footballtopstar

Tag: Jordan Henderson

Jürgen Klopp concurs with Pep Guardiola in FIFA request after Saudi transfer raid on Liverpool

After Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left the club, Liverpool felt the impact of Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, and Jürgen Klopp expressed his worries.

Jürgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, has expressed his disapproval of Saudi Arabia’s large football-related investments.

The transfers of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson from Liverpool to the Saudi Pro League, which sparked controversy because of the large contract offers involved, have come after this. With significant financial incentives, Saudi Arabian clubs have gone on a spending binge, bringing in a number of well-known players from Europe.

Both Henderson and Fabinho left Liverpool for the Middle East, and according to reports, Henderson is now making an incredible $891,000 (£700,000/€812,000) a week at Al-Ettifaq, the Mirror reports.

This disparity in transfer window timings between Europe and Saudi Arabia is one of Klopp’s biggest worries. While Saudi clubs have until September 20 to finalize their deals, European clubs have until September 1 to complete their transfer business.

For European teams, this longer window presents a problem because it increases the possibility of losing players before they have time to find suitable replacements. In an effort to address this problem and find solutions that keep European clubs from suffering, Klopp has urged FIFA and UEFA to take action.

He stated, “It is massive, at the moment,” to underscore the seriousness of the situation. The Saudi Arabian transfer window is open for three weeks longer, which is pretty much the worst thing, in my opinion.

That’s not helpful, at least not in Europe, if what I heard is accurate. For that, UEFA or FIFA needs to come up with solutions. But ultimately, I’m not sure exactly what will happen right now.

We can definitely say that it has already had an impact.
It is something we will have to get used to, and that is what we do. I think that’s about all I have to say about it; time will tell. “.

Liverpool and other European teams are already feeling the effects of Saudi Arabia’s spending spree. Manager of Manchester City Pep Guardiola has recently cautioned clubs to be mindful of the shifting dynamics in the market as a result of Saudi Arabian investments, and Klopp’s worries are in line with his concerns.

Guardiola remarked, “When Cristiano [Ronaldo] was the only player to leave a few months ago, nobody imagined this many elite players would play in the Saudi league.”. Clubs must be informed of what is going on because there will be more in the future.

“Saudi Arabia is a fact; it is not about being a threat. They wish to build a powerful league, and as of now, they are the only league capable of doing so. Due to its superior organization and higher broadcast rights, the Premier League was able to spend more than the other leagues.

For how long the Saudi league will continue like that, I’m not sure. The athletes, however, wish to use this experience to play in that league. The market has evolved due to Saudi Arabia. “.

Premier League CEO Richard Masters played down worries about Saudi football’s ascent. He mentioned that something novel is occurring, but for the time being, he is not unduly worried.

Masters further noted that the Premier League’s current standing, level of competition, and sources of income have been developed over decades.

More news……..

Jürgen Klopp gave a Liverpool forward his Champions League debut while he was “in talks” to move on.

In-progress transfer talks could result in the departure of a Liverpool youngster who was regarded highly enough to make his Champions League debut under Jürgen Klopp.

As negotiations with League One team Oxford United advance, Max Woltman, a forward in the Liverpool academy, is on the verge of leaving the organization.

The 2-1 Champions League victory over AC Milan at the San Siro in December 2021 marked the 19-year-old’s first-team debut under Jürgen Klopp.
He has been a member of Liverpool since he was seven years old.

Woltman, however, returned to Liverpool’s under-23s squad for the remainder of the season after a loan stint at Doncaster Rovers last term where he struggled for playing time.

Manager Liam Manning has taken notice of Woltman as he has been playing for Oxford in various friendlies over the summer. Woltman is not an immediate impact player for the team, according to Manning, who views him as a development project.

Manning said (via the ECHO) “We’re talking to Liverpool and exploring what that looks like. “It’s more of a development project than something that will immediately have an effect on the team,” the author said. I believe he is the kind of player who fits how we want to play, considering his personality, character, and some of the qualities he displayed in brief moments.

