With planning already underway for 2026 signings, one player’s agent has now revealed where his client sees himself playing amid interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.
Klopp becomes latest to defend Florian Wirtz
After Julian Nagelsmann jumped to the defence of Wirtz last week, iconic former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has done the same. The midfield star has so far struggled to adapt to life at Anfield – failing to score or assist in seven Premier League games – but maintains the full faith of those watching on.
“His quality is so outstanding, the discussions are a bit exaggerated. Liverpool just lost three games in a row, which is unusual.
“But that’s also normal in life and that’s why such things are discussed there. [Wirtz is] a once-in-a-century talent, and at some point he’ll show that in every game again — just as he did at Leverkusen.” (Klopp on Wirtz)
It’s true that the former Bayer Leverkusen star has endured a tough start in Liverpool colours, but it’s also true that Arne Slot’s side haven’t been firing on all cylinders as a whole.
When Wirtz emerged from the bench against Chelsea, it quickly became clear that he’s not the problem in a Liverpool side that entered the international break off the back of three straight losses.
Questions have, therefore, been asked all throughout the break and those questions must receive an answer against Manchester United in a game Liverpool simply must win.
The Reds’ recent form has also sparked a number of transfer enquiries. Despite spending big in the summer, breaking their transfer record twice to sign Wirtz and then Alexander Isak, those at Anfield could yet welcome further reinforcements in 2026.
Among them could even be one player who already has his transfer preference in mind ahead of the 2026 window.
Fofana's agent outlines transfer preference
Among Liverpool’s targets is Malick Fofana, according to Caught Offside. The £50m-rated winger looks destined for great things with the Reds, Chelsea and others keeping a watchful eye on his development at Lyon.
Amid such interest, the ball seems to be in the Belgian’s court and his agent has set his sights on big things as a result. Speaking to reporters about his client, Frederico Pena said: “This is the season Fofana wants to show himself to the world, especially at the World Cup. If he succeeds, he can go from Lyon to a top ten club. We strongly believe in him at Roc Nation. Liverpool, Bayern, Man City – those are the clubs he belongs at.”
Name-dropping Liverpool rather than Chelsea alongside the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Fofana’s agent has just handed those at Anfield quite the boost.
Given that Mohamed Salah’s contract is set to expire in 2027, the Lyon star wouldn’t exactly be a bad option. The 20-year-old has the ability to play on both flanks and was described as “explosive” by analyst Ben Mattinson last season after scoring 11 goals and setting up another six in all competitions.