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Alexis Mac Allister: Liverpool hoping to sign midfielder from Brighton and Argentina midfielder

Liverpool have been in contact with Brighton about the signing of Alexis Mac Allister, who has an escape clause of between £45m and £55m in his contract; Jurgen Klopp wants to renew the midfield after the departure of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo

Liverpool are hoping to sign Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister this week.
The two Premier League clubs have been in contact over Argentina’s World Cup winner, who has an escape clause of between £45m and £55m in his contract.

Mac Allister signed a new contract with Brighton last October, extending a deal which was due to expire this summer but now runs until summer 2025, with an option for a further 12 months

Once the release clause is met, personal terms should soon be agreed between Liverpool and Mac Allister.

The 24-year-old’s arrival could kick-start what looks set to be a busy summer at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp looking to refresh a side that have missed out on Champions League qualification this season.

With Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all leaving the club on expiring contracts, midfield is a particular area Liverpool need as Arthur Melo returns to Juventus at the end of his loan. Milner is about to move to Brighton and his move to Amex is nearing completion.

Brighton finished just one place behind Liverpool in the Premier League and will be playing in Europe for the first time next season.

Mac Allister joined from Argentinos Juniors in January 2019 but spent the rest of the season with the Argentine club before spending the first half of the 2019-20 season on loan at Boca Juniors.

Mac Allister finally moved to Amex in January 2020 and made 112 appearances for Brighton, scoring 20 goals and collecting nine assists.

He had a breakthrough in the 2022/23 season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions and has become a key part of Roberto De Zerbi’s impressive squad.

Mac Allister also established himself in Argentina’s midfield at the World Cup in November and December, starting six games – including the final – as Lionel Scaloni’s side won the tournament in Qatar.

June 5, 2023
Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Franck Kessie ‘offer’, Gabri Veiga boost, Alexis Mac Allister deal latest

The most recent information about Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone, Benjamin Pavard, Mason Mount, Youri Tielemans, and other players is included in the Liverpool transfer news, rumors, gossip, and speculation.

On Monday, June 5, welcome to the ECHO’s special blog for Liverpool news and transactions.

Jurgen Klopp has identified possible hires who can boost Liverpool’s fortunes next season after a poor fifth-place finish in the Premier League. The transfer window will shortly open.

The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is Jurgen Klopp’s top transfer target, and it appears that the Reds manager will shortly make the midfielder his summer acquisition.

Klopp isn’t just interested in the World Cup champion; recent rumours have hinted at interest in Borussia Monchengladbach player Manu Kone as well.

‘Place offer’ from Liverpool for Kessie
According to reports, Liverpool is considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie.

The Ivorian, who left AC Milan as a free agent and only recently signed with the La Liga giants, had been linked to the Reds before making this move.

A source from Italy claims Liverpool are trying to ward off interest from Inter Milan by ‘putting an alleged offer on the table,’ which is thought to be worth between €35 million and €40 million. This has led to Liverpool once more being mentioned as a potential target.

Only seven of Kessie’s 28 league appearances during his debut season with Barcelona were starts.

Newcastle is ‘battling’ the Reds for Veiga.
According to reports, Newcastle United and Liverpool are vying to recruit Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.

A total of 36 La Liga games and 11 goals for his team later in the season, the gifted 21-year-old had a breakout season at his former club.

Veiga scored twice in Celta Vigo’s final game of the season on Sunday to help the team avoid relegation, and Premier League clubs are now likely to show interest in signing him.

The Northern Echo reports that despite Liverpool’s interest being “at an advanced stage,” Newcastle has undertaken “initial talks” with the player, who has a €40 million buyout clause.

According to the source, the Reds have ‘done a lot of the legwork’ necessary to secure a deal for Veiga.

Medical testing for Mac Allister are scheduled on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Prior to a potential transfer to Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister is anticipated to undergo medical testing on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Reds are hopeful of signing the Argentine midfielder this week, according to news reports earlier today. They appear to have defeated competition from Manchester City and Manchester United.

The medical exams are expected to happen either tomorrow or on Wednesday, according to a report from Mac Allister’s home country, as Liverpool gets closer to finalizing this acquisition.

The cost of Mac Allister’remains unclear’
If Liverpool manages to sign a deal for the Brighton midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister’s final transfer fee is still unknown.

The 24-year-old’s release clause should allow the Reds to move forward with this acquisition; they hope to complete the deal “this week.”

