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After an emotional day for all involved at Liverpool, the Reds' pre-season preparations are now well underway as they plan for next season's title defense.
Tributes were paid to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva throughout Sunday's friendly with Preston, with Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo replicating their former teammate's iconic celebrations during the 3-1 win as fans sang Jota's name throughout, leading to some incredible scenes at full-time between the supporters and players.
Having taken that difficult first step after what has been a painful couple of weeks for the club, Liverpool will now be looking ahead to the rest of the summer, with a tour to Asia next up for Arne Slot and his men. Not only that, but sporting director Richard Hughes may be looking at securing some more new signings, with plenty of big names still being linked.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool to Real Madrid)
Reports in Spain are suggesting that Liverpool has agreed a sensational swap deal with Real Madrid, which could see Ibrahima Konate and Rodrygo moving in opposite directions.
Konate is being linked with a move to the Bernabeu, while Rodrygo looks as though he could leave Madrid amid suggestions Xabi Alonso is open to him moving on. Defensa Central claims the two players could now make the switch as part of the same deal.
It’s said that the Reds are willing to offer Konate to Real in exchange for Rodrygo, with an extra $41 million thrown in as part of the deal. While it is described as “tempting” for Madrid, the Spanish giant is said to want more money for their Brazilian, who is valued at around $117M.
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Liverpool.com says: This just isn't happening, is it? As good as Rodrygo is, it would be crazy for Liverpool to offload one of its senior defenders for another forward, leaving it with just Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez with a month to go until the start of the Premier League season.
In any case, Konate plus $41M for a player Liverpool doesn't even really need is just bad business. There is absolutely no way FSG would go in for something like that.
Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
Benjamin Sesko’s camp has made contact with Liverpool and three other Premier League clubs, according to TBR Football.
It’s claimed that the RB Leipzig striker’s representatives have touched base with the Reds, as well as Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle to keep all four clubs updated on his situation.
Sesko had been linked with a move to Arsenal, although with the Gunners now looking to be closing in on Viktor Gyokeres, it seems he might be hoping to still secure a move to the Premier League, although staying put at Leipzig hasn’t been ruled out either.
Liverpool.com says: It feels like there will be an almighty scramble for strikers during the rest of the transfer window, especially with so many big names being linked with moves.
In an ideal world, Liverpool would get a new No. 9 this summer, although it's important the Reds don't just rush in for whoever's available - especially if there is a chance to secure Alexander Isak at some point in the future.
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