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The four players on Liverpool’s transfer wishlist should chill Pep Guardiola to the bone

Liverpool wants to add four more first team players to Arne Slot’s roster this summer before the transfer market closes at the end of the month.

Liverpool wants to add four players to its roster this summer in order to strengthen Arne Slot’s team for the forthcoming Premier League season.

Although most of Liverpool’s opponents have made moves in the summer transfer window, Liverpool has not made a signing. Arsenal acquired Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, while Manchester City signed Brazilian winger Savinho.

Manchester United, who is also pursuing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich, has signed Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. Liverpool hasn’t yet entered the market, but that could be about to happen.

According to The Independent, Liverpool plans to add four players this summer. The centre back, the defensive midfielder, and possibly two wide strikers are what the Reds want to add. Those two positions, the first two, seem to make sense.

Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah are Liverpool’s four healthy centre backs, as Joel Matip left on a free transfer this summer following an ACL injury. While Konate has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, the latter of those four is still developing as a senior player.

Because they don’t have a left-footed centre defender, Liverpool apparently had interest in Calafiori before he decided to sign with Arsenal. During their engine room makeover last summer, the Reds also made many attempts to sign a defensive midfielder, but they were unable to persuade Romeo Lavia or Moises Caicedo to pick Anfield over Chelsea. As a result, they signed Wataru Endo, who was considered a stopgap player.

The Reds’ four-man shortlist is likely the most intriguing in terms of prospective additions, as they are well-stocked at wide forward, and it appears they may want to add two more this summer. The Reds could start Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, or Cody Gakpo on the left. Ben Doak, a young player, and Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliot are on the right.

However, it makes sense to go for another wide forward if Slot believes that Elliot is better off in the midst of the pitch rather than out wide. This summer, Liverpool has been connected to several attackers; two players the Reds like are Anthony Gordon and Takefusa Kubo.

According to Liverpool.com, it is not surprising that Liverpool is interested in a defender and a defensive midfielder. It was linked to many center-backs this time around, and last summer it sought to sign a top defensive midfield player.

It does make sense to have a wide forward up front, even if they can also operate from the right. It will be intriguing to observe, though, if Liverpool attempts to sign a second centre striker this summer. Darwin Nunez is frequently too unpredictable, while Cody Gakpo’s performances at the European Championship demonstrate that he is most effective when operating off the left rather than through the middle.

August 3, 2024
The 17-year-old was “delighted” to be called up for preseason by Liverpool coaches as a “reward”

Amara Nallo has participated in preseason activities with Liverpool’s first squad; the 17-year-old defender has impressed the club’s coaches, who call him “delighted.”

In the 2-1 friendly victory over Arsenal in Philadelphia around the middle of the week, Nallo made his debut at the senior level by substituting in.

He posted on Instagram, saying, “Proud moment for me making my first-team debut.” “Thankful for the chance and the experience.”

Nallo is among the youngest players on the American circuit, having turned 18 only in November, but he has received the same treatment as the rest of Arne Slot’s team.

Lewis Steele of the Mail claims that his preseason selection is a “reward for a stellar first season in the academy.”

Signed from West Ham as a first-year scholar last year, Nallo began life with the U18s but soon stepped up to become a first-choice starter with the U21s, as well as training regularly with Jurgen Klopp‘s first squad.

Despite Klopp and many of his staff departing, that has not changed, and it is evident that Slot still has hopes for the teenager.

According to Steele, “coaches have been delighted with his developments,” and it is anticipated that he will return to Merseyside as a regular member of the U21s this season.

Nallo, who joined Liverpool the same summer as Trey Nyoni, exemplifies the team’s new strategy for bringing in young players.

The team is now trying to sign the top youth players from UK teams rather than signing players under the age of 18 from overseas.

Rio Ngumoha and Alvin Ayman, from Wolves and Chelsea, respectively, have arrived this summer; however, the Premier League has not yet approved those transfers.

