Liverpool are reportedly ready to offload one of their promising young talents as part of a £50 million swap deal to secure their sixth signing of the transfer window. The Merseyside club have already splashed almost £200 million on new acquisitions, having brought in Armin Pecsi, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Freddie Woodman to bolster their squad.
With Sporting Director Richard Hughes seeking to reinforce Arne Slot’s already formidable, title-winning side further, Liverpool are also looking to replace Darwin Nunez, who appears Napoli-bound. Potential striker targets include Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, an option in place of their ‘dream’ signing, Alexander Isak.
However, the Reds face a pressing issue in defence. A centre-back dilemma has emerged following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million without securing an extension for Ibrahima Konate. The French centre-back is reportedly ‘disappointed’ with the contract offered and is intent on leaving when it expires next summer, with Real Madrid expressing interest.
Liverpool are determined to avoid a repeat of the scenario that saw them lose Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid without a transfer fee. As a result, they have intensified their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, with reports suggesting the Reds are ‘closing in’ on the centre-back. Sources indicate Liverpool currently occupy the ‘pole position’ in negotiations for Guehi.
With Liverpool seen as favourites, discussions between the clubs are expected imminently, although obstacles remain. Palace are demanding over £40 million for Guehi, down from the £70 million they sought last summer, given his contract situation.
According to The Sun, Crystal Palace have set their asking price at £50 million. Liverpool are reportedly willing to include flying Scotsman Ben Doak in the deal. The 19-year-old winger shone during a Championship loan spell at Middlesbrough, notching three goals and seven assists in 24 appearances.
Liverpool value Doak at £25 million, a valuation that dissuaded Everton from pursuing the teenager, but the Reds are now keen to use him as leverage in the Guehi negotiations. It remains uncertain whether Palace would entertain such a swap, and the report acknowledges that significant negotiation will be required.
This potential deal marks a fascinating juncture in Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy as they look to navigate the complexities of player exchanges to fortify their defence.
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