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Arne Slot Confirms Two Liverpool Players Are Out Injured

Liverpool Injury Update: Arne Slot Offers Clarity on Alexander-Arnold and Morton

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a key update on the injuries of vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and midfielder Tyler Morton ahead of the team’s upcoming matches.

Alexander-Arnold’s Recovery Timeline Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was forced off during the second half of last weekend’s Premier League win over AFC Bournemouth, is still recovering. The right-back also missed Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, with his return date still uncertain.

Slot confirmed that Alexander-Arnold will not be ready in time for Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle. Asked about his availability, Slot said during his pre-match press conference, “No, I don’t think so yet. That’s going to be too early for him.”

Looking ahead to next Wednesday’s highly anticipated Merseyside derby, Slot remarked, “Difficult to say [about the derby]. Like I said before, it’s not going to take months and not even weeks but that’s only three days after the Plymouth Argyle game, so let’s wait and see if he is available.”

Despite the short gap between fixtures, Slot stressed the importance of managing Alexander-Arnold’s long-term fitness. “We also have to look at the long term, of course we don’t want to take any risks with so many games afterwards coming up. But if he’s fit then of course we will use him,” Slot added.

Morton Faces Extended Absence Along with Alexander-Arnold’s injury concerns, Slot provided an update on Tyler Morton, revealing that the midfielder has suffered a shoulder injury, which will keep him out for several weeks, possibly longer.

“He will be out for weeks or maybe even longer,” Slot confirmed, signaling that Morton’s recovery could extend into the season. His absence further complicates Liverpool’s midfield situation as the team faces a demanding schedule.

Squad Depth and Tactical Adjustments With both Alexander-Arnold and Morton unavailable, Slot will need to rely on his squad’s depth to maintain Liverpool’s momentum. In particular, the loss of Alexander-Arnold could lead to tactical changes, given his significant role in Liverpool’s offensive play and set-piece situations.

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures will test the team’s adaptability, as Slot balances the need for immediate results with the long-term health of key players.

Eyes on the Merseyside Derby As fans eagerly anticipate the Merseyside derby, Alexander-Arnold’s potential return remains a key focus. Slot’s cautious approach to his recovery suggests any decision regarding his involvement will take into account the broader goals of the season.

For now, Liverpool continues to push forward under Slot’s leadership, determined to maintain their competitive edge across all competitions.

February 7, 2025
Liverpool intend to reach out again to Bayern Munich star, with the giants ‘deeply concerned’

Bayern Munich are said to be “seriously worried” about the possibility of losing Joshua Kimmich, as Liverpool plans to contact him again soon, marking their second attempt.

Kimmich, a key figure in Bayern’s lineup, is only outdone in seniority by Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer. He is also one of the club’s top earners. Despite his importance to the team, with 10 goal contributions in 31 matches this season, Kimmich’s contract expires at the end of the season, raising the prospect of his departure.

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool initially approached the German midfielder in early January with the intention of securing him on a free transfer in the summer, and are planning to reach out once more “soon.” Reports suggest Kimmich is “leaning towards” a move to England, but no final decision has been made yet.

The report also indicates that Bayern are “seriously worried” about losing Kimmich, as they continue their efforts to convince him to sign a new contract.

Kimmich will have alternative choices.

Kimmich is expected to have multiple options. Manchester City, another Premier League club, is reportedly interested in him, offering a potential easy move to the Citizens. Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are considered other possibilities.

For Real Madrid, Kimmich is seen as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whom they’ve aggressively pursued but might not secure. The Spanish club is reportedly frustrated with the slow pace of talks with Liverpool over the right-back and could shift their focus to Kimmich.

Should he move to Liverpool, Kimmich would likely strengthen their midfield, as he most often plays as a holding midfielder for Bayern. This is especially true if Alexander-Arnold remains at right-back. However, Kimmich has also played as a right-back throughout his career, including for Germany, and Real Madrid would consider using him in that position if they fail to land Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool Update: Reds Pursuing Brahim Diaz

In other Liverpool transfer news, the club is reportedly prioritizing the signing of Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid in the summer window. Liverpool is also expected to move on from their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi and focus on Frenkie de Jong. With Barcelona’s contract talks with the Dutchman stalled, Liverpool might have a good chance of securing him.

Despite speculation, it is not believed that Alisson will leave Liverpool, even with the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili in the summer to compete for the No. 1 spot.