Teenagers are opting to join Liverpool over rival teams, which is not surprising given the clear path from academy to first team.

Another illustration of this is Nallo, whose inclusion during the preseason marked the advancement of his impressive growth.

More news……

Reasons for Liverpool’s lack of new player signings include as explained by Arne Slot decision

Arne Slot, the new manager of Liverpool, has decided against adding players to Anfield before the 2024–2025 season in order to thoroughly evaluate his team during the Reds’ impending preseason trip of the United States.

Preseason has not gone well for the 45-year-old Dutch coach, so he has a lot of work ahead of him before the Merseyside team plays Ipswich Town in their Premier League start on August 17.

Due to many members of Liverpool’s team being deep into Copa America and Euro 2024, the former Feyenoord manager has not had many of his starting players available to train with this summer. Stars will begin to return one by one over the next few days and weeks, but it’s unclear how that will affect Slot’s squad in the first few games of the new campaign.

The timing of the international tournaments could not have been worse for the new Liverpool manager, as the pre-season is when a new coach gets to instill his philosophy in his players yet the majority of the team’s key players have been absent.

However, this season will require patience in all parts of the club, as it is a period of change after Jurgen Klopp’s lengthy and successful rule.

Major Liverpool transfer decision made by Arne Slot.

Liverpool has not added any players this summer, according to Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, because Slot wants to thoroughly evaluate his team before the Reds’ impending preseason trip to the United States.

Liverpool may have a hectic transfer window in the final month when the Premier League giants play their final match of the tour on August 3 in South Carolina against Man United.

Fans may be concerned, but this is the right course of action because Klopp left a good team at Anfield for Slot, as seen by their premature challenge for the Premier League title the previous season.

After the final whistle in South Carolina on August 3, Slot will know exactly what areas need to be strengthened for the Merseyside club. The club needs two or three excellent recruits before the transfer market closes.

August 3, 2024
Talk points for Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Harvey Elliott and Gabriel Jesus shines in the USA

As the Gunners prepare to return home, Liverpool defeated Arsenal at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Reds had won both of their US games.

Liverpool defeated Arsenal in front of a record-breaking football crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Fabio Carvalho.

In front of 69,879 spectators at the NFL stadium, an exciting first half was followed by a second half that quickly vanished, making the Reds the deserving winners.

With two assists, Harvey Elliott was the game’s most impressive player. When Diogo Jota stopped a long ball forward from Caoimhin Kellher, Liverpool took the lead. Elliott quickly moved to slide Salah through, and the Egyptian finished well, finding the bottom corner.

Elliott’s second assist was even more spectacular as he hoisted the ball over the Gunners back four, giving Carvalho a chance to run onto and score a volley to give Arne Slot’s team a double.

Jarrell Quansah’s excellent defending had kept the Gunners out of the game until Kai Havertz managed to give Arsenal a response just before the half ended. The Norwegian star had turned Kostas Tsimikas before halftime, and now the Gunners man turned home Martin Odegaard’s deflected cross.

On this hot night in the US metropolis, both teams started to make adjustments after halftime, which inevitably resulted in a decrease in intensity.

Impressive performance by Harvey Elliott

In order to secure a regular starting position in the Liverpool lineup, the midfield player recently stated that he needed to be more “selfish.” However, the Kop ace’s creative effect on others was evident here, and he was extremely impressive while he was on the pitch.

Two excellent passes, of which the second is especially notable, set up goals for Mo Salah and Fabio Carvalho. While in the first half, if Diogo Jota had been wearing his shooting boots, he may have had a hat-trick of assists.

This was an excellent effort from him if he was trying to win over Arne Slot, his new boss.

Slot switch formation

Slot may have a stronger focal point in the attack than in the friendly against Real Betis the other night, especially with Diogo Jota available after teaming up with the Reds later in the tour.

