Liverpool could be scouting at the Paris 2024 Olympics for potential signings this transfer window, as Arne Slot looks to make his first summer acquisition.
While soccer isn't the main attraction at the Olympic Games, it does provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on an international stage. The tournament rules allow only three players over the age of 23 in each country's squad, so clubs will be watching out for any young stars who shine during the competition, much like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams did for Spain at Euro 2024.
As stalwarts like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk approach the twilight of their Anfield careers, Liverpool may be in the market for youthful replacements. And where better to discover a future star than at the Olympics? Mirror Football has identified some of the young Olympians that Slot might consider and Liverpool.com has given our verdict.
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Ilaix Moriba: In 2021, few young players were as highly rated as Moriba. After impressing while playing for local rivals Espanyol, the midfielder made the switch to Barcelona's La Masia academy in 2010.
He quickly rose to prominence, and despite attracting interest when his contract expired in 2019, the player dubbed the 'next Paul Pogba' decided to stay with the Catalan giants and became part of Ronald Koeman's first team. However, due to Barcelona's financial difficulties during this period, it became apparent that the 18-year-old might have to be sold.
Most of the Premier League's top six expressed interest in Moriba. The player was indeed sold, but to RB Leipzig for £18.5million, a sizable fee for a teenager in 2021. Yet, in the following years, the midfielder has been a grave disappointment. He struggled to shine on loan spells at Valencia and Getafe, but at 21 still has bags of potential and time to turn things around.
With his native Guinea at Paris 2024, Moriba will play a starring role for his side, who suffered a 2-1 loss to New Zealand in their opening fixture. If Moriba can set this tournament alight with the composed ball-carrying and sheer athleticism then Liverpool may get back in touch to add something different to Slot's midfield an area they are interested in bolstering.
Liverpool.com says: Moriba is clearly very talented but it just hasn't happened for him so far. RB Leipzig is an ideal place for young talents to thrive but he would need to get his career back on track before Liverpool was keen.
Rayan Cherki: Lyon's skillful Frenchman has been on Liverpool's radar for nearly four years. The now 20-year-old made his breakthrough in 2019 and showed promise, immediately attracting interest from the Reds and Manchester United.
He has remained with the club he has been with since playing for their under-8s, becoming one of their star men and being touted as the club's best academy product. The Frenchman plays as a technical number 10, dazzling with his dribbling, but has also been utilized on either side of a striker. The player's versatility could see Liverpool jump back in for the forward.
The young forward, often compared to Eden Hazard, has just one year left on his current contract and is yet to begin negotiations for a new deal, potentially making him a bargain buy.
Liverpool.com says: Cherki has been linked with an Anfield move for ages but he probably isn't consistent enough to warrant being high up on the Reds' radar. There's something there but someone else might have to unlock it.
Federico Redondo: The promising Argentinian defensive midfielder, has also been linked with Liverpool. The youngster, who previously played for Argentinos Juniors — the same club that produced Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister — was due to be out of contract this year, sparking interest from top clubs including Liverpool and Manchester United.
However, Inter Miami, David Beckham's MLS side, managed to secure his signature, with the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi proving too tempting. Born in Madrid while his father, Fernando, was playing for Real Madrid, Redondo has soccer in his blood. His style of play has even drawn comparisons to La Liga legend Sergio Busquets, who he now plays alongside in Miami.
Liverpool.com says: There is definitely a reason to think that Liverpool should move for players directly from South America more often. That wouldn't be the case here, but Redondo seems likely to end up in Europe at some point.
Omar Fayed: Liverpool could snap up a future defensive star in the form of young Egyptian center-back Omar Fayed if he makes the move to Anfield. Interestingly, Fayed is an academy product of Al Mokwaloon, the same club that produced Liverpool legend Salah, and is considered the most promising talent to emerge from there since Salah himself.
Currently playing for Fenerbahce and having spent last season on loan in Serbia, the towering 6ft 6in defender seems tailor-made for a move to Liverpool. With rumors of Salah and the veteran Van Dijk leaving next season, Fayed could be the one to fill their shoes.
The prospect of Fayed following in Salah's footsteps, becoming an Egyptian icon at the club, and stepping into Van Dijk's role as a defensive rock is a tantalizing possibility if Liverpool decides to take the risk.
If Fayed can replicate his impressive performance at the Olympics, where he kept a clean sheet in his side's opening draw with the Dominican Republic, he could become a regular in Turkey next season under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho - who has a track record of developing players like Raphael Varane into world-class center-backs.
This could potentially open the door for this exciting Egyptian prospect to make a move to Merseyside. While this transfer might be one for the future, Fayed could use this tournament as a platform to lay the foundations for a potential move.
Liverpool.com says: The Reds need a defensive addition this summer but someone more established would be a likelier target. It needs to be someone who could one day take over from Virgil van Dijk .
Joel Chima Fujita: A former captain of Japan's Under-21 side, is set to represent his country at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Born in Japan to a Nigerian father, Fujita made a move to Belgian side Sint-Truiden last summer, leaving Yokohama F. Marinos behind in his homeland.
Fujita seems to tick all the boxes for what Liverpool are scouting for in a midfielder. His technical prowess and knack for disrupting opposition attacks could see him providing cover for Mac Allister and potentially earning a starting spot at Anfield. His instrumental role in Japan's 5-0 thrashing of Paraguay in their opening Olympic match could put him on track to help his team secure a medal, with this standout performance possibly sparking interest from clubs across Europe.
Fujita's commendable display against England's under-21 side in 2023, where his team triumphed 2-0, showcased his ability to hold his own against the likes of Harvey Elliott , another Reds target, Anthony Gordon , and Chelsea's Noni Madueke, all of whom were effectively silenced during the match, further underscoring Fujita's potential.
Liverpool might be in the market for a future-proof midfielder this summer, and Fujita's performance in the Olympics will be pivotal if he hopes to secure a high-profile transfer in the future.
Liverpool.com says: A defensive midfielder should be something Liverpool is open to this summer but it needs to be world-class, transformational player. Fujita would not represent that at the moment, at least.
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