According to the Times, the exact cost of this clause “remains uncertain,” with estimates ranging from £45 million to £70 million.

Future of Sadio Mane

It is said that Bayern Munich is hoping to persuade Sadio Mane to leave the team this summer and is attempting to capitalize on Newcastle United’s interest.

The German powerhouses are aware of Newcastle’s fondness for the Liverpool icon, according to a recent report from FootballTransfers through the Sport1 podcast, since they can afford the wages needed to sign the Senegalese star.

Mane has had a difficult first year at Bayern, but last weekend, the two of them won the Bundesliga championship.

His spot in the starting eleven hasn’t always been guaranteed, and things became worse after he got into a fight with Leroy Sane.

RB Leipzig is ‘plotting’ a second Carvalho offer.

According to reports, RB Leipzig is getting set to make midfielder Fabio Carvalho of Liverpool a second offer.

The Fulham youth graduate was recently the subject of a bid rejection by the Reds because they feel he still has work to do for the team.

Leipzig, though, is’ready to test the Reds’ resolve’ with a higher offer for the 20-year-old, reports Football Insider, indicating that this hasn’t deterred them.

Chelsea ‘turns their focus’ to the pair with ties to Liverpool

According to reports, Chelsea has decided against trying to recruit Manuel Ugarte of Sporting and would instead concentrate on signing Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

In recent weeks, all three of the aforementioned players have been connected to Liverpool as the Reds try to upgrade their midfield unit.

Although Caicedo is more in demand and is also coveted by Arsenal, Lavia has reportedly been under scrutiny recently by both Chelsea and Liverpool.

According to reports, Chelsea will now ‘direct their attention’ to signing both players.

June 5, 2023
£44 million midfielder is getting closer to leaving this summer despite Liverpool’s interest.

Ryan Gravenberch, a midfielder for Bayern Munich, appears to be moving closer to leaving the team due to Liverpool’s interest.

According to a story from SoccerNews.nl, which quoted writer Kerry Hau, this is the case.

Liverpool appears prepared to work on enhancing their midfield alternatives this year.

James Milner and Naby Keita were two players that Jurgen Klopp permitted to leave this summer who often play in that position.

There are several young people at the club who have performed well when needed.

At the close of the season, Curtis Jones showed promise, and Stefan Bajcetic performed admirably until suffering an injury.

However, more players are required, and Jorg Schamdtke, the new sporting director, must get to work right now.

Given that Ryan Gravenberch might leave Bayern Munich, Liverpool has recognized him as a potential candidate.

He is a top target for Schmadtke and might be available given his paucity of playing time in Germany.

It appears that Thomas Tuchel will be in charge of choosing his future.

Liverpool target Gravenberch is about to leave Bayern

The young Dutchman’s movements this summer, according to the SoccerNews story, will be influenced by Tuchel.

He must “outline a clear plan and offer the Dutchman perspective” and clarify what function Gravenberch will play in the team.

Gravenberch’s exit from Bayern will be “almost inevitable” if they are unable to provide him with this.

The ‘complete’ midfielder has a ton of potential, but Germany doesn’t give him many chances to show it off.

Last year, he was among the top players in the Netherlands, and he properly earned a significant transfer to another country.

He was forced to accept playing most of his minutes off the bench because he picked a team with some of the best midfield options in the world.

The 21-year-old, valued at £44 million, would be a fascinating addition for Jurgen Klopp.

Even if Gravenberch won’t have much expertise to offer Liverpool, his departure from Bayern could turn out to be advantageous in the long term.

The Reds’ midfield options, including Jones, Bajcetic, and Harvey Elliott, may be set for the foreseeable future.

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Khephren Thuram and Liverpool are now in advanced negotiations as the Reds try to complete a trade.

Football Transfers asserts that the player for OGC Nice has now made a transfer to Liverpool his top objective. Thuram is reportedly more interested in joining the Reds than any other team, despite rumors of interest from PSG and Newcastle United.

To that goal, it is rumored that Liverpool is in extensive negotiations with Khephren and his father Lilian. The renowned former France defender is reportedly in charge of brokering a deal for his son.

However, rumors suggest that other factions are still out there. According to reports, Newcastle has already spoken with the Thurams and “remains interested” in both the 22-year-old and fellow Liverpool target Manu Kone.

PSG, on the other hand, is reportedly only willing to pay for Thuram in installments. According to reports, Manuel Ugarte is the Parisians’ first objective. Liverpool is currently in first place, as a result.

