Andoni Iraola wants to revitalise the Liverpool squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season – and now he could be about to hijack a transfer that will send shockwaves through several clubs.
Despite only being hired as Liverpool manager earlier this month, Iraola is clearly already making his mark on the team. And his plans seem to extend far beyond the usual transfer rumours.
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Liverpool are still heavily linked with RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast left winger Yan Diomande – and have reportedly already had a €100 million (£87 million) bid rejected. The Bundesliga club reportedly want to keep Diomande for at least one more season, but journalist Lewis Steele recently suggested that a deal could still be in place in the “next day or two”.
Diomande is currently with Ivory Coast in the World Cup.
Victor Munoz already in the box
However, one player is already ready for Liverpool: Spanish Victor Munoz. The 22-year-old joined from Osasuna on June 17 after Liverpool triggered the €40 million (£34.6 million) release clause. It was widely reported that Munoz was on his way to Newcastle United – until the 20-time English champions snatched him right under the noses of the Magpies.
Now it looks like Liverpool can do something similar again – this time with Brighton and Tottenham.
Liverpool and United follow Vuskovic
Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Brighton’s pursuit of Spurs defender Luka Vuskovic, according to CaughtOffside. The 19-year-old is currently in the World Cup with Croatia and played in the 4-2 loss to England. He spent last season on loan at Hamburger SV, where he scored six goals in 30 games.
With Tottenham already in the process of signing Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, Vuskovic is looking for a new club due to his expected lack of playing time in north London. Brighton have reportedly agreed personal terms and made bids of £30 and £45 million – but Spurs reportedly want closer to £60 million.
Now Liverpool and Manchester United are also watching behind the scenes. For Liverpool, it is urgent to find a replacement for centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer. Jeremy Jacquet has already been brought in from Rennes, while Giovanni Leoni is still out with a cruciate ligament injury.
Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Barcelona have also shown interest in Vuskovic.
Vuskovic: “Focusing on the World Cup”
Before Croatia’s 1-0 win over Panama, the teenager was asked if the transfer speculation affected him at the World Cup.
“I don’t think much about it. I have very good teammates in the national team and in the club – it’s a pleasure to play with all of them. I’m focusing on the World Cup right now, but my goal is to have a season at a club where I get to play, where they want me. Then we’ll see what happens in the days or weeks to come,” Vuskovic said.
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