Welcome to our dedicated Liverpool blog for Friday, May 16.
Liverpool players and coaching staff have been abroad once again as they continue their recovery from a relentless Premier League-winning season. The Reds are already champions and their 2-2 draw with Arsenal hasn't dampened their spirits with Arne Slot pictured at a club in Ibiza.
The Dutchman could be seen being celebrated on the Spanish island with the Queen classic 'We Are The Champions' playing while he embraces the two DJs while partygoers look on.
While the Reds are busy recovering, the transfer window emerges on the horizon and already, there is plenty of focus on a busy summer.
A flurry of reports elsewhere began to cause excitement, now the ECHO understands that the Reds are prepared to go up against Manchester City and Bayern Munich for the signing of Florian Wirtz. Anfield chiefs have made contact and are alert to the situation of a playmaker tipped for a value of £125m.
Reports in Germany also suggest that negotiations are advancing in the Reds' pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong.
The Dutchman could be viewed as Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement at right-back after the England international confirmed his departure last week.
There are also reports that Real Madrid could enter the market for a central defender with Xabi Alonso said to be on the verge of replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
Los Blancos have been linked with a move for Dean Huijsen, who has also been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool, with suggestions that a deal has been agreed ahead of Premier League clubs getting a chance.
Keep across all the latest Liverpool FC news in our dedicated blog from the ECHO below...
Key Events
That's it
That is it for updates on this blog. However, we have moved over to a new transfer news blog, and you can stay tuned for the latest by clicking the link below.
View our new Liverpool blog HERE.
Liverpool backroom hero role
Liverpool goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel will be part of Carlo Ancelotti's coaching staff when he takes over the Brazil national team at the end of the season, according to ge.globo.com.
Ancelotti, who is set to step down as Real Madrid's manager after leading the club to domestic and Champions League success across the last four years, will start his role in Brazil on May 26, picking his players for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Although there has been rumours that Ancelotti could make a number of changes to the backroom staff, Taffarel will retain his position as Brazil's goalkeeping coach - a role he has kept his 2014.
Taffarel will continue to dual his responsibilities, keeping his job as goalkeeper coach at Liverpool next season, meaning that Alisson will work, once again, with him for club and country.
Ndoye admission
Dan Ndoye's agent has revealed the Bologna forward is "ready for the next step" amid rumours linking him with a move to Liverpool.
Ndoye, 24, has impressed once again for Bologna this season, and scored the winner as they beat AC Milan 1-0 on Wednesday to lift the Coppa Italia - their first major trophy in 51 years.
Speculation has since increased over his future, with Liverpool among a list of teams said to be interested in the Switzerland international.
Now, Ndoye's agent Adamson Mansoor has opened up on his future and hinted that he could leave Bologna in the summer window.
Mansoor told TMW: "We must make assessments alongside the club, so it's too early to say what will happen.
"There are requests and surely he’s ready for the next step. But he has already made history with Bologna, so we can’t rule out that he'll do it again, right?"
Hato interest
Liverpool 'appreciate' Jorrel Hato and could make a move to sign the Ajax ace this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Reds are searching for defensive options as they prepare to miss out on Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, who is closing in on a move to Real Madrid.
Benfica's Tomas Araujo has been linked, with the Reds admire Hato and feel he can strengthen their squad in the summer window. The 19-year-old has already clocked over 100 senior appearances and is regarded as one of the most talented young defenders on the planet.
Wirtz twist
Liverpool are "suddenly in the thick" of the chase to sign Florian Wirtz this summer, according to BILD.
Wirtz, 22, and his parents are pushing to ensure he can get a move in the summer transfer window. It's added that Bayern are confident they can land the attacking midfielder.
Reports suggested that City provided a tour of their training facilities for Wirtz and his camp on Tuesday. He then flew back to his homeland to prepare for Leverkusen's final game of the season.
Now, it's claimed that Liverpool are right in the running to secure Wirtz's signature this summer. The Reds have made their interest known and representatives from the club met Wirtz, his mother Karin and father and agent Hans, as the Reds looked to solidify their pursuit.
Morning
Hello and welcome to our live Liverpool transfer news blog on this fine Friday morning.
Stay tuned to the latest reaction and updates from Anfield...
Goodnight!
Thank you for tuning in tonight.
We will be back in the morning for more news and gossip.
If it's anything like today, buckle up and get ready for the ride.
Liverpool initiate talks with Christopher Nkunku
According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are among the clubs looking to sign Christopher Nkunku.
