--- title: "Liverpool join the race to sign “outstanding” World Cup ace" canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-nmecha-premier-league-transfers-news-lfc/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Rebekka Arnold" section: "Liverpool Football Club" published: "2026-06-22T11:46:54Z" modified: "2026-06-22T11:46:57Z" --- # Liverpool join the race to sign “outstanding” World Cup ace Liverpool are gearing up for a busy summer transfer window as they prepare for a new era under recently appointed Andoni Iraola. The Reds failed to meet high expectations following their Premier League title win, finishing fifth and failing to add any silverware last season under Arne Slot. The Dutchman met his fate when he was relieved of his duties at Anfield at the beginning of this month and was [quickly replaced by former AFC Bournemouth boss Iraola](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-fc-appoint-andoni-iraola-new-head-coach). Now the focus will be on assessing and developing a squad that has struggled over the last 12 months and will head into the season with fewer influential figures in the dressing room. Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have all ended their success-filled journeys on Merseyside, so finding the next generation of leaders and winning mentalities will be a priority for the club’s hierarchy. ## Has Liverpool signed any players? Last week, Liverpool [confirmed their first signing of the summer](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdjkl44yrg3o) when they triggered the £34.5m release clause of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz. The 22-year-old is currently at the FIFA World Cup representing Spain, but picked up a muscle injury just hours after confirming his move to Liverpool. However, he was an unused substitute in his nation’s 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia over the weekend, so Liverpool fans will be hopeful of getting a glimpse of him later in the tournament. ## Who are Liverpool’s targets? It is no secret that Liverpool are keen on signing RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and are set to [return to the negotiating table](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2068611378315919607?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet) after having a €100m (£84m) bid rejected in recent days. The Ivory Coast international is currently at the World Cup and will be fully focused on helping his nation progress. However, back in Europe, the battle for his signature is intensifying, with [Paris Saint-Germain reportedly keen to rival Liverpool](https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/transfers/2025-2026/liverpool-yan-diomande-paris-saint-germain-psg-aston-villa-asking-price-morgan-rogers-arsenal-crysencio-summerville-manchester-united-west-ham-united-mike-maignan-chelsea_sto23311802/story.shtml). Elsewhere, fresh reports suggest that the Reds are eyeing a move for another World Cup sensation as they prepare to potentially add some depth to their midfield options. According to [TEAMtalk](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/man-utd-liverpool-50m-felix-nmecha-dortmund-signing-belief-exclusive), Liverpool have joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha. The publication claims that the Germany international is interested in a move away from the Bundesliga and would be open to a return to England. Liverpool will have competition from bitter rivals Manchester United, while La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are also admirers of the Dortmund ace. ## Do Liverpool need a midfielder? The Merseyside giants are in desperate need of getting back on track both domestically and on the European stage, so a strong summer of recruitment will be imperative. Indeed, an eye-watering £450m was spent last summer to strengthen key areas of the squad, but the investment has yet to pay off, and the number of departures could lead to further spending this summer. In midfield, Liverpool have several experienced players who have proven they are capable winners, including Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch. However, with Wataru Endo entering the latter stages of his career and the futures of [Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-transfer-news-jones-inter-37328026) beyond this summer uncertain, there is certainly room for a fresh option in the centre of the pitch. ## Should Liverpool sign Felix Nmecha? There is no doubt that Nmecha has been one of the standout performers at the World Cup so far, posing a constant threat to opponents throughout Germany’s group-stage campaign. Many would argue that Liverpool should be prioritising a defensive midfielder, but given Iraola’s suffocating press and high-energy style of football, it is easy to understand why Nmecha has been linked with a move. Renowned for his [box-to-box qualities, Nmecha offers power and aggression in midfield](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33jcidI5UdQ), combined with outstanding ball-carrying ability and a creative mindset, he would be a lethal addition to Liverpool’s attacking threat. For Germany, Nmecha has stolen the spotlight after scoring his nation’s opening goal of the tournament with a stunning sixth-minute strike against Curacao. He then played 90 minutes in Germany’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast,[registering an assist, creating two big chances and recording 90% pass accuracy](https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/felix-nmecha/907463), demonstrating that he is a dominant and consistent presence in Julian Nagelsmann’s side. Speaking after Germany’s second Group E victory, [ITV pundit Gary Neville](https://bulinews.com/gary-neville-hails-outstanding-germany-midfielder-amid-manchester-united-interest) heaped praise on the 25-year-old ace: “The more he plays like he did the other night, the more expensive he’ll get. “He looked outstanding the other night. It looked like he had absolutely everything.” Fellow ITV pundit Ian Wright followed up Neville’s praise with his own insight: “When you look at him, he breaks lines, he gets into the box, he’s got Kimmich to come in and fill in for him. “He can play as a No.8 or No.10, we can see he can finish, you can see why teams are interested in him. He’s got everything.” If Liverpool are serious about building a squad capable of competing for major honours again, they will need players who can thrive in Iraola’s relentless style of football. Nmecha appears to tick many of those boxes, and his performances this summer suggest he could be one to watch closely as the transfer window unfolds.