Liverpool are undergoing significant changes both on and off the pitch this summer. Sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to leave the club to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, according to reports from The Athletic's David Ornstein and James Horncastle. Simon Francis, who succeeded Hughes at Bournemouth, has already made the move to Al Hilal, and the club's hierarchy is now operating on the basis of Hughes arriving in due course. This development raises questions about who is overseeing Liverpool's transfer business this summer and whether Hughes should have been trusted with appointing head coach Andoni Iraola given his impending departure.
Coaching Staff Overhaul
Iraola has brought in four new backroom staff from Bournemouth: Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick as first-team coaches, Pablo de la Torre as assistant coach, and Tom Webber as first-team tactical analyst. All four worked with Iraola at Bournemouth, with de la Torre having followed him from AEK Larnaca in 2018 through his stints at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth. Webber's arrival follows the exit of Roderick van der Ham, the last remaining member of Arne Slot's coaching staff, who announced his departure on LinkedIn.
Jules Kounde's Price Drops to £55m
Barcelona are reportedly open to selling Jules Kounde this summer, with the French defender now available for around £55m, according to CaughtOffside editor-in-chief Mark Brus. The 27-year-old, who can play both right-back and centre-back, was previously valued at £65-70m. Barcelona's desire to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations is cited as the reason for the reduced price. Chelsea have previously shown interest, but their signing of Marco Palestra from Atalanta may cool their pursuit. Liverpool, according to Brus, have never had concrete interest but are monitoring developments. Kounde's versatility makes him a logical target for the Reds, who need reinforcements in both defensive positions.
Virgil van Dijk Exit Rumours Dismissed
Speculation linking Virgil van Dijk with a move away from Anfield has intensified, with Turkish outlets claiming talks with Galatasaray and Italian side AC Milan now reportedly interested. La Gazzetta dello Sport's Luca Bianchin reported that Milan's owners, RedBird Capital Partners, who also hold a minority stake in Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group, are evaluating a move. Milan-based reporter Carlo Pellegatti claimed van Dijk is willing to discuss a move and that Milan are prepared to offer €30-40m for the 34-year-old, who has one year left on his contract. However, Pellegatti suggested Milan would only offer €6-7m per year in wages, significantly less than van Dijk's current salary. Given the financial disparity and van Dijk's importance to Liverpool, an exit this summer is considered highly unlikely.
Liverpool Interested in Mexico's Gilberto Mora
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reports that Liverpool are among several top clubs interested in Mexico and Tijuana's 17-year-old sensation Gilberto Mora. Mora has impressed at the World Cup, starting two of Mexico's four games, including the round of 32 victory over Ecuador. He became the youngest starter in a World Cup knockout match since Pele in 1958. Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal are also reportedly vying for his services, but Mora is understood to want to stay in Mexico until after his 18th birthday in October. Standing at just 5'6", the midfielder has been compared to Andres Iniesta but may be some way off a Premier League move.
Said El Mala Links Met with Scepticism
Liverpool have been linked with 19-year-old winger Said El Mala, but doubts remain over his readiness for a top Premier League club. CaughtOffside's Mark Brus reports that Liverpool are still deciding whether to move this summer or wait until next year, citing concerns over the player's family demands that hampered a potential transfer to Brentford. El Mala scored 13 Bundesliga goals from 20 starts last season, but Christian Falk of CF Bayern Insider believes Liverpool is a step too high for him at this stage, though he expects the player to eventually move to the Premier League. Falk also expressed concern that Bayern Munich's Michael Olise situation is becoming dangerous for the club, with the Frenchman reportedly not signing a new contract soon.
Khephren Thuram Could Be Available
One-time Liverpool target Khephren Thuram could be sold by Juventus to fund a midfield revamp, according to Tuttosport. The Italian outlet claims Juventus are targeting Franck Kessie or Stanislav Lobotka, which would require a midfield departure, with Thuram the most likely candidate. Liverpool have reportedly inquired about the player weeks ago, with PSG and Galatasaray also interested. Thuram could be available for any offer above €40m. However, Liverpool opted to sign Ryan Gravenberch instead of Thuram in 2023, and the Dutchman recently signed a new contract until 2032, making a move for Thuram less likely.
Other Transfer News
Sandro Tonali is set to join Tottenham for up to £100m, according to Sky Sports, while Lucas Bergvall is reportedly seeking a move away from Spurs, with Nottingham Forest interested. Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move to Al Ahli, as reported by Sacha Tavolieri for Sky Sport Switzerland, following Riyad Mahrez's contract termination with the Saudi side. Marcus Tavernier has been linked with Liverpool by TEAMtalk, but the report is met with scepticism. Middlesbrough have no interest in Stefan Bajcetic, according to This Is Anfield, though the situation could develop. Luca Stephenson's move to Bolton has been confirmed, and several academy players, including Oakley Cannonier, have departed. Newcastle are set to sign Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, according to The Athletic.
Nonsense of the Day: Alexander Isak to Barcelona
Spanish outlet Fichajes has claimed that Barcelona have re-emerged as a target for Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British record fee less than a year ago and signed a contract until 2031. The report suggests Barcelona could make an offer, but given Isak's recent move and the lack of available replacements, the rumour is dismissed as highly unlikely.
