Liverpool transfers as Guehi ‘talks begin’ and Edwards plots $49m Red Bull raid

Liverpool transfer news is starting to heat up after the conclusion of Euro 2024 and the Copa America. Marc Guehi, who was on the losing side for England, has appeared firmly on the radar, at least as far as the rumor mill is concerned.

Players who went deep into those tournaments will now be granted a break, with Arne Slot forced to wait before linking up with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. But in theory, negotiations with potential incoming signings should now be a little easier, something hinted at by sporting director Richard Hughes when he forecast (in general terms rather than at Liverpool specifically) a flurry of late business this summer.

Hughes is being overseen by Michael Edwards, who is with FSG in a big-picture sort of role. During his stint as sporting director, Liverpool developed a penchant for shopping among the Red Bull stable of clubs, with the transfer guru known to be an admirer of the multi-club model.

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Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, including links to an RB Leipzig player. We’ve got the latest on Guehi as well.

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

Liverpool is “super confident” about signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. That’s the bold claim from TEAMtalk.

Arne Slot has supposedly given the green light to the transfer. And with the Euros now over, Guehi is one of a number of players who could seal moves within the coming weeks.

According to the publication, Liverpool is a massive admirer of Guehi, and has already held talks with Crystal Palace to understand the conditions of any deal. It now has an understanding of what it would take to complete a transfer.

Guehi previously played for Chelsea, and his old club retains an interest. Manchester United has also taken a look at the 24-year-old.

Liverpool.com says: There’s no two ways about it: this would be an excellent signing for Liverpool. Still very young for a defender but already at home at the highest levels, Guehi has all the tools to be the long-term Virgil van Dijk successor.

He could also contribute in the here and now, giving Van Dijk a rest from time to time while providing stiff competition to Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah. Between that young trio, Liverpool could be set up at center-back for years to come.

There is an obvious question mark over the price, especially given the impressive Euros campaign Guehi has just enjoyed. But if Liverpool can do a deal at a reasonable fee, it would be a major coup, and yet another “one that got away” for Chelsea.

Mohamed Simakan (RB Leipzig)

Staying on the defensive theme, Liverpool is reportedly interested in Mohamed Simakan of RB Leipzig. Also 24, he primarily operates at center-back, but has also played as a right-back.

Liverpool is joined by Atletico Madrid in expressing an interest, per Phillipp Hinze of Sky Deutschland. As yet, there have been no “concrete negotiations” or offers, while Leipzig is planning to keep hold of Simakan.

However, the player can envisage making a move. And a price has been floated too, with Simakan thought to be available for somewhere in the region of $44m (£34m/€40m) to $49m (£38m/€45m).

Liverpool.com says: An immensely plausible link, and not only because Edwards seems to love the Red Bull network. Simakan is not yet a household name, but ticks a number of familiar boxes.

It’s not clear exactly what role Edwards is playing in day-to-day transfer decision making, having appointed Hughes as director, but he has control of the overarching football strategy. So it’s no surprise to see Liverpool linked to young, high-ceiling players who have already amassed a healthy body of high-level experience.