February 7, 2025
Four Liverpool Players Set to Miss Tottenham Hotspur Semi-Final Due to Carabao Cup Regulation

Arne Slot has acknowledged that one decision will be the most difficult for him to make.

It’s not about deciding between Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas for the left-back spot as Liverpool aim to reach Wembley again. Nor is it about whether Caoimhin Kelleher, who has played a key role in the team’s past two Carabao Cup victories, will have to sit out in the semi-final second leg.

Instead, as Liverpool look to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Tottenham Hotspur, Slot’s toughest decision will be determining who will have to miss out on the match entirely, even though they’ve been part of the build-up.

Slot’s stance

The only player unavailable for selection is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is sidelined due to injury. However, his issue is not serious, and the Reds’ vice-captain has already begun individual training after being substituted in last weekend’s 2-0 victory at Bournemouth.

With that in mind, Liverpool have 23 senior players available for the Spurs match, but only 20 can be chosen. Just nine substitutes are allowed, in line with Premier League and FA Cup regulations, though Slot wishes the rule would align with UEFA’s standards.

“I don’t understand why we don’t go to 23 in this country because this country plays the most games everywhere around the world and we only have 20 players that we can take to the games,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference. “Since it is the rule over here that is probably going to be the most difficult decision I have to make – not the first XI, but to leave someone out that worked so hard on a daily basis, that wants to be involved in the game as well. Not even taking him to the game, that’s the hardest decision for me to make.”

Decisions to make

Having so many available players is a rare luxury for Slot. Spurs’ manager, Ange Postecoglou, will likely envy the Liverpool manager’s situation, given the long injury list at the North London club.

First, third-choice goalkeeper Viteslav Jaros will not be needed. He impressed during a Carabao Cup fourth-round win at Brighton when given a chance.

Tyler Morton, who has played just five times this season, will also likely be left out. Three of his appearances were in the competition, and although there were rumors of him leaving for Middlesbrough on deadline day, their offer fell short. Despite loan interest from the Championship, James McConnell, who was kept at Anfield to provide cover and competition, will also probably miss out.

Another intriguing decision for Slot will concern three players: Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, and Federico Chiesa. Both Gomez and Chiesa were left out of the squad against Bournemouth. Gomez has returned from a hamstring injury, while Chiesa played his first full 90 minutes in the 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last week.

Gomez, who can play as a right-back, could step in for Alexander-Arnold, but with Liverpool needing a turnaround, Slot might choose to strengthen the attack by recalling Chiesa. Quansah could be left out, although that would be tough for him given he has started all four Carabao Cup matches so far.

Slot won’t enjoy having to inform the unfortunate players who won’t make the cut. Not at all. But that’s the nature of being a manager.

February 6, 2025
Liverpool transfer confirmed with £22m alternative for Andy Robertson ‘found’

Liverpool did not make any signings in the January transfer window, but rumors continue regarding potential summer acquisitions.

The January transfer period ended without any new additions to Arne Slot’s squad. Despite links to players like Santiago Gimenez and Stefanos Tzimas, neither moved to Anfield.

However, Slot’s team is in a strong position to finish the season with trophies. Liverpool currently holds a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, with a game in hand over second-place Arsenal. The Reds are also still active in European and domestic cup competitions.

The departure of young goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek was confirmed following Monday’s deadline. Mrozek, who spent last season with Swedish club IF Brommapojkarna, has now joined National League side Forest Green Rovers.

The 21-year-old, who joined Liverpool’s academy in 2020 from FC Wroclaw, is also a Poland youth international. Though he has been part of Liverpool’s matchday squad, he has yet to make his senior debut.

Mrozek was on the bench for Europa League matches against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Sparta Praha last season but will now gain senior football experience at Forest Green.

Meanwhile, reporter David Lynch has suggested that Liverpool is keeping an eye on Girona defender Miguel Gutierrez as a potential replacement for Andy Robertson. The 23-year-old Spaniard, a product of Real Madrid’s academy, is reportedly considered an alternative to Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

Gutierrez is valued at €27.6 million (around £22 million). However, since Girona is owned by the City Group, the same entity that owns Manchester City, it is uncertain whether they would be willing to negotiate with Liverpool.

More news…..

Darwin Nunez angry as Liverpool ‘halt £70m transfer’

Liverpool have made a bold move in the transfer market by rejecting a substantial £70 million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for striker Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward, however, is reportedly unhappy with the decision.

