Liverpool latest: Joelinton deal causes issues as Wirtz transfer tactics may be repeated
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Liverpool are starting to turn their attention to the summer transfer window with just under a month of the season remainingA stuttering defence of their Premier League crown and the forthcoming departures of two club icons suggest Liverpool are set for another busy summer of activity. Nevertheless, as football dictates, the game moves on swiftly.Plans will undoubtedly be in motion to strengthen Arne Slot's squad ahead of next season - assuming he retains his position - with conspicuous weaknesses throughout his side having blighted much of the campaign.We examine the indirect influence Newcastle midfielder Joelinton could have on Liverpool's summer transfer activity, with the club potentially looking to replicate the Florian Wirtz deal.Joelinton's transfer impact on RedsLiverpool's failure to replace Luis Diaz last summer, combined with Mohamed Salah's imminent departure, makes recruiting wingers this summer an absolute priority.
One wide player who has been connected with a switch to Anfield is Hoffenheim prospect Bazoumana Toure.According to Sky Sports Germany, the 20-year-old is a potential target owing to his outstanding debut season in the Bundesliga, registering three goals and 11 assists in 27 appearances across all competitions.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageWith Toure tied to Hoffenheim until 2029, the club hold a powerful bargaining position and are believed to be poised to make the Ivory Coast international their priciest departure to date.
That distinction currently belongs to Joelinton, who was offloaded for £40million by the Bundesliga outfit when joining Newcastle in 2019.Due to the Brazilian's substantial transfer fee, Hoffenheim have elevated their expectations when dealing with Premier League sides. With him, it's like this: if there's interest – which you can tell because he delivers week after week – then it has to be in a league that Hoffenheim hasn't seen before."Possible repeat of Wirtz coupLiverpool's acquisition of Florian Wirtz last season was remarkable for several reasons.