“We don’t have the next one coming up under that when you look at the competition in his position with Ruben Rodrigues and Billy Bodin. The main factor is how the deal is structured. Everything depends on how the deal ultimately turns out. ”.

Woltman has scored twice in 13 appearances for Barry Lewtas’ under-23 team since his return to Liverpool in January. He was, nonetheless, ineligible to take part in the UEFA Youth League games.

Oxford, which placed 19th in League One last season, is looking to add players to its roster in preparation for the 2023–24 season. It would gain a promising young talent for the future from the potential acquisition of Woltman.

August 3, 2023
The next step in Jurgen Klopp’s development involves ruthlessness, loyalty, and a task.

Although there were many possible reasons for Liverpool’s difficulties last season, many supporters preferred to concentrate on one particular factor, writes David Lynch.

They believed that neither the extended absences of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota nor the psychological cost of narrowly missing the quadruple were significant contributors to the Reds’ poor performance.

Instead, a consensus developed around the fundamental problem being the rather abrupt and simultaneous decline of several players who had been essential to the acquisition of trophies in previous years.

We were informed that Jurgen Klopp’s lack of ruthlessness in the previous transfer windows was the sole cause of this.

This idea was primarily motivated by the belief that the midfield’s shocking collapse could have been prevented if players like Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had been let go earlier.

It’s true that by the time that pair moved within two years of their contract expiration dates, it was quite obvious that they were both injury prone and that the manager didn’t really care for them even when they were healthy.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, that was also fairly clear to any potential suitors, which is why Keita was only able to sign a contract with Werder Bremen this summer and Oxlade-Chamberlain has yet to find a club.

In actuality, it wasn’t Klopp’s hesitation to approve a transfer earlier; rather, no clubs were lining up to sign either player off of the Reds’ hands.

In light of this, it is largely unjustifiable to claim that Klopp was ever motivated solely by loyalty and a desire to hold onto them.

However, that does not imply that the German has always been faultless in that regard.

Just two summers ago, it was his personal intervention that ensured Jordan Henderson was given a new, lucrative contract that ran until 2025, and Saudi Arabia’s recent pivot to football has only been able to save that choice.

Even so, Klopp would likely contend that if his captain had been benched sooner to begin a midfield rebuild, the quadruple push of 2021/22 would not have occurred.

The Reds’ manager may also have a case for citing this summer’s transactions as evidence that his ruthlessness is by no means lacking.

Once it became clear that Henderson would be willing to join Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq, there was no chance of him getting in Henderson’s way.

Additionally, despite not having any intentions to sell the Brazilian going into this summer, he did not object to Al Ittihad’s approach for another stalwart in Fabinho.

In the end, a business decision was made with clarity, one that anticipated a better long-term future for the team without the two men who had been instrumental in its recent successes.

And because of Klopp’s tendency toward loyalty, we have been told repeatedly that he cannot do that.

The Anfield trophy cabinet attests to the fact that the manager has only ever had favorites when players have consistently performed for him.

That is something that the new additions from this summer will undoubtedly learn throughout the upcoming season as they strive to establish their value on the team alongside Henderson and Fabinho.

However, if they fail to meet Klopp’s demands, they will undoubtedly discover that claims that he lacks ruthlessness are largely unfounded.

August 2, 2023
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named as Virgil van Dijk’s vice-captain by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

In place of Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named vice captain and Virgil van Dijk has been named the new Liverpool captain by Jurgen Klopp.

The Netherlands defender was brought in to fill Henderson’s shoes after the latter gave up the captaincy to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq after being lured to the region and signing a staggering £700,000-per-week contract.

Van Dijk joined the Reds from Southampton in 2018 and has since established himself as one of the team’s top performers during a successful period that has seen the team win its first Premier League championship and sixth Champions League trophy.

