Liverpool can strike five deals after Olympics with 'next Paul Pogba' on transfer list

Liverpool could be scouting for fresh talent at the Paris 2024 Olympics as Arne Slot prepares to make his first summer signing. Despite football not being a headline event at the Summer Games, emerging players can still use it as a valuable chance to showcase their skills at the international level.

With only three players over the age of 23 permitted in each country’s squad, clubs will be watching out for any young stars who shine during the tournament. And as stalwarts like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk approach the twilight of their Anfield careers, the club may be looking for youthful replacements.

And where better to discover a future star than in the competition originally used to test athletic prowess? Here, we examine some of the young Olympians that Slot might consider, several of whom have been linked with Liverpool in the past.

Ilaix Moriba

Ilaix Moriba was once considered among the cream of Europe’s youth crop after impressing in Barcelona’s La Masia academy before his contract expired in 2019. The player tipped to be the ‘next Paul Pogba’ chose to stay with the Catalan giants and become part of the first team but was eventually sold to RB Leipzig in 2021, a time when the Reds were said to be interested.

However, the midfielder hasn’t lived up to expectations in the subsequent years and struggled to impress during loan stints at Valencia and Getafe. But at 21, he still possesses immense potential and plenty of time to turn his fortunes around.

The box-to-box prospect is in action for his birth country Guinea at Paris 2024 and is expected to play a pivotal role for his team, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to New Zealand in their first match. If Moriba can light up this tournament with his ball-handling and rare athleticism, Liverpool may reconsider adding him to Slot’s shortlist and add some needed depth in midfield.

Rayan Cherki

Liverpool have had their eye on Lyon up-and-comer for around four years after he made his senior debut in 2019 and immediately showed promise. The 20-year-old – whose value stands at £21.3m, according to Transfermarkt – has remained with the club he joined as a tyke and earned plaudits as arguably Lyon’s finest academy product.

Though he plays mainly as a technical No 10, Cherki’s ability to play on either wing could see Liverpool reignite their interest in future. It also plays in Slot’s favour that the France attacker – who is getting experience under the management of Thierry Henry this summer – has a contract at the Groupama Stadium expiring in 2025, though Lyon are attempting to tie him down on new terms.

The Reds are reportedly eyeing up Cherki as a potential long-term replacement for Salah, whose days on Merseyside could be winding down. Often compared to Eden Hazard, Liverpool are all but certain to have competition if they decide to go in for another Ligue 1 export making major waves.

Federico Redondo

Promising Argentinian anchor Federico Redondo has also been linked with Liverpool in the past and could follow in the footsteps of compatriot Alexis Mac Allister. The pair each attended the academy of Argentinos Juniors, which also happened to produce a certain icon by the name of Diego Maradona.

Redondo, 21, was due to be out of contract this year, sparking interest from top clubs including Liverpool and Manchester United. However, David Beckham-owned Inter Miami managed to secure his signature, with the chance to play alongside Argentina icon Lionel Messi evidently proving too tempting.

Born in Madrid where his father, Fernando, made over 200 appearances for European titleholders Real, Redondo’s football pedigree is undeniable. His style of play has even drawn comparisons to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets, whom he now shares a dressing room with.

Omar Fayed

Egypt have a lot to be excited about in centre-back Omar Fayed, who could be a long-term solution at the heart of Liverpool’s defence. As fate would have it, the youngster graduated from the same academy that produced Reds icon Salah, though he’s already left Egyptian outfit Al Mokwaloon far behind.

Now plying his trade at Fenerbahce and having spent last season on loan with Serbian club Novi Pazar, the towering 6ft 6in defender seems tailor-made for a switch to Liverpool. With rumours swirling about Salah and the ageing Van Dijk potentially leaving next season, Fayed could step into their shoes on several fronts.

Fayed, 21, is yet to put a foot wrong so far in Paris and kept a clean sheet in his team’s opening draw with the Dominican Republic. And he’ll look to maximise his time working under new boss Jose Mourinho, who knows a thing or two about what makes an elite central defender.

Joel Chima Fujita

A former captain of Japan’s under-21 side, Joel Chima Fujita will again don the national team colours with high expectations at the 2024 Olympics. Fujita was born in Japan to a Nigerian father but later transferred to Belgian side Sint-Truiden last summer after impressing for Yokohama F. Marinos.

Fujita fits the profile of the midfielder Liverpool are believed to be scouting for, combing technical skills with the ability to disrupt opposition attacks. His key role in Japan’s 5-0 thrashing of Paraguay in their first Olympic match could be the first step to a medal, which would almost certainly lead to an increase in interest from clubs across Europe.

The 22-year-old already has experience against Premier League-calibre stars, too, after a standout performance against England’s under-21 side in 2023. Japan emerged as 2-0 victors over a Young Lions team that comprised Reds star Harvey Elliott, Anthony Gordon, and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke in what would have been a hugely valuable test of his qualities.