Liverpool's Summer Transfer Rumors: Diomande, Bartishvili, and More
Liverpool’s summer is starting to sound like a squad in mid‑attack: options everywhere, angles opening up, and no shortage of noise.
A Georgian teenager joins the rumor mill
The latest name to flicker onto Liverpool’s radar comes from the Georgian second tier. Andria Bartishvili, an attacking midfielder contracted to Kolkheti Poti and on loan at Iberia 1999, has been linked with both Liverpool and Arsenal, with Paris FC also mentioned as a possible destination.
A social media account tracking Georgian players reported that the teenager has no agreement with Arsenal and could yet head to Liverpool or Paris. Bartishvili then shared that post on his Instagram story, a small gesture that poured more fuel on the speculation without saying a single word.
For a player operating outside Europe’s major leagues, that kind of attention tells its own story.
Wilson heads for Elland Road
One former Liverpool winger is on the move. Harry Wilson, now a free agent after leaving Fulham, is closing in on a switch to Leeds United.
After a strong season for the Wales international, several clubs showed interest. Leeds look to have won that race, with Wilson set to bring his left foot and set-piece threat to Elland Road.
Musiala revels in Wirtz partnership
While Liverpool’s future is being shaped in the market, one of their current stars is making waves on the international stage. Jamal Musiala has been speaking about how much he enjoys lining up with Florian Wirtz for Germany, with the pair central to Julian Nagelsmann’s plans.
“I’m really enjoying it,” Musiala told GFNG. “I think Flo and I play really well together.
“The whole team is in great form. No matter which position I play, I can combine with anyone. But it’s true: Flo and I harmonize very well on the field.
“It’s simply fun to have this relaxed feel and free atmosphere on the pitch. We want to show what we’re capable of at this tournament. I push myself every day for that.
“But what I’ve learned in the meantime is to remain patient. I know that, especially after my injury, I have to be patient.
“But I also know that I have the quality to achieve the high goals I’ve set for myself one day. I’m not putting any pressure on myself.”
For Liverpool, every positive word about Wirtz only underlines the status of a player already viewed as one of Europe’s elite attacking midfielders.
Bouaddi on the radar
Another teenager under close watch is Ayyoub Bouaddi. Speaking on Born and Red’s YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Liverpool have already met the Lille youngster’s camp twice.
“Liverpool had two meetings and there are more clubs involved in that [than just PSG and Arsenal], so could be an opportunity to go for him,” Romano said. “It depends on price, it depends on what Lille want to do, but Liverpool have been scouting the player for a long time.
“It has been almost one year monitoring the player closely. Let’s see if they enter this one. I think it could be interesting, not just for Liverpool but for other clubs.”
The groundwork has clearly been laid. Whether Liverpool push the button will now hinge on Lille’s demands.
Gakpo’s future under scrutiny
Not every established name is guaranteed to stay. According to Football Insider, Liverpool would be prepared to listen to substantial offers for Cody Gakpo this summer.
The Dutch forward signed a new deal only a year ago and delivered 18 goals in his first season, but his second campaign under Arne Slot did not hit the same heights. If a serious bid lands on the table, Liverpool are said to be open to a conversation.
Jones wanted, Jones protected
Curtis Jones, by contrast, remains firmly in the club’s plans. The Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele reports that Liverpool are preparing for next season with the midfielder very much in mind, despite aggressive interest from Inter Milan.
Liverpool have already rejected a second Inter offer worth $29m, far short of their $47m valuation, and the approach is said to have irritated the Anfield hierarchy. Talks are not thought to be completely dead, but the working assumption on Merseyside is that Jones will be part of Andoni Iraola’s squad.
Diomande: the saga of the summer
If there is one name defining Liverpool’s window, it is Yan Diomande.
Steele claims the 19‑year‑old “definitely” wants to move this summer and that there is frustration in his camp at how long a deal is taking. What was expected to be a swift transfer now looks likely to drag on, potentially beyond the World Cup.
RB Leipzig are holding firm at a $148m (€130m) valuation, having already rejected Liverpool’s opening bid of around $115m (€100m). The price is huge, but there are signs the German club may ultimately accept that a sale is inevitable.
Steele is adamant Liverpool will get it done, stating: “I really do, I do think this one will happen.”
