Liverpool are cooling off with interest in £90m midfielder as attention turns to left centre-back

Latest Liverpool transfer rumours, including updates on Joao Palhinha, Sofyan Amrabat, Perr Schuurs and Octavio

Liverpool made the debut for new signing Wataru Endo in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

Jurgen Klopp would not have welcomed, nor expected, a debut at Anfield as the former VfB Stuttgart midfielder experienced after Alexis Mac Allister, also making his home debut, was controversially sent off.

With the Argentine suspended for three matches, Endo will certainly have more chances to impress in the coming weeks. But will he join Liverpool in a fourth midfield signing this summer before the transfer window closes?

The Reds remain linked with new reinforcements in the engine room, following the arrival of Endo, Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, including Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure. However, if the reports are to be believed, their efforts to sign Fulham’s Joao Palhinha could be put on hold.

João Palhinha

According to Football Insider, the Reds’ interest in Palhinha has stalled following the Portuguese international’s injury.

The problem arose during the preparation of Marco Silva’s squad for the 2023-24 season. At the time of the incident, the Fulham manager was hopeful that the injury would not keep the 28-year-old sidelined for long. Silva said: “Unfortunately he doesn’t look good. He probably dislocated his shoulder. Let’s hope it’s not another long-term injury for us.”

But Palhinha recovered quickly and was introduced as a substitute in Fulham’s 3-0 home defeat to neighbors Brentford on Saturday.

The Cottagers are said to be asking for a staggering £90m for the midfielder.

Sofian Amrabat

Liverpool have led Manchester United in the race to sign Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

This can be seen from the news in Italy, precisely from La Repubblica via Viola News. It has been suggested that the Reds are ready to prepare a decisive offer for the Moroccan international.

Atletico Madrid have also been linked with Amrabat but it appears they will secure a move to the Premier League following their World Cup win.

Perr Schuurs

Torino defender Perr Schuurs could become an interesting player again for Liverpool, according to Football Insider.

The Dutchman has been linked with a move to the Reds this summer, although their priority has been to resolve their issues in midfield. But according to the outlet, Klopp’s side have now prioritized a left wing defender over another midfield addition following Endo’s arrival. However, Schuurs is a right-footed centre-back and that may not meet Liverpool’s requirements for a left-sided centre-back.

Otavio

The Reds were reportedly interested in Porto star Otavio last summer and ‘renewed’ their interest in the Portugal international following Sadio Mane’s departure.

The striker’s recent career shift has seemingly made him the next big thing to join the Saudi Pro League.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 28-year-old is close to a €60m (£51m) move from Porto to Al Nassr.

More news…….

According to Romano ‘incredible’ Liverpool midfield target is joining PL rivals

Liverpool are likely to still be on the hunt for more midfielders before the transfer window closes.

The Reds have managed to sign Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.

The Japan international’s move to Anfield was a relief for Liverpool after a difficult week.

Not only did Liverpool lose Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League, but two of their top targets moved to Chelsea instead.

However, there is more disappointing midfield news regarding another top midfielder linked with the Reds. The player in question is Leeds United and United States star Tyler Adams, who was linked with Liverpool 90 minutes ago.

The 90Min report acknowledged Bournemouth were favorites to sign the American, and they are now close to a deal.

Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter Friday night to say “here we go” on Adams to the South Coast.

The “excellent” player would have passed a medical and signed a five-year contract.

Tyler Adams to Bournemouth, here we go! Medical tests passed, agreement signed tonight on five year contract — completed soon 🚨🔴🍒 #AFCB

Excellent addition for Bournemouth as club showing ambition again.

Agreement has been sealed tonight. pic.twitter.com/zFJ71ZRHbs

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2023

Our point of view

In this case, Liverpool fans are unlikely to be too disappointed as the speculation seemed rather superficial. However, the Reds have lost an “incredible” player who was perfectly positioned for a big move, as he was relegated to Leeds.

Chelsea, in fact, tried to sign Adams, before pulling the plug and opting for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

That said, Liverpool have done it with the signing of Endo, and they will no doubt make further additions before the start of September.