£116m Anderson deal forces Liverpool to choose Jones or Bouaddi

Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest could reshape Liverpool’s transfer strategy as Andoni Iraola evaluates his midfield options this summer. The deal underscores the scale of City’s spending and the ripple effects for rival clubs. Andoni Iraola’s summer window at Liverpool has already seen a £34.5 million arrival of Victor Munoz from Osasuna. A potential £60 million move for Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes is also on the table, highlighting Liverpool’s willingness to invest heavily. Nottingham Forest may need a midfield replacement after Anderson’s £116 million signing, and Curtis Jones is under consideration. Jones is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, and "can allegedly leave for £35m" according to reports. Inter Milan reportedly offered £21.7 million for Jones, a figure Liverpool deemed insufficient. Jones has previously expressed a desire to spend his career at Anfield, emphasizing his homegrown status.

Manchester City’s midfield hunt opens door to 18-year-old Bouaddi

Liverpool now face three options: renew Jones’s contract, sell him this summer, or risk losing him for free in 2027. The report notes that "it appears more likely the Merseysiders will cash in this summer and maximise profit off their homegrown product.". Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Lille midfielder valued at around £69 million, has attracted interest from Real Madrid and PSG. Manchester City have entered the race for him, with the player being compared to "the likes of Rodri and Fabinho".

Manchester City’s midfield gamble hinges on loan‑back of Ayyoub Bouaddi

Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai remain central to Iraola’s plans, while Alexis Mac Allister’s future continues to attract scrutiny. The Mac Allister "struggled to maintain his previous levels playing under Arne Slot last term". The summer market is characterised by soaring fees and intense competition for midfield talent. Liverpool must balance funding a potential Bouaddi signing with maintaining squad depth, while navigating the financial pressures created by City’s £116 million deal.