Liverpool transfer news LIVE – Nicolo Barella latest, Gabri Veiga twist, Ryan Gravenberch stance
Welcome to our liveblog for Liverpool FC transfer news for Tuesday 19 June.
The Reds are working hard to further strengthen their squad following the signing of Alexis Mac Allister earlier this month, with Ryan Gravenberch on a target list that also includes Khephren Thuram, Mane Kone and several other midfielders.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp is also on the lookout for a left centre-back, with Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven on Liverpool’s wish list.
In addition, former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane could travel to Saudi Arabia.
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Keep an eye on the latest Liverpool FC news, views and transfer rumors below.
14:28Connor O’Neill
Benitez is close to joining a European club
Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly close to returning to management at La Liga club Celta Vigo.
Benitez has been unemployed since being sacked by Everton in January 2022 after just six and a half months as manager. He previously worked for Dalian Professional in China.
And now, according to Spanish publication Revelo, negotiations between Celta and Benitez have “accelerated” in hopes of reaching an agreement this week. Following the departure of Carlos Carvalhal, the La Liga club are in search of a new manager.
Should Benitez succeed Carvalhal at the Estadio de Balaidos, one of his first tasks will be to discuss the future of key midfielder Gabri Veiga.
ECHO understand Veiga is one of a number of midfielders Liverpool are currently considering as Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Joerg Schmadtke seek to further strengthen the squad following the arrival of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister.
Veiga enjoyed an excellent season at Celta last season, providing four assists and scoring 11 goals in 36 games. The 21-year-old is likely to be part of Spain’s Under-21 squad for this month’s European Championships in Romania and Georgia , reportedly has a release clause of around £34million.
1:35 p.mConnor O’Neill
Liverpool bring Valverde to ‘change’
Liverpool have reportedly recently attempted to sign Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde.
According to TEAMtalk, the Reds made a very ‘real’ attempt to land the Uruguayan at Anfield this summer.
However, the report goes on to say that Valverde is reportedly not thinking of a move and Real are reportedly not ready to sell anyway. Chelsea and Man City have also made changes for the midfielder, according to the report.
11:53Connor O’Neill
Barella is related to Chelsea
Reports from 90min suggest that Chelsea have emerged as possible suitors for in-demand Inter Milan and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella as Liverpool continue to make suggestions to target the player.
The 26-year-old helped his team to the Champions League final last season. He also helped his country gain the upper hand in the postponed Euro 2020 finals two summers ago.
Amid persistent suggestions Newcastle would sign Barella for £50m this summer, new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be considering him as a priority target, despite the Blues spending £600m last season and then not managed to secure a contract finish in the top half.
10:57Connor O’Neill
Amrabat is ‘eyed’ by Liverpool.
Liverpool are reportedly among clubs chasing Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat in the summer window.
That’s according to FirenzeViola.it via Sport Witness, who report that Reds and Newcastle United are currently the only clubs willing to pay the fee demanded by the Serie A side.
The report also claims that the Moroccan international has received interest from Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. The ECHO also understands KhephrenThuram is at the top of the shortlist as the Reds plan more signings in midfield.
09:55Connor O’Neill
Walker transfer twist
According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Kyle Walker is keen to stay at City and has started talks over a contract extension.
After starting his career at Sheffield United, Walker joined Tottenham Hotspur where he stayed until joining Manchester City in 2017.
Since then he has played over 250 games for the Etihad club and won 12 trophies including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
However, Jones’ report also states that there have also been rumors of an interest from Liverpool but it is difficult to imagine such a deal between the Premier League rivals.
Walker has also recently been linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
08:43Connor O’Neill
Barella Liverpool transfer claim
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United are all interested in signing Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan.
The Italian publication’s report also said that Barella is open to a Premier League move and that Liverpool are at the top of the list for the 26-year-old.
Barella won Serie A with Inter in 2021 and helped the Nerazzurri to the Champions League final in 2023 and the Europa League final in 2020. The midfielder also won the 2020 European Championship with Italy.
07:48Connor O’Neill
Keito Nakamura transfer odds
Liverpool are favorites to sign LASK Linz striker Keito Nakamura this summer.
The Reds are favorites at 3/1 with Paddy Power signing. The 22-year-old was a bright spot for the Austrian giants in the 2022/23 season, averaging 17 goals and eight assists in 36 games in all competitions.
Second favorites are Borussia Dortmund at 4/1 and Aston Villa 5/1 for the Japanese international’s signing.
22:05Joe Rimmer
Micky van de Ven update
According to David Lynch, Micky van de Ven is at the top of Liverpool’s list of defensive players this summer.
ECHO’s Ian Doyle reported earlier this month that the Reds were eyeing a left-sided centre-back and that Micky van de Ven makes sense as a target given he had played for Jörg Schmadtke’s former club Wolfsburg.
The Dutchman, who has expressed his desire to join a bigger club, is reportedly not for sale. However, we’ll have to wait and see what happens next.
22:01Joe Rimmer
Sadio Mane to Saudi Arabia?
Sadio Mane could be the youngest player to be targeted by Saudi Arabian clubs.
A number of top players across Europe are the focus of Saudi clubs after PIF recently bought four teams. Cristiano Ronaldo will be followed by Ruben Neves and a host of other top stars.
And Mane could follow, with Ekrem Konur reporting that “Al-Nassr is preparing an opening offer for the 31-year-old”.
21:59Joe Rimmer
Gravenberch gives green light while Liverpool ponder options
Ryan Gravenberch is a serious option for Liverpool this summer as they assess their options in the transfer market.
The Dutchman has spoken about his future at Bayern Munich after struggling for playing time at Bayern, reportedly giving the “green light” for the Liverpool move.
Meanwhile, Paul Gorst has the latest on Liverpool’s interest.
He writes: “While Alexis Mac Allister has already arrived at Anfield this summer as a significant reinforcement, the prospect of regular play in midfield from Jurgen Klopp is open and available to all who come through the door this summer.”
Read more here.
21:55Joe Rimmer
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to our Liverpool transfer news blog on this fine Tuesday morning on Merseyside.
The Reds are still working on signings in midfield and transfer rumors are circulating daily.
We’ll be kept up to date with all the news from Ryan Gravenberch and Khephren Thuram as Liverpool continue to consider their options.
So grab a coffee and let’s get this day started.