Liverpool intensifies the transfer process

Thuram should receive the same treatment from the Reds if he is willing to make them his top priority in the market. The 6’4″ midfielder appears to be an extremely promising young player.

He is now valued at about £53 million, but he exudes the aura of a player whose value may skyrocket if given the chance to shine.

Thuram appears to be the complete package: tall, rangy, powerful, and still extremely technically adept. The France international might be a gift from the gods for a Liverpool team that needs all of that added to its midfield.

Reds supporters have been incredibly enthused about the possibility of Jurgen Klopp bringing him to Anfield as a result.

Since the completion of the Premier League season last week, it appears that things have picked up in terms of moves. We may anticipate that negotiations with potential players are now moving to a “advanced” stage as Liverpool tries to complete their transaction quickly.

Given that and the commotion surrounding Thuram, there may be some validity to this allegation. We’ll find out asap.

Perhaps Liverpool is starting to benefit from market alignment. Keep an eye on it, Reds.

June 4, 2023
Jörg Schmadtke receives a unique benefit as Liverpool receives a double transfer bonus for a $62 million duo.

In light of Liverpool’s search for a few midfielders located in the Bundesliga, two significant board-level adjustments may work to their advantage.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Manu Koné has received an interesting boost.

According to Christian Falk of Bild, Nils Schmadtke, the son of newly hired Liverpool director Jörg Schmadtke, is now employed by the Bundesliga club’s sports director.

He believes that this will make Koné’s potential move to Anfield during the summer transfer window ‘easier’.

Falk informed Caught Offside that Liverpool saw the 22-year-old Frenchman as a substitute for Jude Bellingham after Borussia Dortmund withdrew from the competition for the player due to cost concerns.

He continues by saying that the club has spoken to his entourage, and according to insiders close to the player, the interest is “real and big.”

Koné, a mid-table team’s starter in 30 league games this season, is anticipated to cost between $43 (£35/€40) and $54 (£43/€50) million.

Schmadtke began working as Julian Ward’s replacement on Monday, but for the time being, he has only agreed to a temporary contract.

After the advocate was expelled, Gravenberch might move.

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According to Kerry Hau of SPORT1, the future of Liverpool target and Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is “uncertain” with the resignation of sporting director Hasan Salihamid.

Even though Borussia Dortmund had the Bundesliga title on the final day, Bayern parted ways with Salihamidi and CEO Oliver Kahn.

Its total of 71 points was the lowest it had been since the 2010–11 campaign (65), and it also lost badly to Manchester City on aggregate 4-1 in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Gravenberch was regarded as a “Salihamidi player,” thus there is now further uncertainty as to whether he will play at the Allianz Arena in the upcoming campaign.

Manager Thomas Tuchel will need to present the Dutchman with a “clear plan” if he wants him to stay. If not, it’s “possible” that he’ll join the Premier League, with clubs like Liverpool “interested.”

Gravenberch only transferred from Ajax to Bayern last summer, but both Tuchel and his predecessor Julian Nagelsmann have given him very few opportunities.

He joined Bayern from Ajax for $19 million (£16 million/€18 million) last summer, although he only started three of the team’s 34 league games this season and was not used as a replacement eight times.

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Liverpool transfer news: Jürgen Klopp prioritizes a $43 million star and Manu Koné as his “number one” player

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Liverpool transfer news: Jürgen Klopp may also see a $43 million steal for Federico Chiesa, and the Reds are reportedly in pole position to sign Manu Koné.

With Jörg Schmadtke as the club’s new sports director, Liverpool should expect to be linked with a wide range of players as the transfer market ramps up.

There is a fair probability that Schmadtke will be linked to moves for a number of Bundesliga players, with Manu Koné receiving yet another mention in today’s transfer round-up. Schmadtke has a lot of work to do.

However, Liverpool will not simply make investments in the midfield.

Jürgen Klopp must also find ways to strengthen his defense, and in response to a question before the season’s final game, he did not rule out making a signing in an attacking position.

Midfield may be the first priority, but if the right players in other positions are available for the right price, there are still lots of other things that may happen in the summer transfer market.

Here is Liverpool.com’s assessment of the transfer rumors that have been swirling about the Reds lately, in which two talents who might suit that description have been connected to transfers to Anfield.

(Borussia Mönchengladbach) Manu Koné

Manu Koné might join Liverpool this summer, according to Tobi Altschäffl, a BILD writer in Germany, who spoke with Empire of the Kop regarding Borussia Mönchengladbach’s willingness to trade the player.

