Liverpool returns to the Europa League on Thursday night, with Jürgen Klopp yet to win the competition during his Anfield tenure. The Reds were beaten by Sevilla in Klopp’s debut season in 2016 and has been in Champions League action since then.
But the trophy is very much in Liverpool’s sights ahead of the quarter-final with Atalanta. Klopp’s side remain favorites to go on and win the competition, with the final in Dublin on May 22 potentially being his last match in charge.
The search for his successor remains ongoing though, with Rúben Amorim now the frontrunner to take over. The Portuguese could even bring a couple of his current Sporting CP players with him, if he is appointed.
It is going to be a fascinating couple of months on and off the pitch at Anfield as Liverpool gears up for a new era without its iconic manager. There will be incomings and outgoings too, with a busy transfer window expected.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, including a boost in the reported pursuit of a Ukraine international, while Tottenham is providing competition for a La Liga star.
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Liverpool is reportedly one of a number of Premier League clubs considering a move for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams at the end of the season. Williams recently helped his side win the Copa del Rey and has scored six times and provided 14 assists this season.
He is said to be open to a move to the Premier League and that has reportedly put Liverpool on alert. According to Spanish publication AS, the Reds are keen on Williams, as are Tottenham and Aston Villa.
The 21-year-old, who is the younger brother of teammate Inaki, only signed a new deal in December with his contract now running until 2027. But the Premier League sides are weighing up activating his $54m (£43m/€50m) release clause.
Tottenham is said to be prioritizing attacking options, reports The Telegraph, and is monitoring Williams with the view to a summer approach.
Liverpool.com says: The Reds are not short of attacking options in the final third right now but the situation could change in the summer. Liverpool is braced for more interest from Saudi Pro League clubs in Mohamed Salah while PSG is reportedly targeting Luis Díaz. If one of the pair does depart then a move for Williams would make sense.
Georgiy Sudakov (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Shakhtar Donetsk is reportedly planning to sell Liverpool target Georgiy Sudakov this summer. The Ukraine international has already confirmed interest from a number of clubs ahead of the transfer window opening.
