Liverpool 'prepare' offer for first summer transfer as Aston Villa make up minds on forward's future
Our take on some of the latest Premier League transfer rumours.
The Premier League is down to its final fixtures and soon, focus will shift entirely to the summer transfer window. The champions have already been crowned and the relegation spots are finalised, but there are still European spots to play for in these last remaining weeks.
We’ve taken a look at some of the latest Premier League transfer rumours, including early talks of how new champions Liverpool will bolster their squad ahead of an exciting title-defending 2025/26 season.
Liverpool prepare offer for Barcelona star
Liverpool are looking to strengthen more than just their attack and defence this summer. Even after their midfield restructure in 2023, the Reds remained eagle-eyed on the market for more potential recruits. Frenkie de Jong is one of the latest names to pop up on the radar and the rumours are moving quickly.
According to Fichajes, Liverpool are ‘preparing’ an offer of €40 million (£34m) to try and sign the Dutch midfielder this summer. The 29-year-old’s current contract is due to expire next year and Barca are ‘willing’ to listen to suitable offers, due to the club’s current financial situation.
Arsenal and Manchester City are also reportedly interested in De Jong but compatriot Slot, who will know the midfielder well from the Eredivisie, wants to create a ‘fluid engine’ in his team and has outlined De Jong as a ‘key player’ in his plan.
The 3AM Verdict: The report says that Liverpool’s approach for De Jong is ‘strategic’, which seems to be a good way of describing it. The Reds aren’t necessarily in need of new midfielders but having someone of De Jong’s capability in the rotation will be a huge asset. Liverpool have big signings on their mind but with the Barcelona midfielder entering the final 12 months of his current contract, they can likely negotiate a cost-effective fee to bring him in without breaking too much into their funds for a new centre-forward.
Aston Villa make up their minds on selling forward
Aston Villa have decided they will sell Leon Bailey this summer. After ongoing speculation, Football Insider has reported that the Villans are ‘definitely’ open to offers for the winger, who has struggled for regular game time this season.
The outlet recently reported that Unai Emery and co are looking to revamp their attack and Bailey is one of the names on the outgoing list as they plan to replace him. The arrivals of Donyell Malen, Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio have limited the Jamaica international’s chances of starting and it is thought that he no longer has a future at the club.
Saudi Arabian clubs have been showing interest in Bailey, so Villa can look to squeeze a decent sum out of a sale.
The 3AM Verdict: Villa have a lot to consider this summer when it comes to their attack. Ollie Watkins has been linked with an exit and the future of Marcus Rashford remains a murky talking point. Bailey has slipped significantly down the pecking order and has been deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park. Transfermarkt currently value Bailey at €32 million (£27m), which could see them earn a small profit after initially signing him for £25 million.