There have been speculations that Chelsea and PSG want Koné, but Altschäffl believes that Liverpool is currently the top destination for him.

“A new era is beginning in Liverpool’s midfield, and he might be a key component of it. Maybe the final sum is $32 (£26/€30) million plus a $5.4 (£4.3/€5 million) bonus. If Liverpool pushes, this might move quickly.

According to Liverpool.com, Koné certainly seems to be a possibility that the Reds are examining, but it is still unclear whether Liverpool will ultimately choose him. Finding the correct combination will depend on a number of other talented individuals, including Khéphren Thuram.

(Juventus)Federico Chiesa

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (print edition, via Paisley Gates), Liverpool and Bayern Munich are ‘above all’ interested in signing Juventus forward Federico Chiesa this summer.

As the Italian team attempts to raise money, the source states that Chiesa may be made available for as little as $43 million (£34 million/€40 million). However, the 25-year-old has missed a lot of sport due to injury – 62 games over the last two seasons, according to Transfermarkt.

If there is trust that his problems are behind him, Chiesa would be a great addition to Liverpool’s forward line and at that price would be a bargain that would be worth the risk, according to Liverpool.com.

However, the immediate priority is not the offensive locations. Liverpool requires at least a few midfielders and one or two defenders. However, considering Chiesa’s caliber, there is a case for adding him as well for as low as $43m.

June 4, 2023
Despite saying yes to a different club, Liverpool still hopes to hijack a move for 26 years, according to a report.

Italian reports claim that despite the Bundesliga player supposedly agreeing to join another club, Liverpool is still hopeful of landing him.

Although Daichi Kamada has previously promised AC Milan that he will transfer to the San Siro and is prepared to sign a deal with the Rossoneri, Calciomercato said that the Reds are still interested in the 26-year-old and ‘have not yet lost hope’ of a move for the player.

The Merseysiders are ‘capable of placing’ a’more important’ offer on the table than Stefano Pioli’s side, according to the source, which may give them a tiny chance of thwarting his transfer to the Serie A giants.

Since Milan is preparing to formally announce the signing of Kamada in the early part of next week, according to Calciomercato, it is impossible to imagine Liverpool snatching up the Japan international at this late stage.

The 26-year-old may have been a wise free move for the Reds after a stellar season on a personal level that saw him plunder 16 goals and seven assists from 46 matches from midfield (Transfermarkt). He left Eintracht Frankfurt following the expiration of his contract.

Only Mo Salah scored more goals for Jurgen Klopp’s team overall during the current campaign (Transfermarkt), thus the Japanese star would have undoubtedly provided a sizable attacking threat to the team at Anfield.

Although it appears like Liverpool has left it too late, we have seen in some transactions over the years that a move appears to be virtually sealed before falling apart at the last minute. Jorg Schmadtke and company appear to be betting on this in this case.

The Reds could remain a threat in the case of a shocking turn of events until Kamada’s status as a Milan player is established.

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A key component of Liverpool’s rebuild will be the Jürgen Klopp midfielder, who already matches Casemiro and Rodri.

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Jürgen Klopp has already identified a player who is outperforming Casemiro in one area and matching Rodri in another as he attempts to overhaul the Liverpool midfield.

Curtis Jones began his longest stretch of Liverpool starts during the stretch. Jones started 11 straight games, from the 0-0 draw at Chelsea on April 4 to the 4-4 tie away to Southampton on Sunday.

The midfielder, who had previously struggled with consistency, has earned boss Jürgen Klopp’s continued trust during that time by putting on arguably the finest performance of his Anfield career. However, as Liverpool revamps its midfield department this summer, Jones now faces a tough battle to keep his spot.

However, the Toxteth-born midfielder has stood by himself, telling The Athletic that the idea of several high-caliber rivals coming ‘doesn’t bother him’.

He snarled, “I don’t care,” with a furious expression. I am self-assured, young man, and I am aware of the staff’s support.

You can understand why by looking at the stats Jones racked up during his run of games. ‘True tackles’ takes into consideration tackles made and lost as well as fouls committed, effectively measuring how frequently a player steps in.

Jones was included in Tifo Football’s most underestimated XI for the 2022–2023 Premier League season in a recent video, with his actual tackle total serving as explanation.

He placed fourth in the division (per 1,000 opponent touches) according to their table with 9.7 per 90, just after Casemiro (11) and Fred (10), both of Manchester United, and Joo Palhinha (11) of Fulham.

