Liverpool's dream start to transfer window as £80m deal done and Barcelona target arrives

Liverpool's dream start to transfer window as £80m deal done and Barcelona target arrivesLiverpool could make early moves for several top transfer targets in the summerCommentsSportopinionJake Bayliss Senior Sports Writer05:30, 29 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesLiverpool face an important summer transfer window(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Liverpool face several important transfer decisions at the end of the current season and could use the upcoming World Cup to their advantage. The summer tournament will disrupt many high-profile deals but the Reds can initially prioritise recruiting quality players who have missed out on a World Cup spot. ‌ Arne Slot’s side arguably suffered from not getting their transfer business done soon enough this season. The club completed a British record deal for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak on deadline day, with the transfer saga impacting the forward’s match sharpness. ‌ Meanwhile, Liverpool also looked set to sign Marc Guehi in the final hours of the window but Palace ultimately decided against the deal, with the defender later joining Manchester City. Targeting players who are not at the World Cup 2026 would represent learning from those past mistakes while allowing the summer signings more time with their new team-mates. Here is a look at how Liverpool’s dream start to the transfer window could unfold. ‌ Eli Kroupi snapped upBournemouth starlet Eli Junior Kroupi has enjoyed a breakout season in the Premier League. The 19-year-old has scored 11 times for the Cherries, averaging a league goal every 126 minutes. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page French outlet Telefoot has previously claimed that Liverpool are one of several clubs interested in the teenager, alongside Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Bournemouth have recently sold several of their players for huge fees, leading to speculation that the Cherries could demand up to £80million for the young striker. ‌ READ MORE: Alisson's stance on Liverpool exit as Juventus make transfer swap deal proposalREAD MORE: Steven Gerrard 'offered' second job by club currently managed by ex-Liverpool bossFrance U21 international Kroupi is yet to be called up to the senior side and is unlikely to be included in his country’s World Cup squad, given the other quality players manager Didier Deschamps has at his disposal. However, Liverpool could prioritise signing a striker following Hugo Ekitike’s injury. Ekitike ruptured his Achilles earlier this month and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery. While this should allow Isak to lead the line, Kroupi would offer a rotational option and be a long-term successor up front. Barcelona lose transfer battleInter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with a move away ahead of the summer transfer window. Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup could see the 27-year-old complete an early summer transfer. ‌ Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport previously reported that the centre-back’s valuation had dropped from £60m to £40m. It has since been claimed that Liverpool are set to lose out to Barcelona in the race for Bastoni’s signature. View 2 ImagesEli Junior Kroupi has enjoyed an impressive season with Bournemouth(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images) However, the Reds could make a statement by snapping up the defender as Slot prepares to revamp his defensive options. Jeremy Jacquet is already set to arrive at Anfield from Rennes and Ibrahima Konate is in talks over a new contract, while Virgil van Dijk nears the last 12 months of his current deal. ‌ Marquee signing KvaratskheliaPSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia demonstrated his quality against Liverpool as the French side knocked the Reds out of the Champions League for the second successive season. The Georgia captain will not be at this summer’s World Cup but has proven himself to be one of the game’s best wingers. The 25-year-old has been linked with Liverpool in the past. Former Georgia assistant coach David Webb also told talkSPORT he spoke to Kvaratskhelia about his interest in the Premier League during their time working together. The former Napoli star only joined PSG in January 2025 but has already been the subject of speculation over his future. Mohamed Salah’s impending departure and the club’s sale of Luis Diaz last summer mean the Reds will likely be in the market for wingers this summer. Signing a marquee player of Kvaratskhelia’s quality would reassert their place as title contenders. Article continues belowJoin our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more£44SkyGet the deal hereProduct DescriptionSky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL. Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.