Rayan could be Liverpool’s marquee summer signing(Image: Getty)
Liverpool are in need of refining Andoni Iraola’s squad for his maiden campaign. The blockbuster acquisition of Rayan and another £111million double-deal might achieve this.
After failing to defend their Premier League crown, the Reds will return for the upcoming season with a new manager and their sights set on regaining the title from winners Arsenal. But, to do so, they’ll need to reinforce.
While Andy Robertson’s, Mohamed Salah’s and Ibrahima Konate’s contracts all expired, Iraola has only welcomed two new recruits in Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. Mirror Football takes a look at how the Reds can craft their dream squad, including spending big on a replacement for Salah.
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Rayan arrives
There will be no Egyptian King at Anfield next season and with such an enormous presence absent, a suitable successor is needed. Rayan could be amongst the few wingers available who could fit in effortlessly.
Rio Ngumoha will probably be afforded substantial playing time by Iraola. However, he cannot shoulder the burden alone and if Bournemouth’s Rayan is reunited with the manager who developed him last term, the possibilities are endless.
Iraola is familiar with Rayan(Image: Getty)
In merely half a season, Iraola transformed Rayan from a raw Brazilian prospect into a forward who started for his nation at the World Cup aged just 19. Insufficient attention is being paid to what an extraordinary achievement this represented.
Liverpool securing him could prove challenging, as the Cherries have no incentive to release him and his £130m release clause becomes active in January. Yet Iraola understands the player and might compel their hand should Rayan grow restless.
He would likely command upwards of £100m. Nevertheless, if Liverpool are forthright with their pursuit and the player desires the switch, would Bournemouth risk fielding a discontented star for an entire campaign?
Five first-team stars sold
To fund such a transfer and streamline the squad overall, there are four players Liverpool ought to attempt selling this summer. First and foremost, Federico Chiesa can depart.
While he represented a bargain when he joined from Juventus and remains a popular figure, should Rayan arrive, the Italian would see his game time curtailed even further. Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and Munoz will all demand minutes.
Chiesa, Elliott and Endo can all leave(Image: Getty)
In midfield, Curtis Jones’ departure appears unavoidable as he’s slipped down the pecking order and his ‘pure profit’ status under Profit and Sustainability Rules means he could prove pivotal in funding other transactions. Elsewhere, both Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott are free to find themselves new clubs.
Elliott’s departure would carry the same advantages as Jones’ sale, whilst Endo, currently sidelined through injury, will be deemed surplus to requirements once he returns to fitness. To round off the exits, Kostas Tsimikas can also make a move after spending last season on loan with Roma. His contract expires in 2027 and he’s just turned 30.
Double deal sealed
With three midfielders sold, there would have to be at least one replacement signed and whilst it is very speculative, Liverpool could raid Borussia Dortmund for two of their brightest sparks.
Felix Nmecha was impressive for Germany at the World Cup and is a tall, physically imposing No. 8. He would bring something very different to Liverpool’s midfield, which is, admittedly, brimming with talent already.
Nmecha and Svensson could be brilliant additions(Image: Getty)
Although Nmecha is not a necessity, he could partner Ryan Gravenberch in midfield for more physically aggressive matches and Alexis Mac Allister’s future in red is not streamlined. If Liverpool do make a move for Nmecha, valued at an estimated £86m, then they could swoop for Dortmund’s left-back Daniel Svensson too.
Svensson is incredibly versatile, able to bomb forward as a wingback, defend deeper or even push into midfield. At £25m, a price reported in Germany, he would provide depth to Iraola’s defensive options and give Milos Kerkez food for thought whilst replacing Tsimikas.
Full squad list
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman.
Defenders: Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong.
Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni, Stefan Bajcetic.
Forwards: Alexander Isak, Rayan, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, Rio Ngumoha.