This required a change in formation from 4-2-4 to 4-2-3-1, with Dominik Szoboszlai playing deep-lying midfield this time instead of a forward role as he did last week.

Elliott switched to a No 10 position as a result, and he was quite effective there, creating gaps between Arsenal’s midfield and defence.

Liverpool went to a 4-3-3 when Jota was substituted at halftime. Could Slot be more tactically adaptable after nine years of Klopp primarily using one system, or is he simply making due with the players he currently has while he waits for a completely fit squad?

Jarrell Quansah is improving.

This season, there seems to be a slot available next to Virgil van Dijk, and Quansah is undoubtedly in the best position to take it.

Since the young defender’s arrival in the summer of last year, the Reds had adequate cover and didn’t need to spend money on a centre-back in the transfer window. However, it appears like Quansah has advanced to the starting lineup on a regular basis.

The defender put in a great display, stopping a certain goal after Gabriel Martinelli slid a cross in with a brilliant tackle to deny Gabriel Jesus.He appears to be an excellent defender.

Gabriel Jesus appears well-groomed.

The Brazilian had a relatively poor second season at Arsenal the previous season as additional injuries derailed him and his play took a nosedive. Kai Havertz eventually took his spot.

The front man for the Gunners was moving quickly across the pitch, chasing down every ball in an attempt to force mistakes, which he successfully did multiple times. He looked dangerous the entire game and would have scored had Quansah’s outstanding defending not prevented him from taping in.

If Jesus wants to maintain his starting position this season, he must improve and reach more goals.

Fabio Carvalho versus Ben White.

The Arsenal full-back’s night against Carvalho wasn’t the simplest. Throughout his time on the pitch, the Liverpool forward outperformed the more seasoned defender.

As he bundled the winger off the ground and threw him smashing into the water bottles near the Arsenal dugout, White even left one on him. The young Portuguese player, who intends to stay at Liverpool this season and compete for a spot in the starting lineup, put up yet another outstanding display.

To be honest, White performed well in the beginning but found the evening difficult in the end. When Carvalho coasted inside to give the Reds their second goal, no one was following him.

August 1, 2024
Talks are in progress as Liverpool renegotiate for Anthony Gordon; Newcastle makes their transfer stance known

It makes sense that Newcastle United would struggle to decide what would happen to elite attacking potential Anthony Gordon.

The Reds have started renegotiating with the club for the England international, according to sources with knowledge of the evolving scenario between Liverpool and the Magpies, which CaughtOffside has been informed of.

But it’s believed that Eddie Howe’s team has reiterated that the former Everton player isn’t up for grabs this summer.

“We didn’t want to lose anybody, and Anthony Gordon is a crucial player for us,” the manager has previously acknowledged, according to Fabrizio Romano. “Is it really our goal to lose our best players? We battled tirelessly to arrive at the best choices. Over the past few weeks, it has been really challenging. But Gordon will understand.

How does Newcastle United intend to react?

Based on what CaughtOffside understands, Gordon has had a successful season, and Newcastle is eager to extend his contract.

The 23-year-old’s contract is scheduled to end in 2026. Last season, he contributed 23 goals in 48 games (all competitions combined).

Now that a renewal is being discussed, St. James’ Park officials hope to retain the player in Tyne and Wear until the summer of 2029.

It’s important to note that there are now other teams who could be interested in hiring the left winger, besides Liverpool. Chelsea and Manchester United are both regarded as being eager.

More news……

Reasons for Liverpool’s lack of new player signings include as explained by Arne Slot decision

Arne Slot, the new manager of Liverpool, has decided against adding players to Anfield before the 2024–2025 season in order to thoroughly evaluate his team during the Reds’ impending preseason trip of the United States.

Preseason has not gone well for the 45-year-old Dutch coach, so he has a lot of work ahead of him before the Merseyside team plays Ipswich Town in their Premier League start on August 17.

