"It's no secret" Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City want £80m Premier League star

As Jurgen Klopp navigates Liverpool through the season aiming for silverware across four competitions, the club's focus also shifts towards strategic planning for the 2024/25 season. A future they will prep for without the German.

This includes the crucial appointments of a new sporting director and manager.

Amid these preparatory steps, the rumour mill is abuzz with Liverpool's potential targets for the summer transfer window, marking the first such period post-Klopp's era since 2015.

Pedro Neto, the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, emerges as a significant figure in these discussions. After all, the winger has three goals and 11 assists in 19 appearances this season.

“It's no secret" Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United want Pedro Neto

David Ornstein has highlighted Liverpool's keen interest in Pedro Neto, emphasising the forward's impressive season and his potential availability in the upcoming transfer window.

In a Q&A for the Athletic, Ornstein said: “Neto is having a brilliant season and that naturally makes him one to watch in the next transfer window.

“First thing to say is there’s no guarantee he leaves Wolves. He’s under contract until 2027 and the club are on course for a much higher finish than they would have budgeted for, which strengthens their footballing and financial outlook.

“It is no secret that the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United (perhaps Manchester United, too, with Dan Ashworth moving there from Newcastle) are all admirers of the Portugal international, although they may harbour some reservations about his fitness record.

“It would also take around £80m for Wolves to part with Neto, as I understand it, and that is another obstacle. So far there has been no concrete movement ahead of the summer, so it’s impossible to say where he is most likely to end up.”

Despite Neto's contract with Wolves extending until 2027 and the club's strong position both on the footballing and financial fronts, major clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing the Portugal international.

However, concerns about his fitness record and an £80 million valuation pose considerable challenges for any potential move.

With a cup final against Chelsea looming and the club's leadership positions for the next season yet to be confirmed, Liverpool fans and management are currently more focused on immediate goals than on transfer speculations.

However, the importance of planning for the summer cannot be underestimated, especially considering the competitive edge that continuity in management might offer to Liverpool's rivals.

Follow up questions:

1. Why are Liverpool interested in Pedro Neto?

Liverpool's interest in Pedro Neto is driven by his exceptional performance and potential to strengthen their forward lineup, possibly as a contingency for any major departures.

Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League and although Liverpool hope to extend his contract after Klopp leaves, nothing is set in stone until the ink dries on a new contract.

What challenges could Liverpool face in signing Pedro Neto?

The primary challenges include Neto's significant valuation at around £80 million, his contract duration with Wolves until 2027, and competition from other major clubs. Arsenal, Man City and Man Utd will be particularly difficult to compete with.

How does the current season affect Liverpool's transfer plans?

With the club competing for trophies and undergoing leadership transitions, the immediate focus might slightly divert from transfer plans. However, strategic preparation for the summer window remains crucial amidst these challenges.

While Liverpool's immediate focus remains on achieving success in all four competitions and finalising plans to replace Klopp, the club is also actively engaging in strategic planning for the summer transfer window.

Neto's potential acquisition represents both an opportunity and a challenge, reflecting the complexities of navigating the transfer market while striving for competitive excellence.