Liverpool cool interest in £90m midfielder as attention turns to centre-back
Joao Palhinha after coming on in the second half during the Premier League match between Fulham and Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday
Liverpool handed a debut to new signing Wataru Endo during their 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp would not have liked, nor would he have envisaged, an Anfield bow in the manner in which the former VfB Stuttgart midfielder experienced, being thrown on after Alexis Mac Allister, who was also making his home debut, was controversially sent off.
With the Argentinean facing a three-match ban, Endo is sure to be given further chances to impress in the coming weeks. But will he joined at Liverpool by a fourth midfield signing of the summer before the transfer window closes?
The Reds continue to be linked to new engine-room reinforcements, after the arrivals of Endo, Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, with Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure among them. However, if reports are to be believed, their efforts to sign Fulham’s Joao Palhinha could be on hold.
Below are the latest transfer rumours surrounding Liverpool…
Joao Palhinha
According to Football Insider, the Reds’ interest in Palhinha have stalled following the Portugal international’s injury.
The problem occurred during Marco Silva’s sides preparations for the 2023-24 campaign. Speaking at the time of the incident, the Fulham boss was hoping that the injury wouldn’t see the 28-year-old sidelined long term. Silva said: “Unfortunately it doesn’t look good. He’s probably dislocated his shoulder. Let’s hope it’s not another long-term injury for us.”
But Palhinha has made a speedy recovery and was introduced as a substitute during Fulham’s 3-0 home defeat to neighbours Brentford on Saturday.
It has been claimed that the Cottagers are demanding an eye-watering £90m for the midfielder.
Sofyan Amrabat
Liverpool have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
That is according to reports in Italy, namely from La Repubblica via Viola News. It has been suggested that the Reds are ready to prepare a decisive offer for the Morocco international.
Atletico Madrid had also been linked with Amrabat but it appears he will secure a Premier League move after his breakout displays at the World Cup.
Perr Schuurs
Torino defender Perr Schuurs could become a player of interest to Liverpool once again, according to Football Insider.
The Dutchman has been linked with a move to the Reds this summer, although their priority has been on solving their midfield problems. But according to the outlet, Klopp’s side have now prioritised a left-sided defender over another midfield addition after Endo’s arrival.
However, Schuurs is a right-footed central defender and that may not meet Liverpool’s demands for a left-sided centre-back.
Otavio
Last summer, the Reds were said to be interested in Porto star Otavio and “rekindled” their interest in the Portugal national team player, in light of Sadio Mane’s exit.
The latest twist in the forward’s career has seemingly seen him become the next big-name player to make the move to the Saudi Pro League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 28-year-old is reportedly set to complete a €60m (£51m) transfer to Al Nassr from Porto.
