Arne Slot is keen to make further additions to his Liverpool squad as his only summer arrival, Federico Chiesa, has made just three appearances in all competitions.
Slot was handed over a talented roster by former head coach Jurgen Klopp, and Liverpool is currently one of the top teams in Europe as a result. The Reds are the only team with a flawless record in the Champions League, and hold a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
The elephant in the room at Liverpool is the imminent futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with all three key players yet to extend their current deals which expire at the end of this season. While Liverpool is working on resolving that issue, the club continues to keep an eye on transfer targets elsewhere.
Liverpool is consistently linked with some of the top talents in world soccer, and with the team dominant in Europe, it’s an attractive proposition. Here is the latest Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around Anfield.
Ricardo Pepi (USMNT, PSV)
USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi is being considered as a potential transfer target by Liverpool, with teams such as Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich also monitoring the 21-year-old, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. The striker is currently enjoying a fast start to the season with PSV, scoring six goals in 11 Eredivisie appearances.
Pepi came through the FC Dallas academy and made his MLS debut in 2019 at the age of 16, but two years later became one of the top strikers in the division. In 2021, Pepi scored 13 goals in 31 league games and was named MLS Young Player of the Year.
In January 2022, Pepi was signed by Bundesliga club FC Augsburg for $20 million plus add-ons, which made him the most expensive American MLS player. He spent two seasons in Germany before joining PSV, and signed a five-year contract in 2023.
Despite being 21, Pepi already has experience in three senior leagues, has become an established international, and has shown he is capable of performing among Europe’s elite. As a result, PSV has reportedly placed a $27 million price tag on Pepi.
Antonee Robinson (USMNT, Fulham)
Liverpool is also seriously interested in Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, with TBR Football reporting that the club could include Kostas Tsimikas as part of the deal. Robinson is considered a key player by Fulham, meaning an interested club would need to part with $50 million to open negotiations.
The Reds are willing to offer Tsimikas as an instant replacement, and also in an effort to reduce the price tag. Liverpool’s first-choice left-back, Andy Robertson, has also struggled for consistency this season, meaning it would bring healthy competition to that position.
Robinson would also be the long-term option going forward, and has displayed his crossing abilities at Fulham while also showing defensive qualities. The 27-year-old has spent four seasons in the Premier League, and has ties to Merseyside.
The USMNT star, who was born in England, was a member of Everton’s youth academy but never made an appearance for the Toffees. Fulham would be willing to sell Robinson for the right price, but would prefer a summer transfer.