Due to many members of Liverpool’s team being deep into Copa America and Euro 2024, the former Feyenoord manager has not had many of his starting players available to train with this summer. Stars will begin to return one by one over the next few days and weeks, but it’s unclear how that will affect Slot’s squad in the first few games of the new campaign.

The timing of the international tournaments could not have been worse for the new Liverpool manager, as the pre-season is when a new coach gets to instill his philosophy in his players yet the majority of the team’s key players have been absent.

However, this season will require patience in all parts of the club, as it is a period of change after Jurgen Klopp’s lengthy and successful rule.

Major Liverpool transfer decision made by Arne Slot.

Liverpool has not added any players this summer, according to Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, because Slot wants to thoroughly evaluate his team before the Reds’ impending preseason trip to the United States.

Liverpool may have a hectic transfer window in the final month when the Premier League giants play their final match of the tour on August 3 in South Carolina against Man United.

Fans may be concerned, but this is the right course of action because Klopp left a good team at Anfield for Slot, as seen by their premature challenge for the Premier League title the previous season.

After the final whistle in South Carolina on August 3, Slot will know exactly what areas need to be strengthened for the Merseyside club. The club needs two or three excellent recruits before the transfer market closes.

July 27, 2024
Star at Liverpool is “better than Jude Bellingham,” yet FSG runs the risk of losing him for nothing

Liverpool faces the possibility of losing a top player to a free transfer.

Even though one of his teammates believes the 25-year-old Alexander-Arnold, is better than Jude Bellingham, Liverpool might lose him for nothing. One of the best players to come through Liverpool’s youth ranks in recent memory, the Reds defender faces an unclear future.

Throughout his career, Alexander-Arnold has remained at his boyhood club, although his current contract is about to expire in less than a year. The Reds’ owners, Fenway Sports Group, have not yet started contract negotiations, but if they don’t move quickly, they risk losing him on a free transfer the following summer.

Given how crucial Alexander-Arnold has been to Liverpool since joining their senior squad in 2016, it would undoubtedly be a huge blow. Losing him without getting paid a transfer fee would also make it more difficult for them to afford a suitable successor.

It appears that his teammates would rather see him stay at Anfield; Diogo Jota is one of many who has shown his respect for the England defender. Jota was asked to rank five players blindly in a recent Goal video without knowing which player’s name would be put out next.

The first player to be named was Alexander-Arnold, who was ranked second by Jota. The next to be mentioned was Bellingham, which caused Jota to ponder briefly before placing the Real Madrid star third, after his Liverpool colleague.

Not only Reds players have been gushing about Alexander-Arnold; Declan Rice, an Arsenal midfielder, also praised the right-back while he was representing England at the Euros.

“He’s a player any country would appreciate,” Rice added. “He’s a player we have to play, we have to get involved, and our attackers should be thriving playing off someone like Trent because his passing is off the scale.”

Anfield mosaic that seemed to indicate Alexander-Arnold was set to sign a new contract recently had Liverpool supporters going crazy. The arrangement of seat coverings seemed to spell out either ’66 2028′ or ’66 2029,’ his long-term squad number along with the year until which he had potentially signed.

However, that notion has now been refuted, with the form of the coverings being simply coincidental and probably caused by Merseyside’s windy conditions. Although it’s still largely anticipated that the Reds will sign Alexander-Arnold to a new deal, it’s unclear when talks will start. Time is critical because, as things stand, he will be free to sign a pre-contract deal with a foreign club in January.

July 27, 2024
The dream team of Arne Slot On the first day of the season, Liverpool XI, with 13 players missing the USA tour

Manager Arne Slot of Liverpool had to wait to name a full strength lineup for their preseason trip of the United States, so he has selected a smaller group.

For the first time in less than a month, Arne Slot will be in charge of a Premier League game, although he has been conducting part of his preparation without many of Liverpool’s top stars.

Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp as manager in June, saw his team play in a private friendly when Preston North End defeated a Liverpool starting lineup. The freshly promoted Ipswich Town will be the opponent for the Premier League’s third-place finishers of last season on August 17. However, they will first play a series of friendlies in the United States. With 13 players out of the lineup for their tour, the Reds are far from playing at full strength.

Eleven of them aren’t there because they’re competing internationally at the Copa America or European Championships, and Bobby Clark and Jayden Danns aren’t there because of injuries.

The other eleven are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alisson. Many, if not all, might be back in the running by the time the season arrives. Slot’s starting lineup will appear rather different for the time being.

That’s prior to the summer transfer window, when the former Feyenoord manager is anticipated to add players after losing players like Joel Matip and Thiago.

What may Liverpool’s starting lineup look like in the first weekend of the season? Mirror Football has examined potential future developments.

defence and the goalkeeper

John Achteberg, a former goalkeeping coach for Liverpool, suggested that Alisson’s departure would have been avoided by sticking with Claudio Taffarel. Together with his fellow countryman, current keeping coach Taffarel has remained at the club despite the departure of other members of former Klopp’s coaching team.

Achteberg said on The Football Historian podcast, “They were smart to at least keep Taffarel, because if they would have also changed Taffarel, they probably would have told Ali to find a new club basically.” “You also need to be intelligent. It’s good because Taffa is a genuinely nice guy, and his availability to them is ideal.

It’s a matter of who stays and who goes in front of the keeper, and many are hopeful Trent Alexander-Arnold signs a new contract in spite of Real Madrid’s interest. Though Leny Yoro, who was linked to Liverpool, was signed by Manchester United, there might be a new face.

Regardless of whether Virgil van Dijk stays with the Reds, Marc Guehi has been discussed. The Crystal Palace player can help bring in a new era at Anfield because of his adaptability and athleticism.

Midfield

Liverpool revamped their midfield significantly over the summer, but they may not be finished yet. Even though the Spaniard wasn’t able to play much last season, Thiago’s departure makes room for a new acquisition, and Ederson is one player who has been considered.

The Brazilian was a standout during Atalanta’s previous season as they won the Europa League, including a match against Liverpool. The 25-year-old might decide to stay in Bergamo, but if not, a move to Anfield might be the solution.

Dominik Szoboszlai would benefit from a little kickstart after a challenging second part of the season, although Alexis Mac Allister settled into his midfield role last year. However, if the Hungarian has a strong foundation, he might be able to excel in a capacity more akin to the one in which he has shown promise on the international stage. Assault

Attack

Despite all the rumours of a deal for Takefusa Kubo, Mohamed Salah might be Liverpool’s first pick on the right at the beginning of the season. Despite being in the last year of his contract, the Egyptian has joined Slot for the preseason and is expected to be one of the senior players in the US.

Several of the biggest names in European football have reportedly expressed interest in Luis Diaz. The Colombian would stay, though, if a combination of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Salah, Diaz, and Diogo Jota started the first game.

Nunez has also fit the setup from a wide berth, and Gakpo made an impression in the Euros, albeit frequently from a starting position out on the left. Jota may now be the best option through the middle as a result, but with Champions League football back on the table, we can expect Slot to make extensive use of all his attacking options.

Liverpool’s dream XI Alisson; Mac Allister, Ederson; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota; Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Van Dijk, Robertson;

July 24, 2024
The 28-person squad has been confirmed by Liverpool FC for their preseason tour of the USA

The 28 players that will be heading to the United States for Liverpool’s preseason tour have already been revealed. The tour begins on Saturday against Real Betis.

For the first time since 2019, the Reds will be visiting the US this summer, and Arne Slot, who took over for Jurgen Klopp, will be leading a new-look squad.

After working with his players for little over a week, Slot will go on a three-city tour, starting on Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

A number of important players are still missing since they are competing in summer international tournaments, but Liverpool has confirmed which players will be travelling to the United States.

The following players are still on post-season leave: Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz.

Nonetheless, other players have been to the US this week, including Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones.

