Liverpool transfer news as Reds ‘open talks’ with midfield duo amid $64m valuation

Liverpool is set for a busy summer as the club looks to make up for their disappointing season in the transfer market.

Having failed to reach the heights of recent seasons by finishing outside the Premier League’s top four, as well as finishing the campaign without a trophy, the pressure is now on FSG and Jürgen Klopp to make the necessary new signings in order to address the problems that have arisen over the past 12 months.

To that end, Jörg Schmadtke has been appointed as the club’s new sporting director, with the German set to take over from the departing Julian Ward. Schmadtke will be tasked with securing a number of new signings in order to freshen up Klopp’s squad, with midfield an obvious priority.

READ MORE: Jörg Schmadtke handed $111m warning by Liverpool duo as Jürgen Klopp begins transfer puzzle

READ MORE: FSG could change transfer reality as Liverpool ‘opens talks’ with Bruno Guimarães

Among those who could be targeted are a rising French star making a name for himself in Ligue 1, as well as a surprise option that Liverpool fans will be very familiar with after enjoying an outstanding season in the Premier League.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.

Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)

Liverpool and Barcelona have both entered negotiations over the signing of Bruno Guimarães, according to GOAL.

The Brazilian has been one of Newcastle’s standout stars as Eddie Howe’s side secured Champions League football for next season, having finished fourth ahead of the Reds. If reports are to be believed though, Liverpool could now be interested in taking on their midfield talisman.

GOAL suggests both the Reds and Barcelona have entered talks over a potential move for Guimarães, although Newcastle is preparing a new contract that would see him become one of the top five highest-paid players in the Premier League.

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Liverpool.com says: As sensational a signing this would be, you can’t help but feel it might be a complete non-starter. Newcastle is in an immense position of power now, and they certainly wouldn’t let their star player go cheaply, if it all.

If there are any negotiations going on with Liverpool, chances are it may just be a bargaining tool to drive up the wages on Guimarães’ new contract. Newcastle isn’t exactly lacking in cash anymore, so they’ll no doubt have no problem meeting any demands from the Brazilian.

Khéphren Thuram (OGC Nice)

Liverpool is pushing to sign OGC Nice midfielder Khéphren Thuram this summer, according to French outlet L’Équipe.

Thuram has emerged as one of France’s most exciting prospects, having earned a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year following a breakout season with Nice.

According to L’Équipe, Liverpool has been in talks for weeks and has opened negotiations with the French club, although Nice is not keen on selling. Thuram is reportedly valued at $64m (£52m/€60m).

Liverpool.com says: Given Liverpool’s need for new midfielders this summer, it is important for the Reds to keep their options open at this stage, and Thuram certainly appears to be a player on the rise.

Jürgen Klopp may be able to get a closer look at him during the upcoming international break, although at 22, Thuram would likely be a player more in mind for the future, whereas Liverpool could do with players either coming into or already at their peak.

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He wants out: Liverpool handed potential boost over Bundesliga ace after recent enquiry – report

Liverpool appear to have been given a boost regarding one Bundesliga player for whom they’re believed to have made an enquiry

German outlet Kicker reported last week that the Reds had ‘asked about’ Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, who had seemingly ‘flirted with a farewell’ from the club ‘several times’ over the past year.

According to BILD (via The Mirror), the Frenchman has made it known to Allianz Arena chiefs that he wants to depart the club this summer, with a good chance of the Bavarian giants cashing in due to the 27-year-old’s contract having just 13 months left to run.

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The France international is the latest player from the Bundesliga to become linked with Liverpool in the wake of Jorg Schmadtke being confirmed as the Reds’ new sporting director.

Midfielders will be the club’s main focus over the summer transfer window, although Jurgen Klopp could be seeking one or two defensive reinforcements as well, with Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven also touted with a possible move to Anfield.

Perhaps best remembered for his stunning goal against Argentina in the 2018 World Cup, Pavard divided his time almost equally between right-back and the centre of defence for Bayern this season (Transfermarkt).

That versatility could make him a dream for the Liverpool manager, particularly with Trent Alexander-Arnold having been converted to a more advanced role in the final few weeks of the campaign in a hitherto successful experiment.

A return of seven goals in 2022/23 is quite impressive for a defender, with figures from FBref showing that he ranks among the top 3% for numerous attack-minded metrics among centre-backs in Europe’s five main leagues over the past 12 months.

He also features among the top 6% of positional peers for tackles per game (2.44) in that period, so he can perform his bread-and-butter defensive duties consistently in addition to his offensive mindset (FBref).

Liverpool could be competing with Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United for Pavard this summer (Kicker), but if they can fend off those competitors and bring the Frenchman to Anfield, it’d be a sensational coup from Schmadtke.

📚 EOTK Insider: The two-time gold medalist who is the only man to sign for Liverpool and Everton on two separate occasions