He places above Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, the most expensive player in Premier League history, and Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo, a defensive midfielder coveted by Liverpool and likely to pay well in excess of $87 million (£70 million/€81 million) this summer (via Sky Sports).

He actually comes in sixth among Premier League midfielders (minimum 1,000 minutes played) with a very amazing 58.1 percent, surpassing both Palhinha and Casemiro in the process.

Not only is he aggressive and diligent, but he also excels at winning the ball. Jones is a compelling package for manager Klopp because of this. He has, after all, excelled in a number of other significant areas as well.

In terms of ball retention, Jones excels. He completed 91.2 percent of his passes last season, narrowly beating out Yves Bissouma of Spurs and Rodri of Man City (91.3 percent).

He also has 2.7 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which places him just outside the top 10 and emphasizes the impact he can have while carrying the ball.

And finally, he plays a significant role in Liverpool’s attacks that result in opportunities, as evidenced by his average of 2.7 live-ball passes that result in a shooting.

Jones has shown signs in the past few months of developing into a capable all-around midfielder, so even if he isn’t the Reds’ first choice for the upcoming season, he should still see plenty of action.

As long as Jones stays injury-free, Klopp finally appears to have a finished product in hand.

June 4, 2023
LIVERPOOL TRANSFER LATEST: FIRMINO PROVIDE REAL MADRID CONTRACT ULTIMATUM

Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, is apparently prepared to concede to Roberto Firmino’s pay demands in order to clinch the striker’s free transfer from Liverpool this summer.

According to Defensa Central, Firmino has given Real Madrid an ultimatum on a future deal, according to their report. Considering that the 31-year-old Brazilian is likely to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract, Los Blancos hopes to see him become a Galactico next season.

Real Madrid recognize the potential Firmino has for La Liga, and Perez is working to improve his team’s attacking alternatives. Karim Benzema’s presence at the Santiago Bernabeu is still under some question. Nevertheless, Los Blancos want another forward even if the Frenchman stays.

Real Madrid has received an ultimatum from Firmino regarding his transfer.

With Firmino’s contract at Liverpool set to expire on June 30, negotiations for a transfer have begun between his representatives and Real Madrid. Brazilian international with 55 caps has also informed the Galacticos that he wants a three-year contract. He’s thinking about signing a two-year contract with an option.

Additionally, Firmino has made it known to Real Madrid that they must pay him a salary of €5 million (£83 thousand) per year. The striker’s pay would be drastically reduced from the £180,000 per week he has been making at Liverpool. In April 2018, the striker signed his final contract at Anfield.

Firmino’s weekly salary would be £97k less than it was at Liverpool.

When Firmino leaves Liverpool for Real Madrid, Perez will gladly accept the conditions the forward has set. After eight years and 111 goals in 362 appearances, he is leaving Anfield. The’sensational’ striker, as Gary Neville described him, also had 79 assists.

In fact, in 35 appearances across all competitions during his final season on Merseyside, he notched 13 goals and five assists. Only Darwin Nunez (15 goals) and Mohamed Salah (30 goals) scored more goals for Liverpool in 2022–2023 than Firmino. Only Salah (19) hit more baseballs in the league (11).

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Steven Gerrard linked with new Championship club – ‘Interested’ in position

Steven Gerrard’s name has once again been thrown into the ring over a vacant manager position, this time for a recently relegated side in need of stability.

The former Liverpool captain has been without a management job since he left Aston Villa last October, but he has no shortage of connections to career opportunities.

While we have seen Gerrard return to a role in the media since he was relieved of his duties at Villa Park, he has still been linked with jobs in Turkey and international roles.

Now the Telegraph has named him one of three managers being considered by Leeds after Sam Allardyce exited after four games in charge and a failed safety bid.

Gerrard, Scott Parker and Marcelo Bielsa’s former assistant Carlos Corberan were all named candidates, with Leeds keen to “appoint a new manager in the coming weeks”.

There is a need for stability at Elland Road following relegation after three seasons in the top flight as they currently have no manager or director of football. The uncertainty of a potential change in ownership will be a slump for any executive considering the role, as a decision on an immediate acquisition has yet to be made by 49ers Enterprises’ minority shareholders.

The Telegraph says that despite the apparent uncertainty at Elland Road, Gerrard is “obviously interested in the job” and his name has not yet been checked by the chief executive.

