Liverpool are keeping their options open ahead of the summer transfer season, which is expected to be hectic. With Jurgen Klopp stepping down as manager, the Reds are entering a new chapter, which will most likely include some intriguing new acquisitions.
Currently, Joël Matip, Thiago, and Adrián are expected to leave as free agents at the end of the season, but other players may potentially depart. The key exit link is Mohamed Salah, who is still wanted by Saudi Arabia, but whether Liverpool can sign him to a new contract or cash in this summer remains to be seen.
In any case, the Reds are trying to bolster several areas of the pitch, the most important of which being the backline following this season’s injury issues. At some point this season, all of Liverpool’s senior full-backs have been injured, requiring Joe Gomez to play out of position and Conor Bradley to step up.
Matip has been declared out for the season, while Ibrahima Konaté has missed a few games with a muscular injury, leaving the centre-back options scant. So, as Liverpool seeks cover, they have been connected with a number of prospective candidates, one of them being Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly.
The versatile defender has been on their radar for some time, and as he approaches the conclusion of his contract, other clubs are expressing interest as well. According to a January report from Football Insider, Kelly was eligible to initiate pre-contract talks with other clubs during the winter window, but he did not want to rush anything.
AC Milan, Juventus, and numerous Bundesliga clubs had expressed interest, but the 25-year-old refused to pre-agree terms with a club abroad, implying that he may prefer to stay in England. While this bodes well for Liverpool, Newcastle United has now emerged on the scene.
According to the Daily Mail, negotiations between the player and the Magpies are ‘going in the background’ before he becomes a free agent this summer. Signing a player for free is an excellent method to stay on the right side of FFP laws, therefore Liverpool must be prepared to compete for their defensive target.
Kelly has been associated with Bournemouth for some time, and former Cherries manager Jonathan Woodgate believed he would eventually go on to a bigger challenge. In 2021, Woodgate hailed him as ‘a bit of a Rolls-Royce’ and stated, “He’s got talent.” He has a lot of qualities that Premier League teams strive for. I don’t see him staying at Bournemouth for long if he continues to perform like that.”