It has been claimed that the France international is eyeing a Stamford Bridge exit.
Despite being contracted in the capital for another four years, the 27-year-old is said to have been shortlisted by the Reds, and talks have been initiated, according to the report.
Newcastle United and Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested.
Bayer Leverkusen tease Liverpool targets
Well the admins for the Bayer Leverkusen X account will have had some fun with this post today.
Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, two players Liverpool are targeting, featured proudly on their social media.
And of course, Liverpool supporters entered the replies in their droves trying to entice the pair to Anfield.
Could we see these two in Liverpool training next season?
Fun at training! pic.twitter.com/53rrMgz6yu
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 15, 2025
Liverpool eyeing Adam Wharton
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are monitoring Adam Wharton's situation at Crystal Palace.
The England international rose to the fore last season after a superb season at Selhurst Park, which earned him a place on the plane for the Three Lions' European Championships pursuit.
His involvement this year has been reduced after injury, consigning him to 20 appearances in the Premier League this term.
However, the Reds are reportedly keeping tabs on the 21-year-old who is said to be valued at around £60million with Real Madrid also said to be interested.
Isak stance on Liverpool transfer revealed ahead of the summer
Alexander Isak would reputedly be intrigued by the prospect of signing for Liverpool.
BBC Sport Senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has claimed as much during a transfer Q&A, citing his information on the player's stance. However, they acknowledge that there are "absolutely no indications" that the Newcastle United striker would "actively agitate a move".
Chiesa deal now 'very advanced' as Reds receive transfer offer
Napoli has reportedly offered to sign Federico Chiesa on loan next season with an option to sign the Reds player permanently.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, however, claims that Liverpool are insisting on being an obligation to see the Italy international depart. The deal is said to be very advanced, with a contract paying Chiesa circa £70,000 per week, reputedly not a problem for Napoli.
Liverpool close on Frimpong transfer as £30m release clause set to be triggered
The latest from chief Liverpool writer Ian Doyle on Frimpong:
Liverpool are expected to contact Bayer Leverkusen and trigger Jeremie Frimpong's £30million release clause to make the Holland international their first signing of the summer transfer window. Negotiations are ongoing with the player's representatives over personal terms with Frimpong keen to make the move to Anfield.
Liverpool close on Jeremie Frimpong transfer as £30m release clause set to be triggered
Frimpong 'formal approach' to follow Reds' personal terms talks
The Reds reportedly are set to follow their discussions on personal terms with Frimpong with a formal approach to Bayer Leverkusen.
The Times reports they are expected to approach the Bundesliga club and trigger the player's £30million release clause. As such, the expectation is that the Netherlands international will sign.
Frimpong transfer timeline emerges as 'agreement' now reached
The Reds have reportedly reached an agreement in principle on personal terms amid a belief that they could complete the deal this week.
TBR Football claims agent fees and bonus structures are some of the finer details that need finalising. As does a payment structure with Bayer Leverkusen regarding the player's release clause, which is said to be in the region of £30million.
Frimpong alternative 'being considered' is a 'serious possibility'
The Reds are said to have an interest in Lutsharel Geertruida as an alternative to Jeremie Frimpong.
The Daily Mail reports that the RB Leipzig defender is considered an option to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right-back role. Signing the former Feyenoord player is purportedly a serious possibility.
However, the Mail acknowledges that it is no more advanced than merely an interest at this stage. They do, though, state that the future of Geertruida is one to follow closely this summer.
More Real Madrid trouble
Liverpool just can't seem to escape them in the transfer market at the moment...
It has reported from Spain before, but Real Madrid have Milos Kerkez on their radar as well as the Reds.
Here in a fresh version, Marca say he is on the list but only behind Benfica's Alvaro Carreras. Here's to hoping for Liverpool's sake they can move for Kerkez quickly if that is a move they truly desire, just to avoid the worst case scenario.
Rayan Cherki approach
CaughtOffside believe the agents of Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki have made contact with both Liverpool and Manchester United to establish interest in their client.
The 21-year-old has shown his talent on the Ligue 1 and Europa League stages, now appears set for a move. That may become clearer with his team playing their final match of the season this coming weekend - we see a farewell message made.
But Cherki's destination remains unclear with Liverpool linked here once again. Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain are all also said to have him on their radars.
Arne Slot up for Premier League manager of the season
The Premier League manager of the season award nominees have also been announced today and you guessed it, Arne Slot is one of them.