Because there aren’t many well-known names, Slot works with a larger number of people, to which a variety of young people and outsiders join.

Those that have made the cut include Amara Nallo, Trey Nyoni, Luke Chambers, and Ben Doak.

Other first-team regulars who are travelling are Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Conor Bradley, Stefan Bajcetic, James McConnell, and Kaide Gordon.

Jota and Alisson are anticipated to reunite with the team in the US at a later time.

Liverpool preseason squad for US tour

Goalkeepers: Davies, Pitaluga, Jaros, and Kelleher

Defendants: Bradley, Tsimikas, Chambers, Beck, Quansah, Van den Berg, Phillips, Nallo, Robertson, and Bradley

Midfielders: Bajcetic, McConnell, Morton, Stephenson, Nyoni, Szoboszlai, Jones, Endo, Elliott, and Bajcetic

forwards: Salah, Carvalho, Doak, Gordon, Koumas, and Blair are the forwards.

More news…….

Liverpool may “break wage structure” to sign a young player from Chelsea.

Liverpool plans to waive their traditional wage structure in order to sign Rio Ngumoha, a teenage player from Chelsea.

After Ngumoha and Chelsea’s contract negotiations broke down, Liverpool is nearing a deal to sign the highly-regarded young player from their Premier League opponents.

The 15-year-old’s West London contract ends this summer, and the Reds are willing to pay above the academy level in order to recruit him.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool and the England youth international are close to reaching an agreement, which would be a major win for the Merseysiders’ academy system.

🚨🔴 EXCL: Liverpool are closing in on deal to sign Rio Ngumoha (2008) as he’s leaving Chelsea Academy.#LFC are set to break historical wage structure for Academy to sign Rio, who’s highly rated by the club.

Deal set to be completed soon. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/bxQAUGDm4T

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 8, 2024

Ngumoha, who was born in 2008, participated in 2023–24 as a member of the Chelsea first team after training with them earlier this year. He rose to become Chelsea’s under-21 team’s third-youngest player of the century.

The winger, who has been compared to Jamal Musiala, scored in the championship game to win the Premier League U16 Nationals “Player of the Tournament” award in October 2023. In April, he also scored in the u-17 Premier League Cup Final with a fantastic solo performance

July 24, 2024
Reasons for Liverpool’s lack of new player signings include as explained by Arne Slot decision

Arne Slot, the new manager of Liverpool, has decided against adding players to Anfield before the 2024–2025 season in order to thoroughly evaluate his team during the Reds’ impending preseason trip of the United States.

Preseason has not gone well for the 45-year-old Dutch coach, so he has a lot of work ahead of him before the Merseyside team plays Ipswich Town in their Premier League start on August 17.

Due to many members of Liverpool’s team being deep into Copa America and Euro 2024, the former Feyenoord manager has not had many of his starting players available to train with this summer. Stars will begin to return one by one over the next few days and weeks, but it’s unclear how that will affect Slot’s squad in the first few games of the new campaign.

The timing of the international tournaments could not have been worse for the new Liverpool manager, as the pre-season is when a new coach gets to instill his philosophy in his players yet the majority of the team’s key players have been absent.

However, this season will require patience in all parts of the club, as it is a period of change after Jurgen Klopp’s lengthy and successful rule.

Major Liverpool transfer decision made by Arne Slot.

Liverpool has not added any players this summer, according to Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, because Slot wants to thoroughly evaluate his team before the Reds’ impending preseason trip to the United States.

Liverpool may have a hectic transfer window in the final month when the Premier League giants play their final match of the tour on August 3 in South Carolina against Man United.

Fans may be concerned, but this is the right course of action because Klopp left a good team at Anfield for Slot, as seen by their premature challenge for the Premier League title the previous season.

After the final whistle in South Carolina on August 3, Slot will know exactly what areas need to be strengthened for the Merseyside club. The club needs two or three excellent recruits before the transfer market closes.

