Liverpool is reportedly open to considering offers for attacking players Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa this week, despite no official approaches having been received yet. Neither player was included in the squad for Liverpool's Premier League opener against Newcastle, fueling speculation about their futures.
Sources indicate that while the focus is on potential new signings, the club is also evaluating the status of several current high-profile players. The transfer market is expected to be active, with clubs seeking to strengthen their squads. Liverpool has not ruled out receiving inquiries for Elliott and Chiesa from clubs in England and across Europe. While Italian sources have dismissed interest from several top clubs for Chiesa, a European Championship winner, clubs like Atalanta, Como, and Inter Milan have previously shown interest.
Elliott's past season saw him loaned to Aston Villa with an obligation to buy after playing a certain number of games, a clause that was not met, leading to his return to Liverpool. Both Elliott and Chiesa reportedly failed to impress during pre-season, with Elliott noted as not being match-fit and Chiesa struggling with illness.
In contrast, young talents Lewis Koumas and James McConnell were named on the substitutes' bench for the Newcastle match, signaling their potential integration into the first team. Head coach Andoni Iraola has shown favor to these academy players during pre-season, and they are expected to remain with the club unless further signings necessitate loan moves.
Defender Luke Chambers, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Charlton, also impressed in pre-season. While there is interest in his services, the club may opt to retain him due to his versatility across the back four. Other young players, including Kaide Gordon, Keyrol Figueroa, and Wellity Lucky, may be loaned out for the season.
Kop Kids Update:
Academy prospect Joshua Abe, a highly-rated 16-year-old forward who attracted interest from several major European clubs last year, is currently sidelined due to an arm injury. Abe, who participated in the first-team pre-season tour, has been wearing a sling. Jayden Danns has returned to Under-21 action following his own injury issues.
Transfer Pursuits:
The search for a first-team winger continues, though the pursuit of Brighton's Yankuba Minteh has reportedly cooled due to the south-coast club's high asking price. Liverpool may be exploring other avenues, with reports of a trial for young midfielder Musa Jatta Bajaha of BST Galaxy, a Gambian team. This potential recruitment would mirror the club's previous signing of defender Mor Talla Ndiaye from Senegalese club Amitie FC.
Performance Data:
Data from Liverpool's draw at Newcastle revealed concerning statistics. The team has conceded from more fast breaks than any other side since the start of the previous season. In their last 18 games, Liverpool has recorded only two clean sheets. Furthermore, they ranked 19th in distance covered on the opening weekend of the season, a figure that coach Iraola will likely aim to improve.
Online Criticism:
Florian Wirtz has been identified as the most criticized player online following the opening Premier League weekend, with a significant percentage of social media posts mentioning him being negative. Alexander Isak also faced a high rate of negative online commentary.
Cup Draws and Future Fixtures:
Liverpool is awaiting draws for the Carabao Cup and Champions League. Coach Iraola is expected to address the media on Thursday, likely discussing the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, who have a recent winning record at Anfield. Potential squad changes, including the consideration of Victor Munoz, are anticipated.