Luis Diaz Barcelona, Arsenal exit & more

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We start with important news that broke yesterday, with Michael Edwards officially confirmed as returning to Liverpool. He’s agreed to come back to Liverpool in a crucial role under FSG as they prepare for the start of a new era this summer when Jurgen Klopp will step down as manager.

Edwards initially rejected Liverpool’s advances, but another round of talks sealed the deal. He was also on the shortlist of multiple other clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, but also clubs from abroad. He was never attracted by any possibility until Liverpool returned, it made the difference.

Meanwhile, Richard Hughes will also leave Bournemouth for Liverpool at the end of the season to form part of the new structure under Edwards. Hughes has done impressive work at Bournemouth and looks like a smart appointment.

Staying with Liverpool for a moment, I want to reassure fans that I’m not hearing anything about Luis Diaz and Barcelona, despite some transfer stories about his agent meeting with Barca. Diaz’s full focus is on Liverpool and I don’t think it’s possible for Barcelona to go and pay the kind of crazy fee that would be required for Diaz.

As I recently mentioned, Manchester United’s intention and plan is not just to sign a new centre-back, but also one more striker. Rasmus Hojlund is doing very well but they want to sign one more striker to replace Anthony Martial, who’s going to leave the club as a free agent.

On top of that, Manchester United also want a new left-back. Luke Shaw has had his injury problems this season, and the expectation is that Tyrell Malacia won’t play this season, but in any case, United want to bring in a new left-back this summer. To understand who it’s going to be, we have to wait for the new board structure to become clear in the next weeks, then we’ll see who’s going to be deciding the signings for the summer transfer window. Still, they are looking at left-backs as a priority and from what I’m hearing it could be a talented young player in that position, not an older and more experienced player.

Another player being linked with United (as well as City) by some media…