More news……

33-year-old confirms joining Barcelona after leaving Liverpool this summer.

Thiago Alcantara, 33, left Liverpool at the end of the season. Barcelona has acknowledged that he is temporarily back on the pitch.

The Spaniard chose to retire from sports after leaving Anfield, and it appears that he has chosen to pursue a career in coaching for the next phase of his life.

In order to “gain experience” before making a longer-term decision, Thiago has joined Hansi Flick’s coaching staff for Barcelona’s pre-season training, the Catalan team announced on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old may decide to stay with the La Liga team for the 2024–2025 season, albeit there is currently no commitment to do so.

Because they shared the 2019–20 Bayern Munich treble, Thiago and Flick have a close bond. The Spaniard’s intelligence would have been evident to the German coach, who probably used that information to lure him to his coaching staff.

Even if Thiago simply plays for the rest of the preseason, this is a wise decision for the 33-year-old so early in his retirement.

What led Thiago to choose retirement?

Even though Thiago was one of the most talented players of his generation, his career was marred by injuries, therefore it is unlikely that he will be recognised with the greats.

The 33-year-old’s decision to retire was perhaps influenced by the fact that he only played five minutes during the 2023–2024 season. The Spaniard might no longer have faith in his physique.

The former Barcelona player may have been content with his career after representing both Liverpool and the Catalan team.

The former midfield player has two Champions League medals in his collection and has won everything in Germany and Spain. Though it’s unclear if he can do the same as a coach, Thiago plans to try in the upcoming years.

July 24, 2024
The CEO of Newcastle provides a one-word update on Anthony Gordon, a target for Liverpool

Earlier in the summer, Liverpool attempted to sign Anthony Gordon, a winger for Newcastle, but negotiations broke down before a deal could be finalised.

Newcastle were struggling to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability regulations and required sales before a June 30 deadline.

Prior to that date there was contact between the two clubs with the Magpies seeking to ascertain whether Liverpool would be interested in discussing a transfer for a player that was on their books as a kid.

Nevertheless, there were two main reasons why the negotiations failed: first, Newcastle reportedly wanted a package worth £100 million, and second, they were determined to include Jarell Quansah in the agreement.

For Liverpool’s transfer team, there was a red line, and they decided to walk away. At that point, Newcastle was worried that the England forward would become interested in playing for his hometown team, and there were rumours that the Reds would make a move before the summer was up.

By selling Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Elliott Anderson to Nottingham Forest, respectively, Eddie Howe’s team was able to meet their PSR requirements while still holding onto Gordon, Alexander Isak, and Bruno Guimaraes.

The CEO of Newcastle expects Gordon to remain

Furthermore, Gordon and his two other valuable assets should stay at St. James’ Park for the upcoming season, according to club CEO Darren Eales, who made this announcement to Chronicle Live.

“We ultimately had to make the decisions that were best for the club and made us compliant,” he remarked.

Therefore, looking at it that way, we took the necessary action. However, we retained what I would consider to be our core group of players, including Isak, Gordon, Bruno, and Joelinton.

“Now, the question is, how can we look to strengthen now that we have a fresh cycle ahead of us? How can we aim to advance to the next phase?”

When asked if Newcastle will keep hold of its best players, Gordon, Isak, and Guimaraes during the transfer market, Eales gave a clear answer.

“Yes,” he answered.

Gordon ‘major attacking threats’

Eales also discussed Gordon’s underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign, in which England manager Gareth Southgate made little use of him.

With 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League last season, Gordon was among the most productive English forwards. However, he only played one minute in Germany, making a late appearance in a 0-0 tie against Slovenia.

“As we saw last season, Anthony can be a very dangerous player, so it was unfortunate that he didn’t get more time from a personal capacity,” he remarked.

“He was one of the Premier League’s main attacking threats the previous season.”