According to sources (via The Sun), Nunez had been open to negotiations with Al Nassr, the club where Cristiano Ronaldo plays. However, Liverpool swiftly rejected the offer, making it clear that Nunez was not available for sale.

In response, Al Nassr shifted their focus to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, successfully completing a £64 million deal for the Colombian forward instead.

Nunez’s frustration increased when he was omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League loss to PSV. Nonetheless, manager Arne Slot quickly explained that Nunez’s absence was due to illness rather than any transfer-related issues.

This season, Nunez has scored six goals and provided four assists in 29 appearances. Although his performances have been inconsistent, he has had standout moments, such as a crucial last-minute brace in a 2-0 win over Brentford.

Liverpool paid £85 million to acquire him from Benfica in 2022, and his future at Anfield is still unclear. Reports suggest the club may revisit his situation in the summer, potentially opening the door for a move.

Currently, Nunez is back in training and has traveled with the squad for their upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth. It remains to be seen if Arne Slot will include him in the starting lineup after the recent drama.

With the transfer window now closed, speculation may quiet for the time being. However, one thing is clear: this won’t be the last we hear about Darwin Nunez’s future.

February 5, 2025
Complete list of Liverpool transfers for January 2025 as 7 players depart

Liverpool did not make any signings during the 2025 January transfer window, but several young players left the club either permanently or on loan.

A quiet transfer window typically indicates a well-managed club, and given the solid state of their squad, Liverpool had no need for major signings this month.

With only Trent Alexander-Arnold currently a concern due to injury, following the returns to training of Diogo Jota, Joe Gomez, and Curtis Jones last week, there was no urgency to bring in cover. The team’s impressive performance throughout the season meant significant additions were unnecessary.

In terms of departures, there was interest from Saudi Arabian clubs in Darwin Nunez, but Liverpool was not open to selling him this month, though a move could be considered at the end of the season. Federico Chiesa had also been linked with a return to Serie A due to limited playing time, but his situation at Anfield appears more promising after recent appearances.

Although there were no major arrivals or exits, several youngsters left on loan or permanently. Stefan Bajcetic joined Las Palmas until the end of the season after his move to RB Salzburg was cancelled, while Dominic Corness, Kaide Gordon, and Calvin Ramsay all completed loan moves to other British clubs. Corness moved to Gillingham, Gordon to Portsmouth, and Ramsay to Kilmarnock.

Jayden Danns’ loan move to Sunderland was confirmed on Tuesday, along with news of a minor injury and a new contract. Here’s the full list of Liverpool’s January transfer dealings:

Incomings
None

Outgoings
Marcelo Pitaluga – Permanent to Fluminense
Tom Hill – Permanent to Harrogate
Luca Furnell-Gill – Permanent to Tottenham
Calvin Ramsay – Loan to Kilmarnock
Stefan Bajcetic – Loan to Las Palmas
Dominic Corness – Loan to Gillingham
Kaide Gordon – Loan to Portsmouth
Jayden Danns – Loan to Sunderland

More news…..

Darwin Nunez angry as Liverpool ‘halt £70m transfer’

Liverpool have made a bold move in the transfer market by rejecting a substantial £70 million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for striker Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward, however, is reportedly unhappy with the decision.

According to sources (via The Sun), Nunez had been open to negotiations with Al Nassr, the club where Cristiano Ronaldo plays. However, Liverpool swiftly rejected the offer, making it clear that Nunez was not available for sale.

In response, Al Nassr shifted their focus to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, successfully completing a £64 million deal for the Colombian forward instead.

Nunez’s frustration increased when he was omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League loss to PSV. Nonetheless, manager Arne Slot quickly explained that Nunez’s absence was due to illness rather than any transfer-related issues.

This season, Nunez has scored six goals and provided four assists in 29 appearances. Although his performances have been inconsistent, he has had standout moments, such as a crucial last-minute brace in a 2-0 win over Brentford.

Liverpool paid £85 million to acquire him from Benfica in 2022, and his future at Anfield is still unclear. Reports suggest the club may revisit his situation in the summer, potentially opening the door for a move.

Currently, Nunez is back in training and has traveled with the squad for their upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth. It remains to be seen if Arne Slot will include him in the starting lineup after the recent drama.

With the transfer window now closed, speculation may quiet for the time being. However, one thing is clear: this won’t be the last we hear about Darwin Nunez’s future.

February 4, 2025
Liverpool ‘Confident’ About Trent Alexander-Arnold Injury After Latest Scan

Liverpool are optimistic that Trent Alexander-Arnold has avoided a serious injury after being forced off during their 2-0 win at Bournemouth, although they are still waiting for the results of a scan.

