Bouaddi chase: Lille name their price
Liverpool want Ayyoub Bouaddi and now they know what it will cost. Lille are holding out for around £62m for the midfielder, who caught eyes at the World Cup (1). The 19-year-old is firmly on Andoni Iraola's radar. Liverpool's earlier pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande collapsed, so the money is there.
Jikiemi signs five-year deal
Done. Scotland U16 captain Dara Jikiemi has signed a five-year contract with Liverpool from Celtic (5). Fabrizio Romano gave it the full treatment: "Liverpool have sealed deal to sign Scotland U16 captain Dara Jikiemi from Celtic, here we go! Jikiemi has signed paperwork on Sunday to join LFC on a 5 year contract" (5). The 16-year-old centre-back joins a youth pipeline already stocked with Jérémy Jacquet and others.
Van Dijk: 'Heartbreaking'
Virgil van Dijk went public after the Netherlands crashed out of the World Cup in the round of 32. "To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day," he posted on Instagram (6). "A lot has been said and that is for another day. Now is about accepting that we failed, and we take full responsibility for that" (6). It is a tough moment for your captain.
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Liverpool won't sell Van Dijk to Milan
Amid the AC Milan links, Fabrizio Romano confirmed Liverpool's stance: the club have made him a contract offer and want him to stay. "That's their position," Romano said (4). No price tag. No negotiation. Van Dijk stays unless he forces it.
Szoboszlai auditions for the Salah role
Dominik Szoboszlai is preparing to fill the void Mohamed Salah will eventually leave behind. Paul Gorst at the Echo reports that Szoboszlai has been answering the call and looks set for a new role audition under Iraola (2). The Hungarian has the engine and the shot, now he needs the output.
Barcola race: Liverpool lead Arsenal
Liverpool are ahead of Arsenal in the chase for PSG winger Bradley Barcola (10). The 23-year-old is seen as a long-term Salah replacement, and your club are in pole position. PSG may listen to offers this summer.
Nyoni could go for £7m
Trey Nyoni may be on the way out. Swansea City are interested and Liverpool are reportedly willing to sanction a permanent move for around £7m (7). The 19-year-old midfielder never broke through at Anfield and a fresh start looks likely.
Gakpo on Spurs' radar, Liverpool not selling
Tottenham are considering a move for Cody Gakpo, but Liverpool are not interested in selling the 27-year-old (9). Gakpo remains part of Iraola's plans.
Camavinga link surfaces
Fichajes reports Liverpool are in the race for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga (13). No price quoted, no talks confirmed. One to watch.
Valero leaves, goalkeeper coach hunt begins
Xavi Valero has stepped down as head of first-team goalkeeper coaching. James Pearce at The Athletic confirmed the departure is "amicable" (8). Valero only arrived last year under Arne Slot. Colin Stewart will fill in temporarily while the club assess options (8).
Henderson's World Cup over after freak accident
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is out of the World Cup. Sky Sports News reports he remains in hospital in Mexico with a serious arm break following a freak post-match accident and may require surgery (12). England have lost a veteran presence in the camp.
Fan reactions
Supporters seem ready to move on from the Valero departure without much fuss. "We were so lucky to have him," one fan posted on the subreddit, reflecting on his short stint. The mood around Van Dijk's post is more somber: fans rallied around the captain, sharing his message widely and calling it a class response to a painful exit. Join the discussion here.
