Liverpool look close to losing a key target to West Ham United which could open doors for them to acquire another key target, according to reports.
Mohammed Kudus moved to the East London club in the summer of 2023 from Ajax. He had a brilliant debut season with the Hammers and has attracted lots of interest across the Premier League and other leagues in Europe.
Liverpool happen to be one of those teams interested in the Ghana international, but they had prioritised the signing of a young Brazilian talent Luis Guilherme of Palmeiras.
The Reds, however, had competition from the Hammers for Guilherme and reports claim that they could lose out on the 18-year-old to West Ham.
The wonderkid recently signed a new contract with Palmeiras back in November and is tied down to the club until 2026. However, his deal reportedly includes a €55 million (£47 million) release clause.
West Ham has reportedly agreed to a bid of around €35 million (£30 million) plus bonuses. If they succeed, this frees up Kudus for Liverpool to capitalise on.
Guilherme is seen as a direct replacement for Kudus who is seen as Mohamed Salah’s long-term replacement at Liverpool. However, he has an £85 million release clause that will become active next year.
With Guilherme on the way to West Ham, Liverpool could make an approach for Kudus, who the Hammers may choose to sell because of the profit margins they could earn on the Ghanaian.
West Ham could also lose out on earning a significant income from Manchester City who were set to sign Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta from them this summer. The former Olympique Lyonnais man is being investigated for betting-related offences and is facing a ten-year ban if found guilty.
City do not look likely to pursue the deal any further which also plays into Liverpool’s hands as they could get Kudus for a cheaper price than what his release clause demands.
Meanwhile, the Reds are eyeing two more signings from Leeds United.
The Lilywhites failed to earn promotion to the Premier League as they lost their EFL Championship playoff final to Southampton. Now, they could sell a number of players, two of which Liverpool have their eyes on.
Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville, who was named the EFL Championship player of the season are the two who Liverpool want to sign.
Both players are still on long-term contracts at Elland Road and it could cost up to £50 million each to convince Leeds to allow them move to Anfield.