Many are of the opinion that Gerrard will have to be relegated back to the leagues when he returns to management, but there will be no shortage of expectations on his shoulders at Leeds.

They face a summer of change after relegation but are expected to fight their way to the Premier League without delay – a tall order for Gerrard’s third managerial job.

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After a Liverpool target exchange, Lionel Messi left Alexis Mac Allister “shaking.”

Alexis Mac Allister and Lionel Messi made their name in Argentina history at last winter’s World Cup

What a year it was for Alexis Mac Allister.
Just twelve months ago, the 24-year-old was a relatively unknown man. It’s fair to say he helped Brighton finish ninth in the Premier League – their best finish ever – but few expected the Santa Rosa native to become a global superstar.

A look at the present: only a few football fans don’t know the Argentinian maestro. Mac Allister has developed into one of the most notable midfielders in the top flight and has helped the Seagulls improve from last season. They eventually finished sixth, securing European football for the first time in club history.

A self-confessed introvert, Mac Allister’s form has dropped him straight onto Liverpool’s radar, with Jurgen Klopp set to finalize a £70m deal for the midfielder in the coming weeks.

But it was his exploits for Argentina that catapulted Mac Allister from fugitive to superstar.

Picked up after an opening day humiliation against Saudi Arabia, the midfield star started the remaining six games as Albiceleste lifted the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.

Argentina hadn’t kept football’s biggest prize in the air since Diego Maradona and Mac Allister was at the heart of it all.

The pre-tournament conversation centered around Lionel Messi and the trophy that eluded him during his 20-year career. After suffering a loss in the 2014 final, the superstar striker rolled back the years and emerged as a man on a mission to put his name in history.

But where Sergio Aguero and Javier Mascherano failed nine years ago, it was Mac Allister and company who helped him cross the finish line.

A goal and an assist at the World Cup may seem small, but the Brighton man proved an unsung hero, throwing himself into the ground to make up for Messi’s dwindling offside value ethic.

Achievement of fame placed Mac Allister on the world stage – and raised his price by a few pounds. Had Liverpool been careful with their transfer policy, they might have signed their man for a clip last summer as their rivals’ eyes were on Seagulls teammates Marc Cucurella or Yves Bissouma. The victory also made Messi, now immortalized in the pantheon of football gods, his brother in arms. But that wasn’t always the case.

For Argentines, the 35-year-old is an acclaimed figure. While Mac Allister is a pro in his own right, that didn’t make him any different.

Ahead of the World Cup, the £70m midfielder has spoken about the first time he met Messi after a November 2019 call-up for Argentina. Mac Allister, still only 20, admitted he “fumbled” before meeting the national icon.

“I was so nervous, my hands were shaking,” she told CNN. “I’m a very shy guy, so yeah, I was very nervous. But then you realize how modest he is. At that time I was playing for Boca Juniors, so we had come from Argentina to [play] I think it was Spain for a friendly.

“And we arrived and he was eating. I went to the table and waved with shaking hands. I was sweating. But it was a great moment. He is my idol. He’s the best footballer in the world.”

Mac Allister – of Gaelic descent – also shared how Messi defended him when his international teammates gave him a derogatory nickname. The midfielder added: “I don’t like it and he told his teammates. He (Messi) said, ‘He doesn’t like being called Colo, so don’t call him that!’”

June 4, 2023
The ‘wonderful’ solution provided by Jamie Carragher to Liverpool’s midfield transfer quest

Although improving the quality of their midfield is Liverpool’s top objective for the summer, Trent Alexander-Arnold may soon be moved into that position, according to Jamie Carragher.

In the long run, Trent Alexander-Arnold should be moved to midfield, and Liverpool should aim to get a new right-back.

Since joining the team under Jurgen Klopp, the Reds’ star has been a pillar in the back four, but while he has consistently contributed in the final third, his defensive abilities have long been questioned. His passing range and delivery continue to be crucial tools for the Merseysiders.

However, errors in his own half cost Liverpool, sparking a discussion over his role. With players like James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing this summer, forcing them into the market, Liverpool’s midfield has been allowed to mature.

This summer, with players like Alexis Mac Allister and Mason Mount rumored to be moving to Anfield, it will be especially important to add quality to the middle of the park. Liverpool had previously expressed interest in Jude Bellingham, but his price tag caused them to withdraw. Carragher, though, believes that finding a right-back could be a better option because few midfielders could match Alexander-Arnold’s caliber.

