Liverpool 'watching' $10.8m wonderkid as plans ready for Arne Slot transfers

Liverpool has joined Brentford in the race to sign IFK Göteborg midfielder Malick Junior Yalcouyé ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports. The 18-year-old is said to be monitored as the Reds consider making a move for the Cote d'Ivoire prospect.

The 2023/24 season is all but over for Liverpool, with just one game left in the Jürgen Klopp era. The German boss, who took charge of the club back in 2015, will manage his last game at Anfield on Sunday against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Once he has soaked in the atmosphere for one last time and said his goodbyes, attention will then shift to the summer as the club looks to prepare for the imminent arrival of Klopp's successor, Arne Slot. With Michael Edwards and Julian Ward returning to FSG as CEO of football and technical director respectively, and Richard Hughes arriving as the club's new sporting director, the infrastructure is in place to arm the new boss with a strong plan of recruitment throughout the summer.

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According to CaughtOffiside, one of the possible signings the club is considering is 18-year-old Junior Yalcouyé. Liverpool — along with other Premier League clubs — is said to have watched the young midfielder in action. He has made eight appearances for the Swedish side, all of which have arrived in the starting line-up, and has scored one goal.

Gent, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven are also said to hold an interest in the player who would be available for around $10.8m (€10m/£8.6m) this summer.

Liverpool invested heavily within the midfield last summer, with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endõ all arriving. However, additional bodies will be needed within the middle of the pitch, with Endõ having no backup in the defensive role and Thiago Alcântara also set to depart when his contract expires this summer. Yalcouyé is represented by Unique Sports Group, which is also the same agency Thiago uses.

Liverpool.com says: Given his ability to play in the center of midfield or on the right, Yalcouyé would be a useful addition for Liverpool to make. He would be a prospect for the future and the club has sufficient numbers to cope without him while he adapts — whether that's away on loan or within the first-team squad.