Liverpool links swirl as Real Madrid monitor Ekitike
Four Liverpool players are expected to miss the World Cup, potentially boosting pre-season plans with ‘forgotten’ options available.
A statistical preview examines Manchester City vs Liverpool following City’s Carabao Cup win over Arsenal, focusing on form and key numbers ahead of the post-international break meeting.
A report claims Liverpool could have a £52m bid accepted for a midfielder likened to Georginio Wijnaldum as plans for summer changes are considered after defensive struggles earlier in the season.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is valued at around $115m, with a sale this summer only likely if that fee is met. A move is viewed as likelier in 2027 at the latest, with 2026 possible if terms mirror previous Leipzig precedents. Liverpool interest is noted, but leading clubs may have other priorities.
With Arne Slot under pressure amid systemic issues, a report links Liverpool with the potential hire of a coach touted as the “best young coach in Europe” as a Klopp-style appointment.
Liverpool face a fresh concern before the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City after Jeremie Frimpong was forced off injured for the Netherlands.
Klopp hailed his Anfield ‘homecoming’ after a 2-2 Liverpool Legends draw with Borussia Dortmund, praising the LFC Foundation occasion and Thiago’s display. Reports also outline potential successors to Mohamed Salah, with Michael Olise, Yan Diomande and Francisco Conceicao linked, while internal belief stresses getting Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak firing together.
Klopp enjoyed his Anfield return as assistant to Sir Kenny Dalglish in Liverpool Legends’ 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund, praising Thiago and the LFC Foundation occasion.
Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Jr. defended Virgil van Dijk, calling English criticism excessive after the Liverpool captain impressed for the Netherlands and scored a superb header against Norway.
Liverpool v Chelsea on 9 May is set for 12:30 on TNT Sports, but will switch to 20:00 if Liverpool reach the Champions League semi-finals. Other Matchweek 36 TV selections have also been confirmed.
England’s Under-19s, featuring Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha and Arsenal’s Max Dowman, beat Portugal 6-0 but failed to qualify after a 2-0 loss to Serbia, prompting scrutiny of FA youth pathways.
Liverpool are tracking 15-year-old Carlisle United goalkeeper William Atherton, with Everton and Manchester City also scouting the 6ft 2in prospect for a potential end-of-season move.
Real Madrid are monitoring Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike after 17 goals and 5 assists this season, but any move is not expected in the immediate future.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are monitoring Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, who is seeking more minutes despite Madrid’s stance. A strong proposal could tempt a move for the playmaker.
An opinion piece urges Liverpool not to repeat the last transfer window, suggesting the possibility of up to 11 notable summer exits amid plans for another busy rebuild.
