the market despite earlier acquisitions of Hugo Ekitiké and Florian Wirtz. The focus lies on securing either a new left winger or centre forward, with several high-profile candidates under consideration beyond Isak.
Rodrygo, who joined Real Madrid in 2019, stands out for his versatility and consistent output, recording at least nine goal contributions every season. With 78 combined goals and assists over the last three seasons, Rodrygo exemplifies both speed and technical skill ideal for the Premier League. Reports suggest Real Madrid might entertain offers, with Arsenal also expressing interest. A high transfer fee would be expected, yet Rodrygo could immediately enhance Liverpool’s attacking options, potentially eclipsing the contributions of the departed Díaz.
Milan’s Rafael Leão impressed during Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia, demonstrating blistering pace and exceptional ball control. The 26-year-old left winger contributed 23 goal involvements in 2024–25 and could neatly fill the void left by Díaz. Financial concerns at Milan might incentivize a lucrative proposal.
Juventus’ 20-year-old Kenan Yıldız has had a breakthrough season with 12 goals and seven assists in 2024–25. His agility and creativity have drawn interest, although Chelsea and Manchester United seem less likely destinations given their recent signings and struggles. Liverpool could capitalize to add this promising Turkish international to their ranks.
Liverpool remains open to strengthening their striking line beyond Ekitiké, especially if Núñez departs. Julián Alvarez, scoring 29 goals in all competitions last season for Atlético Madrid and bringing Premier League experience and a World Cup winner’s pedigree, emerges as an ambitious but fitting target.
Faced with uncertainty over Isak and potential exits, Liverpool’s pursuit of these candidates reflects a clear intent to bolster their frontline with players bringing speed, skill, and proven goal-scoring ability.
Liverpool
Liverpool among clubs tracking PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye
Liverpool are among several clubs tracking PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye, with game time likely key.
Liverpool are being linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, although they are not alone in the chase. Reports say the Premier League side face competition from several clubs in England and Germany, with Borussia Dortmund also strongly placed.
Mbaye is still only 18, but his record already stands out. He became the youngest player ever to appear for the European champions and has made 42 appearances across the past two seasons. His progress has also taken him onto the international stage, with a 2026 World Cup call from Senegal following and a memorable goal against France in the group stage.
According to L’Équipe, Liverpool and Dortmund are currently viewed as the main contenders for his signature, but Manchester United, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation. In Germany, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are said to admire him as well.
PSG are prepared to let Mbaye move on, helped by their recent signing of Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco and their push to secure 21-year-old Ajax winger Mika Godts. The French club are expected to ask for between $46.2 million and $57.8 million.
The report adds that Mbaye has made up his mind to leave after talks with manager Luis Enrique and sporting chief Luis Campos, but he is still weighing up where he wants to go next. The main reason for his exit is clear enough: he wants more regular first-team football and believes that is the best route to reaching his potential.
That point could matter for Liverpool. The club may be able to offer a clearer path to minutes in 2026-27, with options in the wide areas currently limited to Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha and new recruit Víctor Muñoz. Even if Barcola arrives, Mbaye could still see an opening on the right side, where he has already been used at PSG.
Liverpool
Salah Reportedly Set for Trabzonspor Move After Liverpool Chapter Ends
Salah is reportedly heading to Trabzonspor after nine Liverpool seasons and a confirmed Turkish move.
Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool spell appears to be drawing to a close, with reports in Türkiye claiming the forward is set for Trabzonspor.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Salah has signed a two-year contract with the Turkish side. If the move is completed, he would link up with former Premier League players André Onana and Stefan Savić under Fatih Tekke.
Trabzonspor have also issued a statement confirming that transfer talks are under way. The club said: “Professional footballer Mohamed Salah, with whom we have begun transfer negotiations, will be at Istanbul Atatürk Airport General Aviation Terminal at 12:00 on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
“The player is scheduled to arrive in Trabzon on the same day in the evening hours. The time and other details regarding the welcome program in Trabzon will be shared with the public through our club’s official communication channels during the day.”
The reported destination marks a significant change for one of the Premier League’s modern greats. Salah signed a contract extension in April 2025 that kept him at Anfield through the 2026-27 campaign, and he had initially expected to still be a Liverpool player next season before confirming in March that he would not see out the deal.
His numbers at Liverpool underline the scale of the move. Salah made 442 appearances and scored 257 goals in red, achievements that now appear set to be followed outside Europe’s top five leagues.
Trabzonspor also offer a very different stage from Liverpool. They finished third last season, which means Salah would not be competing in the Champions League, a tournament he won with Liverpool in 2018-19.
There is, however, still European football on the table. Trabzonspor have qualified for the Europa League, giving Salah the chance to compete for continental silverware rather than stepping away from Europe altogether.
Liverpool
Liverpool weigh midfield options as Jones talks continue
Liverpool are weighing midfield solutions as Curtis Jones nears a possible move to Inter Milan.
Liverpool are still waiting to add to the squad after Andoni Iraola said the club “needs more players” last month, and the uncertainty around Curtis Jones has only sharpened that need.
Even after a major outlay last summer, the roster still looks in need of significant work. The 4-2 defeat to Leeds United in Chicago exposed a lack of defensive cover, while the prospect of Jones joining Inter Milan would leave the midfield looking even thinner.
Inter are still pursuing a deal for the Scouse midfielder, who made 34 Premier League appearances last season. Most supporters may not see his departure as a crisis, but without him Iraola’s options in the centre of the pitch would become rather limited.
That leaves Liverpool with room to consider alternatives before the window closes. Several names have been linked as possible solutions, with Alex Scott among the most intriguing. Liverpool are believed to be interested in the English midfielder after he turned down a contract extension on the south coast, although Bournemouth insist he is not for sale. Scott has already enjoyed a breakout season and combines carrying power with strong work out of possession. He also worked under Iraola at the Vitality Stadium, which would give the move a familiar edge.
Kaishū Sano offers a different profile. The Mainz midfielder impressed at the World Cup, where he played three times for Japan and scored against Brazil, and he has since built a reputation as a tireless holding midfielder. Liverpool already have Wataru Endō on the books, but Sano’s positional discipline and pressing intensity would suit Iraola’s system.
Chema Andrés is another option. The 21-year-old left Real Madrid for Stuttgart and made 39 appearances across all competitions last season. Standing at 6’3”, he has the physical presence and control in possession that could make him a long-term fit in midfield.
Manu Koné also remains in the conversation. The Roma midfielder impressed for France this summer and has shown composure, passing quality and defensive intelligence. Injury concerns may explain the quieter transfer buzz, but Liverpool could still move if Jones departs.
If no deal materialises, Liverpool may simply promote from within. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai look the likeliest opening-day starters, with Trey Nyoni climbing the depth chart.
