Why Liverpool’s £80m target is the best signing since Szoboszlai

Liverpool are determined to get back to the top and to achieve this FSG are preparing for another big change in the transfer market.

Andoni Iraola is still entrenched as the replacement for Arne Slott, who was sacked at the start of June, and will await new signings, but he will also be keen to work with the likes of forwards Kodi Gakpo and Alexander Isaku, who made their return to international duty at the World Cup.

A disastrous Premier League title defense comes as a harsh reality for the Reds, who are now once again the hunters rather than the chasers.

Iraola could bring a struggling star back into the limelight, but Liverpool certainly need to add new quality to their squad.

Liverpool hold ‘meeting’ to sign World Cup star

There has been a lot of buzz about Liverpool signing elite forwards such as RB Leipzig’s Yann Diomande and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Bradley Barcola, but they are also in critical need of filling their midfield.

After all, both Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones face uncertain futures at Anfield, and the right deal could open the door for big-money replacements.

Dominik Szoboszlai showed flashes of brilliance last season, worthy of being Liverpool’s player of the year, but he needs more support from those around him to lead the Reds back to the top.

Liverpool lacked midfield talent last year and have been linked with midfielders such as Matheus Fernandes and Bruno Guimarães in recent years, but there is one player who stands out as someone to target.

Liverpool are in the race to sign Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouadi, according to Fabrizio Romano, despite recent revelations that Manchester City are in the process of signing the Lille star.

The prominent transfer reporter claims that “City are already in contact with parties close to the player” and hope to sign him for another year in Ligue 1 by 2027, but insists Arsenal and Liverpool are also ready to pounce on the right opportunity if it presents itself.

Liverpool and the Gunners have held “meetings” with the player’s representatives but have not yet expressed their curiosity. Citi’s rise could very well accelerate FSG’s plans.

The 18-year-old, who carries a price tag of £80 million, could be a big break and one Liverpool won’t want to miss.

Why Bouadi could be Liverpool’s best player since Szoboszlai

Bouadi is young and has little polish as a world-class midfielder, but he is well on his way and there is a feeling across the Premier League board that this is an opportunity that cannot be left begging.

The Hungarian captain is more than just a free-kick merchant, he is Liverpool’s new talisman in the centre. Without him last season, Slott’s team would undoubtedly have failed to qualify for the Champions League, the most basic requirement to live up to his stature and expectations.

Bouadi will help Szoboszlai bring a depleted Liverpool side back into the spotlight with his smooth, smart passing and almost ballet-like ability to glide around the field and make things move, something neither Mac Allister nor Jones were able to provide at Anfield last season.

He may cost a significant amount of money, but the Moroccan has the potential to become a Premier League superstar and adds a dimension that was sorely lacking under Slott last year.

It is worth noting the importance of a solid and versatile midfielder at the heart of Iraola’s system. He will require Liverpool’s midfielders to be strong, stylish and adopt a high-intensity approach when handling the ball.

While Szoboszlai has packed quite a punch over the past year and energized Liverpool’s fight against disaster by showing incredible versatility and resilience across a number of roles, Bouadi will bring an artistic edge to this team that will help them get back on top and in the hunt for the title.

Perhaps Bouadi will cement his place as Liverpool’s best player since the Hungarian completed his move to Merseyside in 2023.

Bouadi has been starring at the World Cup, but the truth is he’s been making the right noises for a while now. In Ligue 1 last year, the teenager started 28 games, made two tackles in particular, won an average of 4.7 duels each game and also completed 61% of his dribbles.

This is a young player who could rival Szoboszlai in Liverpool’s midfield next season. He will be one of the best businesses that FSG has completed in recent years.