In the grand scheme of things, football is not the most fast-paced sport. Certainly, any US fans accustomed to basketball have to be ready for a very different experience when tuning in to soccer.

The transfer market, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish. There are protracted sagas, of course, but developments can happen in the blink of an eye. There is a constant clamor for more. It was only 12 days ago that Liverpool announced Mac Allister, but the focus has long since turned toward who will be next through the door.

Whoever Liverpool does end up signing, the transfer plan will be vastly different to the one in place even a few months ago. The obvious change is Jude Bellingham, who had been a long-term marquee target before FSG decided more holistic investment was needed. But others like Matheus Nunes, João Palhinha and a certain Sofyan Amrabat appear to have fallen by the wayside too.

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Instead, the names dominating the headlines at the minute are Gabri Veiga, Khéphren Thuram and Manu Koné. There’s an update on one of those, with Chelsea having ‘burst’ onto the scene, while Atlético Madrid is closing in on a one-time Liverpool ‘target’.

Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news going on at the other clubs.

Amrabat close to move

As mentioned, it’s been a while since Liverpool was linked with Amrabat, one of the stars of the Qatar World Cup. He inspired Morocco to the semi-finals, the best-ever finish for an African nation, supposedly prompting Jürgen Klopp to meet with his entourage (at least according to Foot Mercato).

He has continued to look reasonably impressive back with Fiorentina, and helped the Serie A side all the way to the Europa Conference League final, where he performed well against West Ham. But that trophy proved elusive, and it is expected the Moroccan will now move on.

But Liverpool is not expected to rekindle whatever interest Klopp once held. Funnily enough, that original January report claimed he was bound for Atlético Madrid. And while it may have jumped the gun slightly, Fichajes now concurs that Amrabat is ‘one step away’ from linking up with Diego Simeone.

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Liverpool.com says: A tidy player with the ball at his feet, it’s not clear he would be a great fit at Liverpool. No doubt because of the elite against-the-ball setup imposed by Morocco at the World Cup, there is a perception he is a defensive midfielder, but the numbers paint a picture of more of a pure passer.

Stats site FBRef claims the third-most similar player in Europe’s top five leagues is Pedro Chirivella. He always looked tidy at Liverpool, even when Klopp called him up to the first team, but there was always a sense he would be somewhat more suited to different surroundings. The same holds true for Amrabat, with the Reds needing more of a presence.

Chelsea ‘bursts in’ on Liverpool transfer plot

Chelsea has entered the scene in the race for Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga, who looks destined to make a transfer somewhere this summer.

That’s per Spanish outlet Relevo, which claims Chelsea has ‘burst into the race’, with Mauricio Pochettino very keen. All ‘the main English teams’ are now very much on alert over his future.

Liverpool is still thought to be in the lead ‘for now’. The battle will come down to personal terms and the pitch to the player, with Celta Vigo ready to hold out for Veiga’s release clause.

In an interesting twist, The Athletic reports that former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez is close to being appointed manager at Celta, though the presence of a release clause means he might not have a say.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool usually actively avoids this big multi-club transfer races against Premier League rivals, so the arrival of Chelsea will not be met with enthusiasm. But it’s positive to hear that Klopp is still thought to be leading the race.

One advantage Liverpool definitely has is being able to show Veiga exactly how he will fit into the team, with the midfield very much the point of weakness last season. Having said that, competition for places is set to ramp up again, with Mac Allister having joined the likes of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and potentially Thiago and Jordan Henderson in vying for those number eight roles.

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