He said to Redmen TV: “I think his body language is drastically different when he’s in midfield compared to when he’s just playing in defense. I had the impression of watching a different player. No matter who we purchase, Bellingham could do more than TAA in midfield with some of the passes he makes.

“Whoever you acquire, whatever you spend, they can’t do more than Trent when Liverpool are on the ball. This kid is too talented to not be the focal point of this squad, thus I think after another season I’d be of the opinion that we should get a right-back and play him in midfield.

It’s getting to the point when he’ll lead the team and become its captain. Take away the criticism he receives, which is sometimes not well-deserved. He can get better at things, but he’ll never be great at them, so let’s concentrate on his strengths.

Klopp acknowledged toward the end of the season, when Alexander-Arnold was playing in midfield more frequently, that it might open up new doors for the team, particularly with young right-backs in the club’s ranks like Calvin Ramsay, who was signed last summer but has struggled to find minutes in his debut campaign.

The German remarked, “If you watch it back after we learned, it opened up different opportunities for us.”

June 3, 2023
The ‘target’ Jörg Schmadtke who had ‘goosebumps’ at Anfield may be the newest playmaker for Liverpool.

One player who ‘dreams’ of playing at Anfield and is purportedly Jörg Schmadtke’s target may be the perfect alternative for an underappreciated playmaker for Liverpool.

Although Jörg Schmadtke only recently agreed to a short-term contract to serve as Liverpool’s sporting director, it might not be long before he leaves his mark on the Reds.

Schmadtke ‘wants something’ from his former team Wolfsburg, according a WAZ article (via Sport Witness). Between the summer of 2018 and this winter, the 59-year-old worked at the Volkswagen Arena for four and a half years.

And now that he’s reportedly seeking a reunion with Merseyside defender Micky van de Ven, 22, the center-half’s extraordinary speed is what Liverpool fans are most thrilled about.

His astounding top speed of 22.6 mph (36.4 kph) has been recorded by bundesliga.com as one of the ten highest top speeds in the German top flight since records have been kept.

But his ability to carry a ball is one of his other most remarkable traits. In terms of progressive carries per 90 minutes (1.3) and carries into the final third (1.03), Van de Ven stands in the 90th percentile among positional counterparts in Europe’s top five leagues during the past year.

Only two central defenders in the Bundesliga this year have recorded more advanced carries than Van de Ven (43), Waldemar Anton of Stuttgart and Piero Hincapié of Bayer Leverkusen. The data is considerably more impressive when taken into account.

The Wolfsburg player has spent the most of his games (85%) in the center of the defense, while Anton has mostly played as a right-back (about 35%) and Hincapié has mostly played as a left-back or left wing-back (43%).

A center-back pushing into advanced areas is particularly apparent since defenders normally have more freedom to advance on the sides.

Jol Matip, who is entering the final year of his contract and may depart Liverpool during the summer transfer window, may be perfectly replaced by Van de Ven in this regard, according to Goal.

Matip, who ranks in the very top percentile for the two aforementioned categories, is quietly one of Europe’s busiest center halves. Since neither Virgil van Dijk nor Ibrahima Konaté can duplicate the Cameroonian’s line-breaking dribbling ability, he was a relatively well-kept secret as various teams battled to contain him.

Few teams prepare to be attacked by a center defender, which is why Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool are aware of how beneficial this may be. If Matip is lost, it may be crucial to re-add a “hidden” playmaker.

This may be one of the factors contributing to Van de Ven’s potential attractiveness to Anfield’s recruitment figures beyond Schmadtke.

The Reds have a major advantage over their rivals in addition to their sporting director’s connections: Van de Ven has a great deal of respect for the team.

He stated in January (via ECHO) that he once visited the Liverpool stadium with his father. “That occurred on Boxing Day after Christmas. Arsenal vs. Liverpool. That was insane.

“Then, when ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ starts playing, that’s a goosebump moment, and that was really great. To play there is a dream.

Given that Van de Ven appears to be the perfect stylistic fit, it wouldn’t be surprising if that “dream” came true in the coming months.

June 3, 2023
Liverpool and a £53 million player are in advanced negotiations, and he prefers to join them over PSG.

Khephren Thuram and Liverpool are now in advanced negotiations as the Reds try to complete a trade.

Football Transfers asserts that the player for OGC Nice has now made a transfer to Liverpool his top objective. Thuram is reportedly more interested in joining the Reds than any other team, despite rumors of interest from PSG and Newcastle United.