Only four other coaches have won the competition in their first year in charge, so it is fully deserved.
He's got four competitors, though. They are Eddie Howe and Nuno Espirito Santo, who have guided Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest respectively into the battle for a Champions League spot, Thomas Frank who has Brentford in the top-half of the table and lastly Vitor Pereira of Wolves, who were 19th when he took over in winter and are now 14th.
You can vote here.
Serhou Guirassy clause
Liverpool have been listed by BILD as one of six clubs capable of meeting Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy's £60m release clause this summer.
The others are Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Named with previous interest are Manchester United.
The 29-year-old only joined Dortmund last summer and has scored 33 times in 43 appearances.
Premier League player of the season award nominees
The day has arrived, the Premier League have named their shortlist for the player of the season award. Being the new champions, it is no surprise there are some Liverpool players involved.
Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch have all been given the recognition they deserve and are up against Alexander Isak, Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Declan Rice and Bryan Mbeumo.
You can vote here.
Federico Chiesa latest
The Athletic say it would not come as a surprise to see Federico Chiesa leave Liverpool only one year after signing for the club.
He Italian has played only 400 minutes across the season and could see his standing in the squad further reduced if attacking signings are made over the coming summer.
A return to his homeland would be on the cards, though with options 'limited'. Juventus and Fiorentina are not seeking a reunion, AS Roma have uncertainty over their next manager and either Milan club have other problems to solve too.
That leaves Napoli, who play a 4-3-3 system under Antonio Conte that would suit the Reds' No.14, and are preparing to make signings.
Dean Huijsen clause activated
The Athletic now say Real Madrid have officially gone ahead and activated Dean Huijsen's £50m release clause from his Bournemouth contract.
The Liverpool-linked defender is now in the process of finalising a move to his homeland and all involved are seeking to find a 'swift resolution' for the avoidance of doubt in him being registered in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Liverpool in talks to sign Jeremie Frimpong as £30m transfer edges closer
The ECHO understand Liverpool are in talks to make Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Negotiations are ongoing with the player's representatives to agree a deal with the Reds ready to trigger the 24-year-old's release clause, which is believed to be in the region of £30million.
Leverkusen are being kept aware of developments, although they will have no option but to permit the sale of the player should the clause be triggered.
Read the full story HERE
Dean Huijsen talks
Fabrizio Romano has now added information this morning, claiming that Dean Huijsen's representatives have travelled to Madrid in order to begin contract talks with Real.
A five-year deal is mentioned.
They would look to be beating Liverpool and other Premier League clubs to the £50m deal, split into three instalments.
Jeremie Frimpong confidence
David Ornstein of The Athletic follows up that previous message about Jeremie Frimpong, also claiming that Liverpool are advancing in talks over the 24-year-old's signing.
With the player keen on the move, there is 'increasing confidence' that it can get over the line with no trouble.
Bayer Leverkusen are said to be aware of the situation and will seek a resolution after the end of the Bundesliga campaign this coming weekend.
Jeremie Frimpong progress
Liverpool are 'on the verge' of a verbal agreement with Jeremie Frimpong, says Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
He claims talks are progressing with eagerness from both the player and Arne Slot, with 'additional details' to be clarified.
The Reds would have to pay his £30m release clause too.
Dean Huijsen 'agreement'
Yesterday evening reports began to emerge of Real Madrid moving into pole position to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth with claims of a contract proposal sent.
The Spanish club are thought to be the 20-year-old's preference over any other, though there place in the battle with Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and other Premier League clubs had been left for question.
But it seems they will be involved, and it spells trouble for the rest if so.
Fabrizio Romano, following up overnight, claims that is incoming manager Xabi Alonso who has pushed to get the deal done to coincide with his expected arrival and the start of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Spanish publication Marca then say it is as far along as an agreement now being in place for three equal instalments of his £50m buyout clause.
Latest Liverpool headlines
Make sure to have a read of the latest Reds headlines across the ECHO this morning...
Liverpool ready for Florian Wirtz transfer battle as stance confirmed on £125m star
The ECHO understands Liverpool are ready to go up against rivals Manchester City and German champions Bayern Munich for the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
The 22-year-old is a player of interest as the Premier League champions begin to restructure Arne Slot's squad to defend their title.
Anfield chiefs have made their interest clear to Wirtz and his parents, who are his representatives, as they decide the next step of his career.
The expectation at this stage is that he will will remain in Germany at either Leverkusen or Bayern Munich.
Read the full story HERE
