Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea laid bare persistent vulnerabilities at right-back, where Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez repeatedly exploited space between Ibrahima Konaté and Curtis Jones. With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both enduring injury-disrupted seasons — and Slot seemingly reluctant to trust Frimpong defensively — the Reds are moving decisively to address the weakness.
According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Liverpool have long admired Tino Livramento, the versatile 23-year-old England international capable of playing both right-back and left-back. Speaking on the Born ‘N Red YouTube channel, Jacobs revealed that the Merseysiders are now seriously tracking the Newcastle United star, even as Manchester City and Arsenal have been the names most frequently linked with him.
Contract negotiations between Livramento and Newcastle have stalled, with the player open to a summer exit. The Magpies are understood to value him at around £70m, a fee that would significantly boost their own squad rebuild plans. Liverpool’s interest adds a major new dimension to what had looked like a two-horse race between City and Arsenal.
The €180m Leipzig Double Deal
Livramento is far from the only target. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is pushing hard for a high-profile double swoop on RB Leipzig, with Yan Diomande and Assan Ouedraogo both firmly in their sights.
Talks for Diomande, valued at €100m (£86.5m), are already advanced. Liverpool opened discussions with Leipzig and the player’s representatives in April, signalling serious intent. Now, reports from Germany indicate that the Reds are equally keen on Ouedraogo — Leipzig’s highly rated 20-year-old full-back prospect.
Bild reports that Liverpool view Ouedraogo as a genuine “jewel,” with the club’s strong existing relationship with Leipzig expected to help facilitate any deal. While earlier speculation suggested a €40m bid, sources close to the situation insist the true valuation sits between €80m and €100m. Combined, the two Leipzig targets represent a potential €180m (£156m) investment — a statement of intent from Fenway Sports Group as they back Arne Slot’s vision.
Manchester United are also “crazy” about Ouedraogo, setting the stage for what could become one of the most intriguing Premier League transfer battles of the summer.
Squad Context and Exit Rumours
The aggressive recruitment drive comes amid uncertainty over key senior figures. While Mohamed Salah is widely expected to depart, a Turkish report from Fotomac sensationally claims that captain Virgil van Dijk is considering leaving at the end of the season and could even terminate his contract to join Galatasaray. Van Dijk still has one year remaining on his deal and is generally expected to stay and help stabilise the side, but the rumour adds another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s summer planning.
For now, the focus remains on strengthening the defensive line. Livramento would bring athleticism, versatility and Premier League-proven quality, while the Leipzig pair — particularly the dynamic Ouedraogo — would inject youth and explosive potential into Slot’s backline.
With the window heating up, Liverpool appear determined not merely to patch holes but to reimagine their full-back options for the long term. A €180m double swoop involving an electric full-back is already gathering momentum — and the transfer market is taking notice.