Liverpool can finalise three deals this week as the impact of Arne Slot increases

Who stays behind could provide a significant hint as to who will be departing Liverpool this summer as the team prepares for its tour of the United States.

We have arrived at the Arne Slot era’s first significant milestone. But the new Liverpool head coach will have a clearer understanding of his playing staff when the next two weeks come around.

Following a friendly encounter played behind closed doors on Friday versus Preston North End, the Reds will play three glamorous warm-up matches against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United in the United States on Tuesday.

And who crosses the Atlantic—or, perhaps more importantly, who doesn’t—will provide a significant clue as to whether players would be better off looking for new pastures before the transfer window ends.

There will be plenty of opportunity for teenagers and periphery players to be included in the travelling party, since 11 of Liverpool’s 14 representatives at the European Championships and Copa America are yet to return. Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker are the next in line and might form a partnership during the US tour.

Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio, two players at centre back, are almost probably not going to travel. Both have been training with the under-21 team rather than the first team, and they are getting ready to go. While Koumetio has drawn interest from a number of clubs, including Scottish Premiership side Dundee United, Williams has attracted interest from League One and Turkey.

Although Jarell Quansah is the only acknowledged center-back available while Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez are on their three-week holidays, Sepp van den Berg and Nat Phillips are also expected to leave Liverpool this summer. The two will be needed in the United States.

It is more likely that any other impending departure will be on loan. Dominic Corness did not play in the friendly versus Preston despite having a successful season in Switzerland and participating in preseason training at first. Tom Hill, goalkeepers Marcelo Pitaluga and Fabian Mrzoek, and Jayden Danns, who sustained a slight injury, were also ruled out of action. It is anticipated that not all will visit the United States, which may allow for at least one temporary exit.

More news…….

FSG withdraws from Bordeaux deal; statement made; Liverpool owners explain choice.

Liverpool’s owner, FSG, has pulled away from an agreement to buy French club Bordeaux. The reasoning behind the decision has been explained.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owner of Liverpool, has withdrawn from a proposed takeover bid for French club Bordeaux. Looking to transition to a multi-club model, the American group had been in talks with the Ligue 2 side.

However, a press release from Bordeaux has stated that exploratory conversations between FSG and the six-time French champion have concluded. Liverpool’s ownership group will instead look elsewhere to grow its portfolio.

“FC Girondins de Bordeaux and its shareholder have been informed by Fenway Sports Group of its desire not to pursue discussions initiated in recent weeks with a view to purchasing the club,” according to a statement. “This decision is explained in particular by the stadium’s substantial expense in the coming years, as well as the overall economic environment of French football.

“FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Gérard Lopez would like to thank Fenway Sports Group for their interest in the club and its teams, as well as for travelling to meet with its stakeholders. The Club and its shareholders are currently focusing all of their efforts on finalising a funding plan for the 2024/2025 season in preparation for the appeal hearing.”

According to Liverpool.com, while a move to acquire Bordeaux appeared to make sense, the reasons for pulling out of a potential agreement mount up. It will be intriguing to watch where FSG goes next as it seeks to acquire another football team.

The benefits of doing so are obvious, but it must be the proper move to be effective. Michael Edwards and Julian Ward will both be involved once a new team has been formed, with the latter having been part of the discussions in this case.