Liverpool lead Premier League rivals in race for Japan World Cup star

Liverpool are leading the race to sign a standout performer from Japan's World Cup campaign, as the club undergoes a major rebuild under new manager Andoni Iraola. Following a disappointing end to the Arne Slot era — losing the Premier League title and barely securing Champions League football — Liverpool have seen key players like Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate depart. The club has already signed Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz as early pieces of Iraola's rebuild, and are now competing with Premier League rivals for the Japanese World Cup star.