American Express Stadium BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Carlos Baleba of Brighton R celebrates his teammate Yankuba Mintehs goal L during the Premier League 2024/25 Matchweek 25 match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Chelsea FC at American Express Stadium on February 14, 2025 in Brighton, England. David Horton / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xDavidxHortonx/xSPPx spp-en-DaHo-RC5_DHO_Brighton_Chelsea_14Feb2025_EN257
Arne Slot and the Liverpool recruitment team are working behind the scenes ahead of the summer.
It is understood that the reds will make huge changes to the squad ahead of next season. Slot’s first year in charge has brought the spotlight on the strengths and weaknesses of the team. The former Feyenoord boss has guided the team to an unexpected successful campaign. Liverpool are well positioned and could end the campaign with a treble. Slot could win his first trophy this season against Newcastle in the League Cup final.
Liverpool have been linked with multiple targets in the last few weeks. It is believed that the main transfer targets will be in the attack, with some players set to leave. Reports claim Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota could leave the club this summer.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
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Liverpool target £115M midfielder
Midfield is also an are that the reds are keen on focusing on. Liverpool have been heavily linked with FC Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder is keen on leaving the Spanish club this summer. However, his wages are set to be a stumbling block. The reds are still navigating how they could get a deal done. Some reports suggest that the 27-year old could take a pay cut to come to the Premier League.
Another target has been identified this week. According to GMS, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba could be Liverpool’s first signing this summer. The reds will have to go head to head with Manchester City, who are also interested in signing the youngster. Arne Slot reportedly wants a midfielder who can play alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
Brighton would be open to selling Baleba, but will want a fee around £115million. The club believe the Cameroon international is more of a talent that Caicedo, who they sold for a similar price tag.
Should the reds splash the cash?
Liverpool have rarely gone big in a single transfer window. The club rather makes big buys in different windows. Signing Carlos Baleba for a record fee is a big risk. Liverpool benefitted from taking other risks when they signed Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson Becker for record fees in their respective positions at the time. Those signings paved the way for one of the most successful eras in Liverpool history.
A big move for Baleba could spark the same for Liverpool under Arne Slot.
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