Why Burnley hold the keys for Liverpool’s potential Domenico Berardi move
Why Burnley hold the keys for Liverpool’s potential Domenico Berardi move
Liverpool’s quiet summer
Liverpool have had a quiet summer on the incomings front, with only Ibrahim Konate arriving on Merseyside. Meanwhile, several fringe players have departed, and a number of senior players have had their contracts extended, meaning that despite the illusion, it has not been a bad window.
Liverpool are closing in on a deal for RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konaté, according to the Athletic. Many people view him as a bigger talent than Dayot Upamecano, and he would be a very smart signing for Liverpool. #LFC #RBL
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) March 29, 2021
Nevertheless, when other sides around them continue to spend record-setting amounts, it is easy to think it has been.
In fact, Klopp hinted ahead of the new Premier League season that players would have to leave the club before he made any further signings, saying that:
“You have to make changes from time to time, but then there must be room to do it. We do not want more players.”
🚨 NEW: Jurgen Klopp appears to have hinted that Liverpool will not sign any more players until some leave the club.
“You have to make changes from time to time, but then there must be room to do it. We do not want more players.” #awlive [tv2] pic.twitter.com/mwHcwcWod2
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) August 11, 2021
Since these comments, Shaqiri has been subject of significant interest from French side Lyon, but the Ligue 1 outfit have, as of yet, been unable to find the money to make an offer deemed acceptable by Jurgen Klopp.
🚨 NEW: Liverpool are waiting for Lyon to return with an improved offer for Xherdan Shaqiri. #awlive [liverpool echo] pic.twitter.com/Ns7JDQpRSs
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) August 18, 2021
Lyon, in turn, are awaiting an injection of funds from Lyon, with the Lancashire outfit having made a bid for winger Maxwel Cornet.
Re: Maxwel Cornet | Lyon intend to accept the €16m + bonuses offer from Burnley made today. The problem? Cornet would prefer to move to Hertha Berlin, who have shown interest, but can’t offer anywhere close to the Premier League club’s bid. Burnley must now persuade Cornet.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) August 13, 2021
This sale would, in turn, allow Lyon to purchase Shaqiri, which would free up a squad space in Klopp’s Liverpool side.
Berardi hands in transfer request
Meanwhile, long-time Liverpool target Domenico Berardi has, as per several Italian outlets, handed in a transfer request today.
With just days to go before the start of the season, it’s reported Domenico Berardi has asked Sassuolo for a transfer and is available for under €30m https://t.co/rwfhHTXUMT #Sassuolo #SerieA #SerieATIM #ACMilan
— footballitalia (@footballitalia) August 18, 2021
The winger fits the profile that Liverpool are looking to add to their squad this summer, with Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane both due to miss a month of Premier League action through Africa Cup of Nations commitments for Egypt and Senegal respectively.
Liverpool will reportedly have to fight off interest from Fiorentina and AC Milan, but Sassuolo may prefer to sell abroad, especially to the more money-heavy Premier League.
To make the deal work, however, the Merseyside outfit are reliant on a favour from Sean Dyche and his side.
Read more:
Liverpool transfer news: Sanches boost, Berardi interest & Salah contract update
Burnley ‘make an offer’ for Lyon’s Maxwel Cornet