The right-back was substituted midway through the second half after experiencing discomfort in his upper leg. A scan has been arranged for Monday to assess the extent of the injury, following a day off for the squad after the match.

According to Liverpool Echo reporter Paul Gorst, while awaiting the final assessment, there is “confidence that the England international won’t be subjected to a lengthy lay-off.”

This is a positive update, considering Alexander-Arnold’s key role in the team and the demanding fixture schedule under manager Arne Slot.

Conor Bradley is now set to start against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and Plymouth in the FA Cup this week. It seems likely that Liverpool will aim for the Merseyside derby next week for Alexander-Arnold’s return.

Academy right-back Isaac Mabaya might also be considered for the FA Cup tie at Plymouth, with more experienced options like Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah also available.

Liverpool could announce the results of Monday’s scan later in the day through local media, although a more detailed update is expected on Tuesday.

Before his injury, Alexander-Arnold had been having a challenging afternoon against winger Antoine Semenyo and left-back Milos Kerkez, a situation similar to the 2-2 draw against Manchester United in January, where opponents targeted Liverpool’s right-back by doubling up on him.

However, there is no question about his world-class quality, and concerns remain over the possibility of losing him to Real Madrid at the end of the season. While Real made an attempt to sign the 26-year-old during the winter transfer window, their approaches were swiftly rejected. With his contract set to expire in the summer, they can now negotiate terms as of January 1.

Liverpool remains hopeful of securing new contracts for Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah, though there is less confidence regarding the right-back’s commitment.

More news…..

Darwin Nunez angry as Liverpool ‘halt £70m transfer’

Liverpool have made a bold move in the transfer market by rejecting a substantial £70 million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for striker Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward, however, is reportedly unhappy with the decision.

According to sources (via The Sun), Nunez had been open to negotiations with Al Nassr, the club where Cristiano Ronaldo plays. However, Liverpool swiftly rejected the offer, making it clear that Nunez was not available for sale.

In response, Al Nassr shifted their focus to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, successfully completing a £64 million deal for the Colombian forward instead.

Nunez’s frustration increased when he was omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League loss to PSV. Nonetheless, manager Arne Slot quickly explained that Nunez’s absence was due to illness rather than any transfer-related issues.

This season, Nunez has scored six goals and provided four assists in 29 appearances. Although his performances have been inconsistent, he has had standout moments, such as a crucial last-minute brace in a 2-0 win over Brentford.

Liverpool paid £85 million to acquire him from Benfica in 2022, and his future at Anfield is still unclear. Reports suggest the club may revisit his situation in the summer, potentially opening the door for a move.

Currently, Nunez is back in training and has traveled with the squad for their upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth. It remains to be seen if Arne Slot will include him in the starting lineup after the recent drama.

With the transfer window now closed, speculation may quiet for the time being. However, one thing is clear: this won’t be the last we hear about Darwin Nunez’s future.

February 4, 2025
Liverpool only need to focus on one team in the Premier League title race, and it’s not Arsenal.

The focus is no longer on Arsenal, Manchester City, or anyone else in the title race—it’s about ourselves. When people ask me, “Who are you worried about?” I tell them I’m worried about Liverpool.

Regardless of any bad run we go through, our concern shouldn’t be with Arsenal; it should be with ourselves. We just need to keep pushing forward, continue what we’re doing, and aim to improve, taking each game as it comes.

If we win our game in hand and manage to beat Arsenal at home, that could go a long way in ensuring we’re in the race until the end of the season.

There are big, important games ahead. We know this. We want to reach another final, especially against Tottenham. We love going to Wembley; it’s like our second home.

In fact, we’ve probably visited Wembley more than any other club over the years. Now, we need to turn around the 1-0 deficit. It will be interesting to see which team Arne selects; that’s the most intriguing part.

I believe he’ll field a strong team to win the match before rotating for the Plymouth game. I’m excited for Thursday; it should be a great game, under the lights and in front of our fans.

Chiesa can make the difference
Federico Chiesa was fantastic against PSV; we’re talking about a top-class player. We’re handling him with care to ensure his fitness, especially considering his past injuries.

We’re treating him as a special case because everyone knows his potential and what he can bring to the club. In the run-in, he can offer us something different. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he brings a new dynamic to our team.

You can see the quality he possesses. I recall watching him play for Italy. He’s a quality player who’s been through a lot in the last couple of years.

