Liverpool transfer news: Michael Edwards’ top five dream summer signings ranked
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed the return of Michael Edwards earlier this month as their CEO of Football, with the transfer guru set to play a huge role in the new era.
Perhaps most important will be the appointment of a new manager at Anfield, with current boss Jurgen Klopp set to depart at the end of this season – but Edwards will nonetheless be drawing up transfer plans for the summer window.
While Liverpool have exceeded all expectations this season with one trophy bagged and they are challenging for the Premier League title, the 2023-24 campaign has exposed some holes in the Reds squad – areas Edwards and his new sporting director Richard Hughes will address.
Football Insider has ranked the top five dream summer signings for the expert duo, including new details from sources on what has been going on behind the scenes.
5. Antonee Robinson (26)
The Fulham defender has continued his impressive form from last season into this campaign and has had a big hand in the Cottagers’ success.
He has started 28 of their 29 top-flight games this term and has notched seven assists for the London club in all competitions.
Andy Robertson has recently turned 30 and has looked more fragile than ever in the 2023-24 season, missing a string of games with a shoulder injury and being rotated with Joe Gomez since his return.
Jurgen Klopp has trusted Gomez over natural left-back Kostas Tsimikas – a clear sign that a back-up option is needed on the left side of the Reds defence.
Robinson has recorded the most interceptions per 90 of any Premier League full-back this season (2.52, as per FBRef) and is excelling at aerial duels, assists, progressive carries, take-ons and more.
The United States international signed a fresh contract at Fulham running until 2028 last year (2023) but, as revealed by Football Insider, he is continuing to be monitored by Liverpool.
4. Jeremie Frimpong (23)
Right-back could come onto the agenda of Edwards and Hughes if the next Liverpool boss chooses to move Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield full-time.
The England international has played a hybrid role for the Reds under Klopp this term but a more permanent move could be on the cards.
It would leave Liverpool needing to search for a new right-back given breakthrough sensation Connor Bradley’s game time will need to be carefully managed as he develops – and where better to look than one of Europe’s most productive defenders?
Operating on the right side of a 3-5-2, Frimpong has managed a sensational 11 goals and 11 assists across 33 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen this term under potential new Reds boss Xabi Alonso.
He has extensive experience in European competition and looks set to lift the Bundesliga with Alonso’s side ahead of Bayern Munich this term.
Reports have suggested the Netherlands international will be available for around £34million this summer due to a release clause in his Leverkusen contract, which runs until June 2028.
Sources have told Football Insider that Frimpong is a firm target for Liverpool going into the summer regardless of Alonso’s situation.
3. Jorrel Hato (18)
Liverpool are set to prioritise a deal for a left-sided centre-back in the upcoming summer window, and Ajax youngster Hato fits the bill for Edwards and his talent-spotters.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday (17 March) that Liverpool are closely monitoring the 18-year-old defender sensation with Man United and Arsenal also keeping tabs on his progress.
Joel Matip, who has been sidelined with a serious knee injury this season, is set to leave as a free agent in June – creating a potential space in the squad for a backup defender.
Jarrell Quansah has impressed in the limelight this season but will thrive even more with more competition going forward under a new manager.
Hato has played every Eredivisie minute for Ajax this term and even captained the Dutch giants earlier in the 2023-24 campaign.
As per FBRef, the teenager has made the fourth-most blocks (47) and 11th-most interceptions (36) of any player in the Eredivisie this season.
He leads the league for pass completion (91.8%, as per FBRef) despite his tender age.
2. Michael Olise (22)
Mohamed Salah is continuing to fire on all cylinders when fit but with the Egypt international turning 32 in June and out of contract next year, Edwards and Hughes will be scouring the market for a long-term replacement.
Crystal Palace star Olise has struggled with injury problems so far in the 2023-24 campaign but has thrilled fans and pundits alike with his dynamism, technical quality and form in front of goal – notching six goals and three assists in 11 appearances.
The France Under-21 international has shown his clinical touch by overperforming his xG by 2.8 goals (as per FBRef) and has completed 3.22 successful take-ons per 90 minutes.
He signed a new contract at Palace last August, keeping him at the club until June 2027.
However, Olise reportedly has a release clause in his new deal which will become active this summer.
Manager Oliver Glasner has recently revealed he hopes the winger will return to action for Palace later this month.
1. Joao Palhinha (28)
Wataru Endo has been arguably the Premier League bargain of the season but Edwards and his transfer team will be keen to land the perfect number six this summer.
Palhinha has been linked with Liverpool and a host of other top European sides in recent months following his breakthrough in the Premier League with Fulham.
Cottagers vice-chairman Tony Khan has recently confirmed the club will “have to consider” sensible offers for Palhinha and admitted there is a “huge market” for their star midfielder.
The Portugal international has continued his impressive form for Fulham into the 2023-24 campaign, notching three goals and one assist in 30 total outings.
As per FBRef, Palhinha leads the Premier League for tackles (110) and has recorded the eighth-most interceptions (38) of any top-flight player this term.
He penned a new contract at Fulham just last September but Khan’s recent comments have opened the door to a potential Liverpool swoop this summer.
In other news, Liverpool and Tottenham race to sign Premier League ace.
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