Club chairman claims Liverpool ‘want’ Euro 2024 star; ex-Red also interested in him

A Turkish club chairman has claimed Liverpool “want” one of the country’s stars at Euro 2024, with the player in question also being sought after by a former Red.

LFC have reportedly begun work on a potential summer move for Baris Alper Yilmaz. The Galatasaray forward previously played for Ankara Keçiörengücü, who is entitled to a 20% sell-on fee from his next transfer.

Their boss Sedat Tahiroglu has highlighted that there is definitely interest in the 24-year-old from Anfield, but also from Borussia Dortmund, who are now managed by our former midfielder Nuri Sahin.

The president of the Ankara club told Aksam: “We have 20% stake in Baris Alper Yilmaz, but Galatasaray have not requested a meeting with us on this matter. I have heard that Liverpool and Arsenal want him, but I know that Nuri Sahin definitely wants him.”

Tahiroglu continued: “He can be sold for around €30m (£25.3m). The path needs to be paved for youngsters in Turkish football. I hope he makes the decision that is good for him.

“Money is not important. The important thing is that Baris Alper goes to a team where he will be successful, because he will be the face of Turkey.”

Yilmaz was a standout performer for Turkey at Euro 2024, helping them disappoint pre-tournament expectations by reaching the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by the Netherlands.

The 24-year-old earned praise from Virgil van Dijk after the match, with the Liverpool captain speaking about how the Galatasaray forward made life “very difficult” for the Dutch defence that night (Milliyet).

The figure quoted by Tahiroglu is in line with the asking price of other outlets, although the Istanbul club could expect a higher figure following the winger’s impressive performances on the European stage for his country (Milliyet).

Yilmaz would give Arne Slot an option on either flank, and the Reds could have him in mind to succeed Mo Salah on the right in the long term should they be able to lure him to Anfield.

It appears Liverpool could be locked in a battle with former Merseyside man Sahin for a player whose value has increased substantially in the last month and who could benefit from the support of an elite operator in Van Dijk.