Richard Hughes has just made the best decision possible over £80m star

Liverpool have already been linked with a whole host of players ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Anfield outfit are probably going to be one of the busiest teams in the Premier League once again due to the sheer number of players they need to replace.

And, since the Reds aren't finished with moving their players on yet, even more action could be afoot.

However, now that Andoni Iraola is in charge, Liverpool's shortlist has changed a bit which means that more new targets could be linked.

Thanks to Iraola's appointment and the amount of interest shown by other clubs, one of their reported targets has now been taken off their list and, while some may think this isn't ideal, it could actually be the best thing to happen to them.

Liverpool are no longer interested in signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United

West Ham United's players have been some of the most talked about regarding transfer this summer.

Nuno Espirito Santo's men were relegated from the Premier League after finishing two points behind 17th-placed Tottenham.

This lack of form has obviously caused rumours to start emerging about some of their best players with Jarrod Bowen, Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville being linked with new clubs almost every day.

In fact, most clubs from around the world are interested in Fernandes and Summerville but, since the Hammers are demanding crazy fees for them, clubs are dropping out of the race like flies.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in Fernandes and Bowen and, while their interest remains in the Englishman, they have dropped out of the race for the Portugal international.

Anfield Watch exclusively revealed this news at the start of June with the club dropping out of the race due to how high their asking price for the 21-year-old was.

Liverpool did express genuine interest in the Fernandes but, since they now want £80 million, it clearly feels like it isn't a risk worth taking to Richard Hughes.

Manchester United's interest is one of their main reasons for dropping out of the race as they displayed a clear willingness to pay more.

Liverpool dodged a bullet by not signing Mateus Fernandes

Although Fernandes is a decent midfielder, it feels like Liverpool have dodged a bullet by not signing him.

The Portugal international has now suffered two relegations from the Premier League on the bounce with Southampton and West Ham.

Indeed, several of the biggest clubs in the world do want to sign him but, since the Hammers are demanding around £80 million for his services, it feels like there's plenty of better options on the market.

Players such as Adam Wharton and Eduardo Camavinga wouldn't cost much more with someone such as Felix Nmecha even costing £30 million less.

Iraola clearly needs a new midfielder or two so, him managing to dodge spending £80 million on one is ideal.

There are so many other areas among Liverpool's ranks that could do with upgrading which is why every penny counts for Liverpool this summer.

Here's hoping that the Reds stick to not making a move for Fernandes as, with teams such as Paris Saint-Germain and Man United in the race, his fee could end up sky rocketing.

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