Liverpool have endured a frustrating summer transfer window despite entering a new era under head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Reds finished fifth last season before Arne Slot departed, creating expectations of significant changes across the squad.
However, Liverpool have struggled to complete several high-profile deals despite spending weeks working on major attacking targets.
Their pursuit of Bradley Barcola has become one of the biggest transfer stories surrounding the club this summer.
Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Barcola, but negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over the fee have proved difficult.
Meanwhile, their attempts to sign Yankuba Minteh from Brighton have also reached a frustrating stage.
Brighton rejected Liverpool’s latest £60 million offer and continue demanding around £80 million for the winger.
His injury situation has also made Liverpool reluctant to meet that valuation before the transfer deadline.
As a result, the Reds turned towards Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr as another attacking option.
However, Palace also rejected Liverpool’s approach, adding another setback to their increasingly difficult recruitment drive.
Their problems have now attracted attention beyond football, with one major British retailer joining the conversation online.
Currys trolled Liverpool on X by claiming the Reds were pursuing Phil, a 34-year-old shift manager from their Brighton store.
The retailer mimicked modern transfer reporting and suggested negotiations remained ongoing without an agreement between the parties.
Currys also joked that Liverpool felt confident about reaching personal terms with Phil before completing the move.
However, the company claimed they would not approve his departure until they had secured a suitable replacement.
The joke directly mirrored Liverpool’s difficulties completing deals because selling clubs continue demanding replacements or higher transfer fees.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have completed several major departures during the same summer transfer window.
Curtis Jones joined Inter Milan for up to £30 million after Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson also left.
Those exits have increased the pressure on Liverpool to strengthen Iraola’s squad before the transfer window closes.
For now, their difficulties have become internet material, with Currys using Liverpool’s transfer struggles for a viral joke.
🚨EXCL: Liverpool pursuing deal to sign Phil from Brighton Currys. No agreement yet for the 34 year old Shift Manager but talks ongoing. #LFC confident on reaching personal terms but #Currys do not want to sell without a replacement @TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/dsKpF7OFCM
— Currys (@currys) August 26, 2026
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