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Liverpool have firmly rejected Inter Milan’s £21.7 million bid for Curtis Jones, setting his valuation closer to £35 million. Simultaneously, the club has secured the signing of winger Víctor Muñoz for £34.5 million on a six-year contract, activating a release clause to finalize the transfer.
The acquisition of Muñoz came after direct negotiations that reportedly included a personal pitch from Andoni Iraola, the club’s coach, reminiscent of Jürgen Klopp’s approach in previous deals. The winger’s signing awaits only the completion of work permit formalities before he officially joins the squad. This move also saw Liverpool outmaneuver competition from Newcastle United.
Transfer Market Activity and Player Prospects
Meanwhile, reports linking Chelsea to Florian Wirtz, currently at Liverpool, have been dismissed as unfounded despite the recent appointment of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea’s head coach. Liverpool remains optimistic about Wirtz’s development following a mixed debut season, having invested £100 million in the attacker.
On the recruitment front, Liverpool has expressed interest in West Ham’s 21-year-old midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who carries a hefty price tag of £85 million. The club is seeking to inject vitality into its midfield, although the transfer fee is considered steep. Meanwhile, Porto has successfully signed 16-year-old Norwegian midfielder Eirik Granaas from Fredrikstad for €1.8 million plus add-ons and a 15% sell-on clause, beating Liverpool and Arsenal to the promising talent. Granaas is expected to begin his professional journey with Porto B.
In addition, teenage prospect Andria Bartishvili is weighing identical offers from both Liverpool and Arsenal, with interest also coming from Paris FC. However, any potential move to the UK will have to wait until Bartishvili turns 18. A decision on his future is anticipated following Iberia 1999’s Champions League qualifying matches.
On the international stage, former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored in Egypt’s historic 3-1 World Cup victory over New Zealand in Vancouver, marking the nation’s first-ever win at the tournament. Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, praised Salah’s goal while subtly critiquing his previous usage at Liverpool. Another goal for Egypt came from Trezeguet, contributing to the memorable triumph.
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