He will assume the captaincy, making him the first Reds defender to do so since Sami Hyypia gave it up in 2003.

Van Dijk said to Liverpoolfc . com in Singapore: “[It’s] a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, and for my family.”. I struggle to put into words the unique feeling I’ve been experiencing.

But it’s something I’m really, really proud of. “Of course, I’m captain of Holland; that was already such a tremendous honor and a proud moment.”. I can’t right now describe what it’s like to also be the captain of Liverpool Football Club.

“It’s just something that makes me very proud, and I will do everything I can to make everyone happy and proud of me and the football club.”. ‘ .

Van Dijk has led the Netherlands since being named captain ahead of the 2022 World Cup, and Klopp has apparently been impressed enough to name him as Liverpool’s newest manager.

The 32-year-old has played a crucial role in the club’s recent success, but over the past two seasons, he has struggled with serious injuries at various points.

He missed 41 days of the previous season due to a hamstring injury, and he also missed nearly the entire 2020–21 campaign due to surgery for a cruciate ligament injury.

In the event that he is unable to participate in games during the upcoming season, vice-captain Alexander-Arnold will assume the captaincy.

The city is where the England international was born, and he has played a crucial role in Klopp’s efforts to help Liverpool win more trophies.

His place in Liverpool’s lineup was called into question following a disappointing campaign the previous year, during which the Reds struggled to find consistency and ultimately finished outside the Champions League spots.

After a late surge of impressive midfield displays, Alexander-Arnold recovered and is once more anticipated to start every game for Klopp in 2019.

More news…….

Report: A “devastating” player will join the Premier League; Liverpool was thinking about making a £30 million offer

This summer, Liverpool has been one of the teams linked to Barcelona’s desire to sell midfielder Frank Kessie to the Premier League.

The Catalan giants intend to offload Kessie next week, and they anticipate that the English top division will be his final destination, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Ivorian signed a four-year contract with a whopping €500 million buyout clause when he left AC Milan for Barcelona last summer on a free transfer.

Antonio Cassano, the club’s former striker, described Kessie’s time in Milan as “devastating,” but he hasn’t been able to match that performance in La Liga.

Kessie scored a last-second goal to beat Real Madrid in March, but he only made seven starts last year and that goal ended up being his only league goal for Barcelona.

According to the report, Barcelona will now try to offload Kessie and is hoping to get a fee from an English club, while Juventus is only interested in a loan deal.

The 26-year-old is rumored to be eager to establish himself in Spain, but if he were to transfer to the Premier League, he would only be interested in signing with a “Big Six” club.

This summer, Kessie has been heavily linked to a number of clubs, including Liverpool. According to a Daily Mail report from last month, Liverpool was considering making a £30 million offer to entice Kessie to Anfield.

Romeo Lavia appears to be a target for the Reds this week, but if Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are both able to sign with Saudi Arabia, the Reds may still look to add another midfielder.

Could Frank Kessie find his form again at Liverpool?

If Barcelona weren’t in such dire need of money, Frank Kessie, who was highly regarded while playing for AC Milan, might have a better chance.

Although Jurgen Klopp is the only manager who has a chance to restore him to form, Liverpool may try to capitalize on his impending departure.

Kessie could be a great addition for the Reds because of his 35 league goals over five years for AC Milan. The Reds need to add more experience to their new-look midfield.

Whether they will want to meet his £30 million asking price is another matter; if Lavia signs, their midfield recruitment spree could cost close to £150 million.

July 31, 2023
Liverpool can sign Jordan Henderson replacement for just £20m as Lavia take Fabinho position

Liverpool are to replace Jordan Henderson after his captain leaves for Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool may still need to sign another midfielder even if they trap Romeo Lavia to replace Fabinho as the starting number 6. The Brazilian is the fifth first-team midfielder to leave Anfield this summer, while Jurgen Klopp has only added Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister to his squad so far.

