Liverpool suffer setback as David set to stay at Lille as cult hero moves on

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has the enviable task of trying to improve his star-studded team this summer following a glorious 2021-22 domestic and European campaign

It’s hard to see how Liverpool’s squad can be improved after such an incredible season.

The Reds have already won the EFL Cup and FA Cup, and they will travel to Paris on May 28 to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final. The quadruple also remains a possibility. Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently second in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Manchester City with a game in hand.

Yet it’s vital to buy when you’re strong. Jurgen Klopp is fully aware of that and will be instructing incoming sporting director Julian Ward to get to work. As ever, it promises to be an intriguing summer for Reds fans. Here are the latest transfer rumours from Anfield.

David to ‘stay at Lille’

Liverpool target Jonathan David will not leave Lille this summer, according to French outlet But! Football Club.

A number of top European sides are thought to be interested in the Canada international, 22. He’s scored 19 goals in all competitions for Lille this season and was part of the team that won the Ligue 1 title in 2020-21, pipping Paris Saint-Germain to the honour.

Yet Lille are reportedly unwilling to let him go just yet. He still has three years remaining on his existing deal and Lille value him at €50million (around £42.5m). That is proving too expensive for most clubs, although he’s still expected to leave the French side in the next two or three transfer windows. Other interested parties include Arsenal and PSG.

Origi ‘says goodbye’

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Divock Origi has taken another step towards signing for AC Milan, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It’s believed the 27-year-old has told Liverpool’s hierarchy he will leave the club when his existing deal expires next month. Reds chiefs are said to be aware of the negotiations between Origi’s representatives and the Italian giants and his contract is nearly ready.

The Belgian is widely expected to leave Anfield this summer after falling down the pecking order. He’s played just six Premier League games this term, although he’ll always be remembered for scoring several crucial goals – including Liverpool’s second in their Champions League final victory three years ago. He’s won six trophies for the Reds.

Suarez coming home?

Atletico Madrid have confirmed Luis Suarez will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Uruguay international, 35, has enjoyed eight glorious years in Spain at Barcelona and Atletico – winning five La Liga titles, four Spanish Cups, the Champions League and other pieces of silverware. Yet Liverpool fans fondly remember him for his heroics on Merseyside, almost dragging the club to their first Premier League title in 2013-14.

Suarez is not believed to be on Klopp’s radar, but it’s still very early days in this window. Romano claims the forward is not interested in moving to the MLS and wants to continue his career in Europe. Suarez was also quick to congratulate the Reds on their FA Cup triumph. He couldn’t re-join Liverpool, could he? Stranger things have happened.