Journalist: Liverpool will not Sign ‘World-Class’ Forward This Summer | OneFootball

Rodrygo Not Happening: What Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy Tells Us This Summer

The summer transfer window has already seen Liverpool take a dramatically different approach compared to the stability of the Klopp years. With Arne Slot now preparing for his second season at the helm — fresh off a historic Premier League title in his debut campaign — the club has made its intentions clear: dominate again, and do so with fresh firepower.

But not every rumour is bearing fruit. Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index, journalist David Lynch revealed that one long-linked name is no longer on the agenda. “I understand that Liverpool are not going to progress with a deal to sign Rodrygo,” Lynch said. “I’m not sure about the reasons but I’ve been told very firmly that this isn’t something that is going to happen.”

Focus Shifts From Rodrygo

Rodrygo was seen by many as a potential replacement should Luis Diaz depart. But Liverpool appear to have pivoted. Lynch suggested this might be due to financial factors, saying: “It could be because of the finances, but there will be other targets out there if Luis Diaz does leave.”

This points to a broader pattern: Liverpool are casting a wide net and moving decisively. Names like Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have already arrived, all bringing technical quality and tactical versatility. Ongoing interest in Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi underlines the club’s willingness to keep reshaping the squad.

A Radical Rebuild

“I’ll be honest, I did not see this level of turnover coming from Liverpool and I thought they would look to avoid that,” Lynch admitted. “But I’m learning in this window that things are very different to how they have been in the past seven or eight years.”

This level of change might unsettle some, especially those who value continuity. But Liverpool’s recruitment, under Slot and a reshaped football operations team, appears measured and strategic. Rather than reactive panic-buying, there’s a sense of targeted evolution.

Photo: IMAGO

Managing Risk While Aiming Higher

“My only slight worry is that the amount of turnover could cause some problems at the start of the season,” Lynch noted, “but they don’t seem worried about that at all.”

Slot’s title-winning debut has clearly earned trust. And the club are operating from a position of strength rather than necessity. The incoming talent is young, high ceiling, and stylistically fits a pressing and possession-dominant system that Slot champions. If there is turbulence early on, the club seems confident in the long-term rewards.

More Business Expected

“There’s still so much time for more business to be done this summer too,” Lynch added. That opens up possibilities both in terms of arrivals and potential outgoings. Whether Diaz stays or moves, and whether interest in Isak or Guehi materialises into bids, Liverpool fans should be prepared for further twists.

What’s clear is that this new era is marked by ambition. Rodrygo might not be the one, but there is no shortage of talent heading to Anfield.