Liverpool enter talks to sign the “new Bellingham”

Andoni Iraola’s appointment as Liverpool manager presents a new era at Anfield and one that is greatly needed after the struggles of Arne Slot throughout 2025/26.

The Dutchman could only secure a fifth-placed finish just a year after claiming Premier League glory – not to mention after also being handed a £450m transfer war chest.

His replacement has gained a reputation for his free-flowing attacking football after guiding Bournemouth to Europe last term for the first time in their history.

However, if Iraola is to be the man to lead the Reds back towards an English top-division title, he may need his own pool of cash to make the needed improvements to the senior ranks.

The transfer window’s opening on Monday has presented the perfect opportunity for the Reds board to hand the new boss the platform needed for a memorable first season on Merseyside.

Liverpool enter talks to sign £60m star this summer

The ongoing World Cup always presents the chance for players to put themselves in the shop window for a potential big money move to take their career to the next level.

Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi has done exactly that in recent matches, with his performances against Brazil and Scotland leading to interest from Liverpool.

The Reds have already entered talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a move to Anfield, but Arsenal are also said to be closely monitoring his progress.

The 18-year-old isn’t the only midfielder who has caught the eye of the Reds’ recruitment team this tournament, as a move for German star Felix Nmecha now appears to be in the pipeline.

According to BILD, Liverpool have also entered talks with the Borussia Dortmund star’s entourage to gain more information on what’s needed to complete a move this window.

The report states Manchester United are another English side to make a move for the 25-year-old who netted the opening goal in his nation’s 7-1 win over Curaçao.

Any move would likely be an expensive one for Iraola’s men this summer, as the Bundesliga outfit are set to demand at least £60m to part ways with the former Manchester City youngster.

Why Nmehca would be a better signing than Bouaddi for Liverpool

Despite Liverpool’s hunt for added attacking reinforcements this summer, Iraola and the hierarchy appear to believe that further signings are needed at the heart of the side.

Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have been the go-to partnership at the base of the midfield in recent years – subsequently playing a vital role in the title-winning season of 2024/25.

However, the former of the aforementioned duo still continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, whilst the latter failed to replicate his best performances from the year prior.

Curtis Jones could also depart Anfield during the ongoing transfer window, as Inter Milan have already made an offer to land the Englishman’s signature.

A move for Bouaddi could be a tempting one for the hierarchy, but they will have to fend off interest from current Premier League champions Arsenal for his services.

However, the Reds board should desperately be looking past the Moroccan international this summer and prioritise a deal to sign Dortmund talent Nmecha.

Both players are undoubtedly top-level talents and options who could improve Iraola’s midfield, but the German talent is a player who would offer more throughout 2026/27 and beyond.

The 25-year-old, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by national team boss Julien Nagelsmann as the “the new Jude Bellingham” in some circles at Dortmund, managed to complete more of his passes last term, whilst also creating more chances per 90.

Both of the aforementioned figures highlight his excellent ability to dictate the play from deep-lying positions – something which Iraola will no doubt crave on Merseyside.

The German star also managed to register more shots per 90, whilst registering more league goals – further highlighting his quality within the forward areas of the pitch.

Nmecha’s dominance over Bouaddi is further evident without the ball at his feet, as he made more interceptions per 90 whilst also winning more of the ground duels he entered.

His higher tally of aerial duels won per 90 also makes him a more all-round threat for the Reds – whether that be in the attacking or defensive third at Anfield.

Both players are no doubt set to secure big-money moves away from their respective clubs after the World Cup, but the Reds’ focus must be on a move for the Dortmund star.

£60m would be an expensive deal for Iraola and the hierarchy, but it would see the new boss land a new midfielder and one who is perfect for his high-press yet possession-based system.