Liverpool are showing ‘formal interest’ in Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure, according to a report from Fussball Daten, as they plan for significant squad changes this summer. The club is also considering Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a potential replacement for Alisson Becker, who has reportedly agreed terms with Juventus.
Toure, 20, has impressed scouts with his form in the Bundesliga, scoring five goals and providing 12 assists in 29 appearances this season. Hoffenheim are reportedly willing to part with the player for a fee in the region of €50-55m (£44-48m), anticipating a significant profit on the young winger. Several other top clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Bayern Munich, are also monitoring his situation.
The pursuit of Toure comes as Liverpool seek to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season. The club intends to sign two forwards, needing a successor to Mohamed Salah, who is expected to leave on a free transfer, and a further attacker to cover for Hugo Ekitike, who is sidelined for six to nine months with an Achilles rupture. Toure’s versatility, capable of playing on either wing or as a centre-forward, makes him an attractive option for Arne Slot.
Separately, Liverpool are exploring options to replace Alisson, with Juventus having offered the Brazilian a three-year contract. While Liverpool are hesitant to match Alisson’s wage demands, they are assessing potential replacements, having previously questioned whether Giorgi Mamardashvili is ready to become their number one. Verbruggen, 21, has emerged as a viable candidate, though Brighton have set a £50m price tag for the Dutch goalkeeper, and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.
Liverpool have also made an enquiry about West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, joining Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea in expressing interest in the 21-year-old midfielder. West Ham are reportedly seeking £70m for Fernandes, who is also a target for Manchester United, where he would like to play alongside compatriot Bruno Fernandes. These moves indicate a busy summer transfer window for Liverpool as they look to rebuild their squad under their new manager.