“Even Anthony will admit that it took him some time to catch up when he arrived halfway through the previous season, so we also witnessed how Eddie developed him.

“However, we observed Eddie’s ability to nurture players, which is one of his greatest assets and what makes him an excellent club manager because he regularly interacts with the players on the pitch.

That is not just a physical and tactical viewpoint, but also a psychological one. Anthony is one of our many weapons, and the thrill we have is what makes him so powerful.”

Gordon signed a £45 million contract with Newcastle in January 2023, having previously played for Everton. He will remain a St. James’ Park player until 2026.

July 19, 2024
Signings like Dani Olmo, Mo Salah, and Arne Slot alterations: Liverpool’s fantasy month ahead of the new season

After succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, Arne Slot has evaluated his team in preparation for his debut Premier League season, and Liverpool has not added any new players this summer.

Liverpool’s Premier League campaign kicks off in a month when they travel to Portman Road to take on newly promoted Ipswich Town.

For the first time since 2016, the Reds will start 2024–25 with a new manager in Arne Slot, replacing Jurgen Klopp. Starting in early June, the former Feyenoord coach will have to deal with his players’ phased return after Euro 2024 and the Copa America.

Even if Klopp has given his blessing, Slot will still be under a lot of pressure to start out strong as he follows in his footsteps. Prior to the season, Slot will be seeing his players for the first time, so he needs to make a good first impression and spell out his game plan.

The Reds still haven’t signed their new manager’s first summer acquisition. In the next weeks, Michael Edwards and Julian Ward will be hard at work trying to reverse that circumstance so Liverpool can get off to a strong start to the season. Mirror Football looks at what might be in store for Slot and his team going forward.

Pre-season fixtures

27. July: Liverpool v Real Betis at Acrisure Stadium, in Pittsburgh (00:30)

1 August: Liverpool v Arsenal, at Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia (00:30)

4 August: Liverpool v Manchester United, at Brice Stadium, in Columbia (00:30)

11 August: Liverpool v Sevilla, Anfield (15:00)

Contractual judgements It is hard to argue that Klopp’s exit does not signal the start of a new era at Liverpool. After his predecessor’s retirement, Slot has been left in a strong position, however it’s unclear if a form of makeover will be necessary.

Three of the most important players in Liverpool’s recent success—Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk—are currently in their final year of contracts. Getting new contracts for each would facilitate the transfer and stop constant speculation about their fate during Slot’s press briefings.

Alexander-Arnold should not be sold, and new contracts for his more experienced teammates should at least guarantee a future pay for their services. After Liverpool rejected a huge offer for Salah last summer, he has been frequently linked to a move to the Saudi Pro League. The Reds would benefit from solidifying their position.

Transfer

Given Joel Matip’s departure and Van Dijk’s delicate predicament right now, Liverpool needs a new central defender in their lineup. With the availability of Jarrel Quansah and Ibrahima Konate in addition to the adaptable Joe Gomez, it is a strong position in many respects.

It would be wise to include someone like Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace. The Chelsea academy product’s debut may be sluggish, but the Reds can now move on with negotiations in earnest after England and them advanced to the Euro final.

The Reds may potentially try to exercise Dani Olmo’s release clause. The victor of Euro 2024 will also be taking a vacation, but his £50 million contract is rumoured to expire at the end of this week. Working fast could be crucial to bolstering the team’s attacking options in order to defeat Manchester City’s rivals.

Olmo could play in a midfield role or as an offensive player on the left or right, providing versatility throughout Slot’s system. With his share of the Golden Boot trophy won in Germany, the 26-year-old will be fired up to try and make an immediate impact.

Additionally, a defensively inclined midfield player would not hurt. However, Stefan Bajcetic still has the opportunity to stake his claim and join his new boss’s team to back players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

Dream XI for the first day

Darwin, Endo, Mac Allister, Alisson, Olmo, Jota, Van Dijk, Guehi, Robertson, and Darwin.

July 18, 2024