Liverpool transfer round-up: Thiago Alcantara latest as Klopp eyes clear-out

Despite having clinched their first league title in 30 years this summer, Liverpool have been relatively quiet on the transfers front.

Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana have left the club, while Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas has been the sole arrival ahead of the Premier League’s return in seven days’ time.

Liverpool are blessed with one of the finest first XIs in world football, but have lacked depth at times, particularly at full-back, hence the arrival of Tsimikas.

Jürgen Klopp will be aiming to defend his first Premier League title, and may engage in some further transfer activity before the window closes in October.

Here is the latest Liverpool transfer round-up.

Wijnaldum on way out at Anfield

Liverpool could be set to lose one of their most important players this summer, as Georginio Wijnaldum has begun to attract interest from across Europe.

The Dutch midfielder has been an integral part of Liverpool’s recent success in the league and Champions League, performing a role many would consider to be underappreciated.

It now looks likely that Wijnaldum will depart Anfield, with Barcelona a probable destination, according to Goal.com.

New Barca boss Ronald Koeman seems intent on linking up with his compatriot with whom he has worked at international level for the Netherlands. Barcelona are confident they will be able to secure a deal given he is into the final year of his Liverpool contract.

Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad have reported that extensive talks have already taken place and that Barcelona are close to securing the signing of Wijnaldum, as well as his countrymate Memphis Depay.

Thiago cryptic on transfer links

Spain midfielder Thiago remained cautious and refused to comment on specific transfer links following Spain’s 1-1 draw with Germany in the UEFA Nations League.

The 29-year-old had been set to leave Bayern Munich this summer, but insisted in a post-match interview that he was “happy” to be at the club.

This comes after Bayern head coach Hansi Flick conceded that he expects the decorated playmaker to leave the club this summer.

“Bayern is my home and I am happy to be there,” Thiago told ZDF reporters.

Thiago’s campaign with the German club restarts on September 18 but the transfer window remains open until October 6 – so negotiations over his future could still take place for another month.

Klopp eyes clear-out

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is believed to be keen on cutting the numbers in his first-team squad ahead of the new season, according to Metro.

The 53-year-old has been known to be ruthless rather than sentimental and the departures of Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren indicate he is intent on offloading a handful of fringe figures.

Many of those suggested for permanent moves away have been on loan in recent years, with the likes of Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo and Ben Woodburn tipped for the exit door.

Serbian midfielder Marko Grujić could also be set to depart despite encouraging form on loan at Hertha BSC over the past two seasons.

It is believed that Klopp hopes to raise some transfer funds from these sales, in the event that he may need to supplement his squad in future.