Liverpool reckon £170,000-p/w Barca target is in class ahead of potential move

Liverpool are interested in signing a “brilliant” attacking star in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds are set to experience a summer of major change, with Jurgen Klopp stepping down as manager after nine seasons and being replaced by Feyenoord manager Arne Slot. Michael Edwards has returned to the club as CEO of football, while Richard Hughes will leave Bournemouth as sporting director.

Klopp will leave his successor with a squad full of talent – already in contention for the season four, but that doesn't mean other new signings aren't needed, to be more. of strength in the coming season.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo is regarded as an option for Liverpool this summer, while the Brazilian could see his minutes limited by the arrival of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain. He is seen as an upgrade on Luis Diaz, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona.

In terms of low-profile additions, Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has emerged as a target for the Reds, seen as Alisson's ideal deputy if Caoimhin Kelleher moves on to pastures new.

Liverpool are looking for a “spectacular” attacking ace.

Talking to Awakening the KopBailey said Liverpool are big fans of Athletic Bilbao striker Nico Williams, but target Barca are eyeing big wages.

“The will not pay him what he wants at the moment. He will be Liverpool's highest paid player, as he would be if he went to any club in England. He has been asking for £250,000 a week and an appearance fee. The clubs he likes, and they all like him very much, he thinks he's a terrific player, but he seems to be heading towards Barcelona. So, I think that's what they're putting down.

“Will the situation change? It could be. But at the moment it doesn't look like he is pushing to come to England which is part of the reasons for his demands. Liverpool are very similar to him, he is a top winger, a top player. . Liverpool were one of them who did their homework on him.”

The £170,000-a-week Williams could be signed by Liverpool, given the impact he has already had during his time at Bilbao, despite still being just 21. He played 120 games for his current club, registering 42 goals (19 goals and 23 assists) during that time, and also won 14 games for Spain.

The wide man has also been hailed as a “brilliant” player by soccer talent scout Jacek Kulig, and is seen as one of the fastest players in the world, as he appeared in a report focusing on the fastest footballers at the 2022 World Cup.

Williams could be seen as a long-term replacement for the likes of Diaz and Mohamed Salah, with the Spain international able to thrive on either flank, even if left-back attack has been his preferred position this season.