Liverpool transfer news as triple Bundesliga raid planned but Dani Olmo deadline expires

Liverpool has been extremely quiet in the summer transfer window so far, with new head coach Arne Slot still yet to be treated to his first signing .

There have been some outgoings, with Joel Matip and Adrian leaving upon the expiry of their contracts and Thiago Alcantara announcing his retirement from soccer. Slot is yet to see the full extent of the squad handed over to him by former coach Jurgen Klopp , with key players enjoying a delayed summer break due to international tournaments.

Until then, Slot may be holding off on making any demands to the board and the coach admitted that he was happy with the group of players assembled by Klopp. That hasn't stopped Liverpool from being linked to new signings, but with a new coach and a new sporting director, its priorities have been elsewhere.

Liverpool lost its first friendly under Slot, as Championship club Preston North End won 1-0 in a behind-closed-doors game. Slot will get a proper look at his squad when the full group is together in the United States, where Liverpool faces elite opposition on its preseason tour.

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Despite the talented Liverpool roster, Slot will be allowed to make adjustments in the near future. Liverpool.com gives you the latest transfer news as the team prepares to depart for the U.S. in the coming days.

Dani Olmo's release clause expires

Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo saw his stock rise at Euro 2024 this summer, finishing the tournament as joint-top scorer and starring for Spain as they lifted the trophy. His performances led to mass interest from Europe's elite clubs, including Liverpool, and when being approached Leipzig confirmed that Olmo had a $65 million release clause.

The clause was set to expire on July 15, but due to Spain's progression through Euro 2024 that was extended to July 20. Failure to trigger that clause before the deadline meant that Leipzig could demand an inflated fee, but no teams submitted a bid in time.

That doesn't mean that a deal is off the table, but reluctance from European teams to trigger the clause suggests that Olmo will stay at Leipzig next season. Liverpool may feel there are better options elsewhere for up to $65 million.

Liverpool.com says... Olmo has certainly proven he is an elite player, and his work rate must be appreciated after being released from the Barcelona academy at the age of 16. The midfielder moved to Croatia to continue his soccer career and later earned a move to Leipzig where he has flourished.

Olmo has enjoyed the best season of his career, scoring a hat-trick as Leipzig beat Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup before winning Euro 2024 with Spain. If his form continues next season then Liverpool may pursue a deal next summer, or even in January, but it's worth the gamble to ensure it wasn't a freak 12 months.

Slot remains focused on the Bundesliga

A move for Leipzig midfielder Olmo appears unlikely, but Slot is still keeping a close eye on the Bundesliga with three players listed as top transfer targets. According to German outlet BILD, Slot has identified Bayern Munich midfielder, Joshua Kimmich, Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, and Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen as his preferred signings.

Liverpool has been linked with Frimpong all summer, with interest increasing due to Trent Alexander-Arnold's future up in the air. Slot is also keen to add an experienced holding midfielder, and Kimmich is one of the best in the world and could make an instant impact in the Premier League .

Malen is also on Slot's radar, as he looks to assemble a Dutch core at the club alongside current players Virgil van Dijk , Cody Gakpo , and Ryan Gravenberch. Malen is a versatile forward who can play centrally or out wide and perfectly fits Slot's season.

Liverpool.com says... Kimmich could be a key signing and may be available at a discounted rate as he's entered the final 12 months of his contract at Bayern. Endo was signed as a temporary option but starred in the holding midfield role last season but could use extra competition from a world-class player.

A deal for Malen isn't a priority with so many attacking options already at the club, but if Alexander-Arnold's head has been turned by Real Madrid following speculation, signing Frimpong may be essential. If Liverpool waits and Alexander-Arnold leaves the club, other teams will demand a higher fee when the Reds seek a replacement.