Let’s hope that being cautious with him pays off, and he gets more playing time. If that happens, he’ll only improve. He’s a top-tier player.

Trent troubles
Losing any player to injury is never ideal. Trent had a tough time; I’m not sure what happened with him.

At times on Saturday, we managed defensively, but it was hard to watch him go off injured. Let’s hope it’s not too serious.

But it is what it is for him this season—there’s a lot going on in his mind. It does affect a player. He wasn’t himself against Manchester United last month.

It’s only been a few games, and people are already talking, but there’s a lot happening in his head.

It’s between him and the manager now. He needs to figure it out because it’s not easy. He’s constantly in the news, and that does take its toll. He’s only human.

February 4, 2025
Liverpool set to sign 140-goal striker and £65m defensive pair in ideal starting XI if transfer rumors are accurate

Liverpool are gearing up for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur as the transfer deadline nears. The significance of their 2-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday was further emphasized on Sunday when Arsenal triumphed over Manchester City 5-1, almost ending City’s title hopes.

The Reds remain six points ahead of the Gunners, with one game in hand, as they shift their focus to domestic cup competitions. Next up is the Carabao Cup clash with Spurs, where Liverpool aims to overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. After that, they will travel to Plymouth Argyle for their FA Cup fourth-round match.

While Liverpool aren’t expected to have a busy transfer deadline day, with a focus on loan moves for some younger players, the club has still been linked with some notable signings. Below, we present what Arne Slot’s starting XI might look like if recent transfer rumors hold true.

Defensive duo worth £65m join

Two players reportedly linked to Liverpool during the January transfer window are Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. Both positions are areas the Reds need to strengthen. Since Joel Matip’s departure from Anfield and eventual retirement, Liverpool has yet to fill that gap in the defense.

Kerkez is valued at £40m, while Tah is priced at £25m, although his value could rise given his contract is nearing its end. The German defender has also caught the eye of top Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. Arne Slot spoke highly of Tah after Liverpool’s 4-0 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen, stating, “I think Tah, who is a real good defender and is one of the best defenders in Germany… maybe the best defender in Germany, maybe likes to play more against a target man, someone who’s there in the middle.” On Kerkez, Slot commented after Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth, “I don’t think I have to talk about players that we are interested in, let alone a player from Bournemouth. He’s playing over here, he’s having a great season as many, many, many other players here are as well.”

Prolific striker joins on bargain deal

Lille striker Jonathan David, another player Liverpool faced in the Champions League this season, is also in the final months of his contract. Like Tah, he can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool. David was close to joining Bayern Munich last summer but cannot engage in talks with them since both teams play in the Bundesliga.

David, a prolific striker, has attracted attention from multiple Premier League clubs, with reports suggesting that Liverpool had a £10m bid rejected for him as they look for a more affordable deal. The 24-year-old has scored 103 goals in 215 games for Lille after netting 37 goals in 83 appearances for KAA Gent.

If these transfer rumors are accurate, Liverpool’s dream starting XI would look like this: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Jonathan Tah, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Cody Gakpo, Jonathan David, Mo Salah.

February 3, 2025
Report: Liverpool greenlit to pursue stunning Rodrygo move following initial talks

Liverpool Ready to Move for Rodrygo as Real Madrid Opens the Door for Sale

In a stunning development, Liverpool have received the green light to pursue a move for Rodrygo, with Real Madrid reportedly open to selling the Brazilian star. This comes as the Reds continue their measured approach to transfers under Arne Slot, who made only one first-team addition last summer—Federico Chiesa. Liverpool’s strategy has focused on maintaining consistency, rather than making major splash signings, and it’s clearly paying off. They are currently leading the Premier League, six points ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand, and topped their Champions League group.

Liverpool have engaged in talks for Rodrygo, with Real Madrid now easing their position on a potential sale

Liverpool have been in talks with Real Madrid about a potential move for Rodrygo, with the Spanish club seemingly softening their stance on parting ways with the winger. There’s also growing speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah, whose exceptional form this season has made him a 3/1 favorite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Ben Jacobs, a prominent transfer expert, believes that even if Liverpool renews Salah’s contract, it won’t prevent them from seeking his eventual replacement. Jacobs said, “In an ideal world, Liverpool renew Van Dijk and Salah, while simultaneously in 2025 looking to replace them… it makes the transition much more seamless.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is looking to sign a new winger

If Liverpool secures Rodrygo‘s signature, there might be little need for a lengthy period of adjustment. According to Fichajes, Real Madrid has always viewed Rodrygo as a key figure, though “the situation could change” if offers come in this summer. There’s already talk of Saudi Arabian interest, with rumors of a €200 million bid. Los Blancos are expecting further suitors for Rodrygo as the transfer window approaches.