Reports in France go even further. MediaFoot claim Paris Saint‑Germain have “thrown in the towel” on Diomande, with football advisor Luis Campos said to have spoken to both Leipzig and the player before deciding not to enter a bidding war. The asking price is reported to be beyond PSG’s budget.
The same report suggests Liverpool have reached an agreement with Diomande’s representatives and now only need to strike a fee with Leipzig. If that proves accurate, the final act of this saga will be played out between two clubs, not three.
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes the chase is worth it. Speaking to Liverpool.com on behalf of OLBG, he described Diomande as an ideal successor to Luis Diaz, who left for Bayern Munich a year ago.
“He’s a very, very attractive player,” Heskey said. “We’ve been missing that. We were so blessed on the wings — we had Mo and Mane for many years.
“Then Mane left and Diaz came, and Diaz not only gave you what he gave you on the wing, he went up front as well and gave you something different.
“Since Diaz, we haven’t really had that winger who can do that, and Diomande looks like he could be it. And let’s not just look at what he does going forward — he tracks back and works hard.
“He’s super quick and direct, which is exactly what we need and what we’ve been missing.”
Liverpool know exactly what they are paying for. The question is whether they are willing to go all the way to Leipzig’s number.
Barcola on standby
While Diomande dominates the headlines, another wide option sits in the background. Fabrizio Romano reports that talks between Paris Saint‑Germain and Bradley Barcola are “completely on standby”, potentially giving Liverpool and Arsenal renewed hope.
Both English clubs are said to have the French international on their winger shortlists, with Liverpool monitoring him closely after also shortlisting him last year. Romano describes the situation as “absolutely open”, dependent on PSG’s next move.
If Diomande proves too expensive, Barcola’s name will only grow louder.
Palestra offered, Chelsea pounce
One full-back has already slipped through Liverpool’s fingers. Ben Jacobs reports that Marco Palestra was offered to both Liverpool and Arsenal before Chelsea hijacked Inter Milan’s pursuit of the Atalanta defender.
Chelsea now look set to win the race, with a $57m (€50m) deal agreed and the 21‑year‑old choosing Stamford Bridge over San Siro. For Liverpool, it was an option explored but never taken.
Alternatives and a brewing duel with Newcastle
Liverpool’s recruitment team have not put all their eggs in the Diomande basket. The Athletic claim that if Leipzig refuse to budge, the Reds have a list of alternatives that includes Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Cologne’s Said El Mala.
Newcastle United are watching the same market. The Magpies are tracking both El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez‑Pardo, two names also under consideration at Anfield should the Diomande deal collapse.
Liverpool recently snatched Victor Munoz from under Newcastle’s nose. If both clubs now move for the same wide targets, the next battle between Anfield and St James’ Park could be fought in the boardroom rather than on the pitch.
Loans, pathways and a new arrival
While the first team dominates the headlines, Liverpool are quietly reshaping the pathway beneath it. According to The Athletic, seven youngsters are set for loan moves, including one who has not even pulled on a red shirt yet.
Trey Nyoni is among those being considered for a temporary spell away, although a final decision will come later in the summer. Goalkeeper Armin Pecsi, defenders Luke Chambers and Amara Nallo, midfielder James McConnell and winger Kieran Morrison are all expected to head out to gain senior experience.
Left-back Owen Beck, recovering from injury, will stay put for now. New signing Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who officially joins this summer after a deal was struck in January, is also likely to go straight out on loan despite not having played for the club yet.
It is a clear signal: the pathway is open, but it runs through men’s football, not just academy fixtures.
Fernandes checked, but at a price
Liverpool have also done their homework on West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Romano told Born ’N Red that the club contacted West Ham two weeks ago to clarify his situation and understand the price and conditions of any potential move.
No bid followed, and there have been no formal talks since. The reason is obvious. Fernandes is expected to cost more than $112m (£85m), a figure close to Liverpool’s offer for Diomande. With Manchester United and Tottenham both said to be “busy” on the deal, the market around the Brazilian is already fierce.
For Liverpool, one big swing in midfield or attack looks likely. Two at those prices would be a statement of a different scale.
The window is still young, the noise is only growing, and Liverpool are circling some of Europe’s brightest talents. The only unknown now is which of these names will be running out at Anfield when the season starts — and which will be remembered as the one that got away.
