Liverpool is out of the Europa League, meaning its only hope of adding to the League Cup secured earlier this season is securing the Premier League title. That would still be quite the send-off for Jürgen Klopp, but it looks to be a long shot.
If nothing else, though, Liverpool did not suffer double jeopardy, with its aggregate loss to Atalanta highly unlikely to endanger its Champions League spot for next season. The Premier League now looks highly unlikely to claim a fifth qualifying place, but despite stuttering form, Klopp’s side remain comfortably within the top four.
For very different reasons, Manchester United is unlikely to be directly affected either. There may be a trickle-down effect in terms of the places available in lesser European competitions, but even five places would probably not be enough to get Erik ten Hag’s side back in the Champions League.
Yet with Manchester United’s new minority owners and Liverpool’s new manager, the two old rivals are both embarking on new eras of one kind or another. And while it’s clear which team is in ruder health currently, it seems they could go head-to-head in the transfer market this summer.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. It includes two apparent battles with Manchester United for up-and-coming stars.
Mikayil Faye (Barcelona)
It was a tough week for Barcelona, as PSG completed a Champions League comeback. There had been whispers of a U-turn on Xavi’s decision to leave, but it now looks as though he will depart as expected.
He will leave behind a mixed managerial legacy. But one thing he has certainly done is nurture La Masia talent, with the likes of Pedri, Gavi and most recently Lamine Yamal becoming key players.
Mikayl Faye has not yet made that same step. But the 19-year-old has impressed in Barcelona’s youth ranks, to the point where Liverpool and Manchester United are ‘pushing’ to sign the center-back.
But at a crunch meeting on Wednesday, Barcelona reaffirmed that Faye is part of the plans at the Nou Camp. The player himself is also keen to stay and establish himself.
Faye will seek to make an impression in pre-season, where he will join up with the first team. Barcelona previously rejected a $10m (£8m/€9m) bid in January.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool taking a look at young center-backs, is it? That makes sense, with Joël Matip on his way out and Virgil van Dijk the wrong side of 30.
But Faye might even be a little too young. Liverpool, after all, has Jarell Quansah already in a similar squad role. Michael Edwards and new sporting director Richard Hughes cannot neglect the medium-term when looking at the long-term.
Gustavo Nunes (Grêmio)
Continuing the theme further up the pitch, Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly set to do battle for Gustavo Nunes, dubbed ‘Gustavinho’ by the fans. Manchester City and Arsenal, are also taking an interest, despite the teenager only making his debut in February.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United sent a scout to watch Nunes in a recent Copa Libertadores loss, where he was a half-time substitute. That comes as the new INEOS regime intend to place ‘greater focus on emerging South American talent’ in an effort to use resources better amid Financial Fair Play considerations.
Liverpool.com says: Perhaps more than the individual player here, it’s interesting that Manchester United is aiming to break South America, and just as interesting that Liverpool seems to be right there with it. It’s a move that certainly seems to make sense.
After all, Liverpool is not without a scouting presence there. It was aware of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez long before they eventually joined for big money; Alexis Mac Allister is another from the continent who was only signed after first seeing his price tag balloon in Europe.
Of course, waiting for this intermediate step gives Liverpool some more certainty. But as it gets ever harder to compete, making money go further is important, and Gustavo Nunes could be a good start.
