While the main focus lies within the current 2023/24 campaign and securing as much silverware as possible to sign Jürgen Klopp off in style, the hierarchy at Anfield will also be planning for next season. With a fresh face set to take over the team following the German’s imminent departure, new additions to the squad will likely follow.
Before any appointments or signings are made, Liverpool will need to appoint a new sporting director to oversee these decisions. Jörg Schmadtke — who only arrived at the club last summer — announced he would be leaving at the end of the January transfer window, shortly after Klopp broke the news of his exit.
Despite these steps that will need to occur to bring new signings in, several names continue to be linked with a possible move to Merseyside this summer. The futures of players such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are yet to be determined, while the defense already looks like an area that could do with strengthening.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, including a Brazilian talent and a possible new addition to the midfield.
Luis Guilherme (Palmeiras)
Liverpool continues to be linked with Palmeiras ‘wonderkid’ and Brazil U20 star Luis Guilherme, who has been dubbed the ‘next Kylian Mbappé’. According to the Daily Mail, the 18-year-old is being monitored closely by several clubs across Europe after enjoying a breakout season for the Brazilian side, although Liverpool is said to be the ‘most keen’ amongst the list of possible suitors.
Journalist Jorge Nicola has built on these claims, after claiming that Liverpool intends to submit a bid for the player in the coming days. Joao Paulo Sampaio, Palmeiras’ youth director, has commented on the potential of the player amid interest from top clubs across the world.
“We played in a tournament in Japan and Luis scored over 40 goals. The Japanese players were scared of him. But Luis doesn’t get carried away. He knows the potential he has. He’s a very special player.”
Alan Varela (Porto)
Liverpool is set to ‘consider’ the possibility of triggering the release clause of FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo. Premier League rivals Manchester City are also listed as a possible landing destination for the player.
Varela, 22, secured an $8.6m (£6.8m/€8m) move from his boyhood club Boca Juniors to Porto last summer and has impressed with the Portuguese outfit. He has scored two goals and added a further two assists across his 19 starts in the Primeira Liga from his defensive midfield position.
That form has now reportedly captured the attention of clubs such as Liverpool and City, as the two Premier League giants weigh up triggering the $76m (£60m/€70m) release clause in his current contract. The deal is set to expire in 2028 so if any interested party does want to secure his services, the release clause will likely need to be met.
