Liverpool given green light to sign £34m wonderkid as Xabi Alonso sends message

Arne Slot will be eager to put his twist on the Liverpool squad this summer. The Reds have already been heavily linked with some big names but, for now, it remains to be seen whether or not John Henry will wheel out the war chest.

In 2022, Liverpool forked out almost £150million on two forwards – Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. Then, 12 months later, Jurgen Klopp brought four new midfielders – Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo – to Anfield following wholesale departures.

This summer, Slot may finally decide to bolster the Reds' backline, with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold entering the final year of their contracts. While the Dutchman will want to strengthen his new team, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz all face somewhat uncertain futures.

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Particularly Salah, who also sees his deal at Anfield expire in June 2025. So, with that being said, the ECHO has rounded up the latest news and transfer gossip from Kirby.

Why Alonso snubbed Liverpool

Xabi Alonso has revealed why he decided to continue as Bayer Leverkusen manager, suggesting he held talks FSG about replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. The Spaniard was heavily linked with a move to several Premier League clubs following an incredible campaign in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to CNN, Alonso was asked if he had been in contact with the Reds. The 42-year-old said: "That’s kind of behind the curtains. All these decisions, they need to be thorough.

"You need to really think about them. And it was more about what I had, not what I’m missing. For sure, my bond with Liverpool is there and it’s still there. So there’s no, any kind of issue with that."

Liverpool Echo says: "Arne Slot has signed a three-year deal at Liverpool, but higher-ups at Anfield will now doubt still keenly follow the managerial career of Xabi Alonso, and it would be interesting to see if they act should he become available. The Spaniard had a great season in Germany, so it'll be interesting to see whether he can maintain his results."

Liverpool given green light to sign Yoro

Bacary Sagna has given Liverpool the green light to sign Leny Yoro. The 18-year-old defender has been heavily linked with moves to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid following a brilliant campaign for Lille in the French top flight.

Yoro, who sees his contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy expire in 2025, enjoyed a meteoric rise to superstardom this season. He featured 32 times in Ligue 1, helping Paulo Fonseca's side secure Europa League qualification.

Speaking to CoinPoker, Sagna said: "Yoro is ready to play at a higher level. This kid is a real talent. He is only nineteen-years-old but I think he is ready to test himself in the Premier League.

"It looks like he will definitely be moving on this summer, and I think he could be an excellent signing. He has the potential to be one of the best players in the world in his position and is a very exciting talent."

Liverpool Echo says: "Leny Yoro would be an excellent signing for Liverpool. If the Reds could just get Virgil van Dijk to sign at least a one-year contract extension then the Dutchman could take him under his wing. The CIES Football Observatory also only values the teenage centre-half at €40m (£34m), which would be quite the bargain."

Alisson stance on Saudi switch clear

Alisson has already revealed his stance on a potential move to Saudi Arabia in the summer transfer window. The 31-year-old goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League after six fruitful years in the Premier League.

According to TeamTalk, Alisson has been identified as a target by Saudi Arabian clubs and he could be subject to a 'monstrous offer'. In March, the goalkeeper's agent Ze Maria Neis told Revista Colorada: "There's nothing. There was no contact. At this moment, it is impossible."

Then, speaking after Jurgen Klopp's final game in charge of the club last month, the Brazilian said: "Now we have a huge challenge in front of us. Change of manager, we don't know too much about him but I'm sure he'll work a lot to put his mentality across."

Liverpool Echo says: "It is difficult to see Alisson leaving Liverpool this summer. If he were to though, it would be a tremendous blow for Arne Slot. The Dutchman already has enough on his hands regarding recruitment in attack, midfield and defence. It must also be said that while Caoimhin Kelleher would be a sufficient short-term option between the sticks, Liverpool would need to sign a world-class replacement."