Previously, Spanish outlets Cadena Ser and Sport (via Sport Witness) have reported on initial conversations between Rodrygo and Liverpool, potentially as a fallback option if Salah does not extend his contract. With just three months remaining on Salah’s current deal, there’s a real possibility that Liverpool could target Rodrygo in the summer if they lose their star player. There’s even speculation that Rodrygo could slot into Liverpool‘s attack alongside Salah, given his versatility—he originally played on the left wing before transitioning to the right for Madrid.

Although Rodrygo has been valued at around €100 million, and he is ranked among the top right-wingers in the world, Liverpool faces stiff competition. A possible bidding war could emerge, with Saudi Arabian clubs reportedly ready to throw large sums at him. However, despite Liverpool‘s interest, the move remains distant at this point. FourFourTwo suggests that while there is a pathway to a transfer, the situation is still developing and a deal is not imminent.

Real Madrid could seek to spark a bidding war for Rodrygo

Moreover, the move for Rodrygo seems out of character for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, who have earned their reputations by bringing in players before they become global superstars. Signing a Real Madrid player for a record fee would represent a significant departure from their usual approach.

As of now, Rodrygo is valued at €100 million by Transfermarkt, and attention will shift to Liverpool‘s upcoming League Cup semi-final clash with Tottenham at Anfield this week.

February 3, 2025
Virgil van Dijk delivers message to Liverpool squad following Bournemouth victory

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has emphasized that his team cannot ease off in their pursuit of the Premier League title, despite holding a strong lead at the top of the table.

Van Dijk urged Liverpool’s fringe players to stay ready, highlighting that everyone has an important role to play in the club’s title chase. The dominant Dutch defender, who led his side to a vital clean sheet against Bournemouth, believes the team has regained full fitness at just the right time.

Federico Chiesa, fully fit, was left out of the matchday squad on Saturday, while Bournemouth’s bench was made up of young academy players. Following Mohamed Salah’s impressive double in the 2-0 victory at the Vitality, Van Dijk expressed confidence that Liverpool’s squad depth will be crucial as they aim for success in multiple competitions during the season’s final stretch.

He stated: “First of all, on Bournemouth, because I’ve mentioned it before, it’s a big credit to them how they were performing even with all the injuries they had.” He added, “For us personally, we need everyone, we need everyone to push each other but we need everyone to be consistent and in form as well. We’re in all the competitions still, so we need everyone to participate.”

Van Dijk further praised the contributions of players who came on during the match, stating, “The boys that came on today did well and that’s what we need, I think throughout the whole season those that come on have made an impact and that’s the positive thing about the squad. Everyone needs to feel part of it and I think that’s the case with us.”

Despite Liverpool’s impressive 19-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League, Van Dijk acknowledged that great form does not always guarantee titles. The Dutch defender wants the experience of the club’s senior players, those who won the title in 2020, to help guide them to the finish line.

He explained: “Yeah of course, we have to share our experience. That’s part of life or football in general. Cody [Gakpo] also mentioned that we have to stay calm. Things like that are very important. We have to put our full focus on everything that’s ahead of you. The guys played in Holland while we rested, we treat everyone with the utmost respect and they deserved it.”

With their attention now shifting to the Carabao Cup semi-final, Liverpool faces a tough task of overturning a 1-0 deficit against a Tottenham side struggling with injuries.

When asked if their victory over Bournemouth could be seen as a statement win, Van Dijk was cautious about drawing such conclusions. He said: “Hopefully at the end of the season we can say that. We’ll have a few days off then we’ll fully focus on turning the tie around against Spurs, which is going to be difficult as well. I’m looking forward to it and then we’ll see at the end of the season if they were statement wins but I don’t want to put a label on a particular win as we have 15 games left in the Premier League and hopefully many more in other competitions too.”

Van Dijk also made it clear that no one at Liverpool is paying attention to the league standings just yet. He concluded: “Why should we look at the table on the first of February? There’s no point. We don’t look at it. I’ve said it many times. We just have to focus on the games that we face. If the gap is big or close, we have to just try and win our games because that’s the only thing we have influence on.”

February 3, 2025