Liverpool are very rarely involved when it comes to the window’s biggest transfer sagas. There have been one or two notable exceptions, but FSG tenure has largely been characterized by efficient, ‘sensible’ business.
That’s why it was so surprising – and yes, exciting – when Liverpool were mentioned in connection with Jude Bellingham over an extended period. This would have been a moldy transfer, but in the end it proved a stretch too far, with the Reds eventually backing down well before the summer.
At this point, the logic has been scrutinized to within an inch of its life. Liverpool did not feel they could adequately carry out the necessary rebuilding task if they spent so much on Bellingham, and in any case they were not sure he would choose Anfield, so they chose to use the money to sign up for three good players rather than a generational talent.
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And then another transfer window will pass, with Liverpool just an observer of the blockbuster moves. Among the biggest potential activities involves Harry Kane, who is the subject of serious interest from Bayern Munich.
While Manchester United have also been credited with interest, it seems highly unlikely that Spurs would ever sanction such a move. As a result, Erik ten Hag’s side are said to be looking more at a Liverpool repeat, with a club president claiming the Red Devils are preparing a significant bid.
Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news in the other clubs.
Liverpool repeat could be tempting for Manchester United
Under the leadership of Jürgen Klopp and especially Pep Lijnders, there has recently been a preference at Liverpool for the Portuguese market. The assistant manager knows this very well, having previously worked at Porto, and there seems to be a belief throughout the club’s hierarchy that there is value to be found in Europe’s ‘sixth league’.
Sitting just outside the traditional big five, it nevertheless offers a high level, as well as regular chances for players at the top clubs to test themselves in the Champions League. Liverpool have been confident enough to sanction big deals for both Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez in recent times.
Now it looks like Manchester United may be following suit. It has also traded there before, buying the likes of Bruno Fernandes, and this summer looks set to go to Benfica and sign the man who was effectively the Núñez replacement.
It is according to morning post (printed version via Man Utd News) who report that president Rui Costa has claimed that Manchester United are willing to pay nearly $87m. (£69m/€80m) for Gonçalo Ramos.
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Liverpool.com says: Ramos was just starting to make a name for himself when Liverpool signed Núñez, to the point where a few suggested he should be looked at instead. Sure enough, being the main man at Benfica has seen his price tag skyrocket in the same way.
This would really be a Liverpool repeat for Manchester United, with Ramos offering much the same risk and upside as Núñez. The latter was more prolific during his last season in Portugal, but it looks like his successor will cost a little less money.
It is clear that big clubs retain faith that the Portuguese league is a suitable testing ground, despite Núñez suffering a relatively rough first season. There is still plenty of optimism that he will kick on and he will no doubt be desperate to do so — Especially if he is head-to-head with his old teammate.
Harry Kane ‘accepts’ Bayern Munich transfer
Harry Kane has given Bayern Munich the ‘OK’ via his camp, although a fee is still to be agreed with Spurs. This is reported by the German magazine sports image.
While Bayern are not yet allowed to negotiate directly with Kane and nothing has been signed yet, the club have spoken to his father Pat and brother Charlie. An agreement has been reached, with the striker said to have agreed to make the move.
An initial offer of $77m (£60m/€70m) plus add-ons was rejected by Spurs. It is believed that Bayern Munich will return with an improved bid (via BBC).
Liverpool.com says: When news first broke that Bayern Munich had made a bid, it seemed obvious that there must have been some encouragement from Kane. Although he cannot formally negotiate with the Bavarians, the reality of the transfer market is clear and a bid usually means a club is confident they have the player onside.
Whether Bayern Munich can make Spurs budge is another question entirely. The one big advantage is that Daniel Levy would surely prefer to sell him out of the Premier League, away from the clutches of rivals. If he has any inclination to cash in rather than risk losing Kane on a free then this looks like an ideal opportunity.
This would also work well for Liverpool. It is clear that FSG would never pursue Kane, but neither would they want to see him spearheading the attacks of Manchester City, Chelsea or Manchester United.