To that goal, it is rumored that Liverpool is in extensive negotiations with Khephren and his father Lilian. The renowned former France defender is reportedly in charge of brokering a deal for his son.

However, rumors suggest that other factions are still out there. According to reports, Newcastle has already spoken with the Thurams and “remains interested” in both the 22-year-old and fellow Liverpool target Manu Kone.

PSG, on the other hand, is reportedly only willing to pay for Thuram in installments. According to reports, Manuel Ugarte is the Parisians’ first objective. Liverpool is currently in first place, as a result.

Liverpool intensifies the transfer process

Thuram should receive the same treatment from the Reds if he is willing to make them his top priority in the market. The 6’4″ midfielder appears to be an extremely promising young player.

He is now valued at about £53 million, but he exudes the aura of a player whose value may skyrocket if given the chance to shine.

Thuram appears to be the complete package: tall, rangy, powerful, and still extremely technically adept. The France international might be a gift from the gods for a Liverpool team that needs all of that added to its midfield.

Reds supporters have been incredibly enthused about the possibility of Jurgen Klopp bringing him to Anfield as a result.

Since the completion of the Premier League season last week, it appears that things have picked up in terms of moves. We may anticipate that negotiations with potential players are now moving to a “advanced” stage as Liverpool tries to complete their transaction quickly.

Given that and the commotion surrounding Thuram, there may be some validity to this allegation. We’ll find out asap.

Perhaps Liverpool is starting to benefit from market alignment. Keep an eye on it, Reds.

June 3, 2023
As Man City might lose a crucial Pep Guardiola player, Manchester United could secure Liverpool transfer

Man City won the FA Cup but may lose a key player this summer, while Manchester United has reached a personal agreement with a player the Reds are interested in.

After Jürgen Klopp’s team defeated Chelsea at Wembley a year prior, FA Cup champions Liverpool would have hoped that they were the team competing in the same competition this season rather than Manchester United or Manchester City.

Instead, Liverpool’s players are relaxing on vacation, taking some time off, or getting ready for international duty in a few weeks as they recharge following a disappointing season.

The FA Cup was won by Manchester City, whose match-winning hero, lkay Gündogan, provided a post-match update on his future, but there is also news of transfer activity for the losers of the finals.

For different reasons, Liverpool will be monitoring both scenarios. The Reds are hoping to see a vital player leave the Etihad Stadium and a player they respect decide against moving to Old Trafford.

Here, Liverpool.com looks at the other major teams in the Premier League and across Europe to see what news is circulating at those organizations, with both Manchester City and Manchester United making headlines.

ILkay Gündogan’s most recent

The FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United saw Gündogan score after just 13 seconds, although the final score was much closer than it appeared at first.

Before the England player conceded a penalty for handball and Bruno Fernandes converted it, Jack Grealish and others came close to tying the score at 1-0. But Gündogan, who won the game, is the greatest in the business at the end of the season.

The German, who Klopp trained while he was at Borussia Dortmund, is extremely invaluable. However, his contract expires at the conclusion of this season, and nothing has been decided as to what might happen.

The game-winner acknowledged at the conclusion of play that he has not yet decided on his future, but Pep Guardiola wants to keep him for at least another year.

According to Liverpool.com, Gündogan might sign a contract extension and remain with Manchester City, but after seven seasons in England, he might possibly opt to leave.

If he chose the latter, Liverpool would benefit because there would be plenty of interested parties should he decide to change his mind. Without a player who has scored so many important goals, Guardiola’s team would be considerably less strong.

Transfer update for Mason Mount

Despite Liverpool’s interest, Manchester United has reached a personal agreement with Chelsea and England offensive midfielder Mason Mount and appears to be the front-runner to sign him.

The player has only one year left on his contract, but according to The Guardian, Chelsea wants $87 million (£70 million/€81 million) sell him after a wage package was agreed upon.

While Manchester United wants to pay closer to $62 million (£50 million/€58 million), that is still excessive.

According to Liverpool.com, Mount appears to prefer remaining at Chelsea over leaving and joining another team, but the Stamford Bridge club has reportedly spent so much money that something will have to go.

Even though the 24-year-old may not have wanted to move on, he may not have had a choice. In the same way, incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino may wish to keep him but will need to make some tough transfer choices.

Given that a place is already open at Liverpool, moving there would make more sense; however, if Mount decides to join Manchester United, the Reds will need to look elsewhere.

June 3, 2023