Transfer season is picking up at Anfield despite the fact Andoni Iraola's Liverpool are no longer in the building. The squad has jetted to the United States for its pre-season tour, which has coincided with a sudden spike of activity on the rumours front.
Now that World Cup 2026 is done and dusted, fans can expect business to pick up in a big way. And Iraola is all but certain to be more active in the coming weeks as he gets to grips with the talents at his disposal.
One World Cup star in particular looks destined to be on the move, with news that the Reds have entered the race. The ECHO has taken a deeper dive into that and more as the latest transfer headlines spell good news at Anfield.
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Ferran Torres linked with Liverpool move after World Cup final heroics
Ferran Torres is reportedly being lined up for a return to the Premier League if Liverpool get their way. The news comes on the back of Spain's extra-time triumph over Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final, where he scored the only goal.
Barcelona winger Torres came off the bench to power La Roja over the finish line in New Jersey and write his name in the history books. And that finish may help in clinching a move to Anfield this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain have been most closely linked with the player, as well as Liverpool wing target Yan Diomande. Added to the fact Les Parisiens already have Bradley Barcola, the Reds' other primary target for that position, and a showdown looks inevitable at some point this summer.
However, Torres would come a lot cheaper than those other two names given he's older and is now in the final 12 months of his contract at the Camp Nou. L'Equipe has reported Liverpool are ready to challenge PSG for his cut-price signature, which is allegedly valued somewhere between £40million and £50m. That's less than half the kind of fees being associated with Diomande and Barcola.
Meanwhile, Torres would arguably be a more natural fit given he's more accustomed to playing on the right flank, which is where the Reds have a Salah-shaped void. It's been so long since Torres spent 18 months at Manchester City before departing for Barca in January 2022, yet he's still in his prime years after turning 26 in February.
Why Barca aren't keen on extending the terms of a player who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, only they will know, but the Catalans' loss could be Liverpool's gain. In fact, Torres has averaged 20 goals per season across the past two campaigns for Barca and is an incredibly malleable asset, able to play off either wing or as a false nine. Add to that his advantage in experience having already played in the Premier League and his signature suddenly becomes that much more desirable.
Alex Scott interest grows after contract rejection at Bournemouth
Alex Scott's chances of securing a move away from Bournemouth have increased after he turned down a new contract. It's reportedly the second time in 2026 the English playmaker has rejected fresh terms at the Vitality Stadium.
Scott, 22, formed a strong connection with Iraola during their time together on the south coast. The new Liverpool chief has spoken highly of Scott in the past and would possess a key advantage in any bidding war to snag his services.
Sky Sports News reported Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are ahead of Liverpool in the hunt. And midfield doesn't appear to be a major priority for Liverpool right now, particularly given there's greater need for new faces down the right side.
However, with just two years remaining on his contract, this could be the big opportunity to get Scott on board if Iraola desires. The former Bristol City star is purportedly valued at north of £80m, with Bournemouth facing a dilemma over whether to capitalise now or risk losing their star for a heavily reduced fee in future.
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