If Lavia joins for around £50m it will take the Reds spending to around £160m meaning the budget could be tight despite bringing in around £50m by selling captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi clubs Arabian. But The Athletic reports that Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams is available for just £20m. That’s thanks to an escape clause in the contract he agreed to when he moved to Elland Road 12 months ago. Statistically, Adams has what it takes to be a monster, especially if he were to work under Klopp. He is excellent in pressing, defensive duels and progressive passing.

The 24-year-old also has the Red Bull coaching that Liverpool love so much. Adams was a regular for MLS side New York Red Bulls for two seasons before becoming a pressing pundit at RB Leipzig, where he spent four years before moving to Leeds for £20m plus add-ons. As Leeds were relegated last season, Adams was arguably their best player and their chances of staying up were certainly hampered by his season-ending injury in March. The United States international is also captain of his national team after leading the Americans at last winter’s World Cup in Qatar and fits the right profile in terms of age and experience.

There’s a lot to admire about the player – he can play as both a right-back and a defensive midfielder. He seems like a handy replacement for Henderson, handy as the younger version of the captain when he was more energetic and one of the team’s most pressing triggers.

However, the issue that could stall Adams’ move is his injury record. He has suffered from muscle problems regularly since the 2018/19 season and is currently recovering from a hamstring problem which required surgery in March. He won’t be in good shape at the start of the new season. Manager Daniel Farke said of Adams and teammate Jack Harrison: “They’re still in rehab, so they’re definitely going to miss the start of the season.” It’s a little too early to say when they’ll be back. I expect to come back maybe after the first international break [in September].

That might be enough to deter Liverpool from Adams despite the affordable price tag. Klopp and his team were frustrated with the poor availability of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Oxlade-Chamberlain joined the Anfield team in 2017, with Keita signing a year later. Both left the club on free transfers this summer after making 94 Premier League starts in total. Fabinho alone is leaving the club after making 128 league starts in five seasons.

While Adams would primarily compete as a squad player, his injury record is a big question mark given Klopp’s need for available players. Given the physical demands he places on his midfielders, Klopp needs robust players. But if Liverpool are looking to bolster their options in the engine room at a reasonable price, Adams might still be worth the gamble given his suitability otherwise.

More news……..

As it was, the manager claims the £50 million Liverpool target will play for him today.

Romeo Lavia is expected to play in today’s exhibition match between Southampton and AZ Alkmaar.

Prior to their preseason match, Saints manager Russell Martin told the team that the lineup would remain the same as it did in Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to Bournemouth.

Lavia received a starting spot as Southampton played the Cherries at St. Mary’s Stadium despite Liverpool’s £40 million bid for the midfielder earlier this week.

Lavia was taken off at halftime after it became apparent that he was “coasting” and had his attention elsewhere during the first half.

Martin, however, has the option of restarting him this afternoon even though a transfer to Anfield is still unlikely. The Reds have not yet submitted a second offer for the Belgian and are waiting for Fabinho to leave the club before they resume their pursuit.

Liverpool was initially eager to sign Lavia in time for tomorrow’s match against Leicester City in Singapore, but they still appear to be far from confirming his potential arrival as the midfielder is still on the south coast this weekend.

Fabinho has already passed his medical with Al-Ittihad, so his departure from Merseyside may be official within the next few days. Lavia might join Liverpool before their game against Bayern Munich, but he might stay in England and play in their final preseason match on August 7 against Darmstadt.

It is urgent that Liverpool and Southampton work out a deal for Lavia.

Romeo Lavia’s personal terms have already been established, so Liverpool should be able to complete a deal for him quickly after their bid is accepted.

With just two weeks until their Premier League debut against Chelsea, the Reds must reach that point as soon as possible.

Lavia might only appear in one preseason game with his new teammates if he misses the Bayern Munich match. It would be unlikely at that point for him to make his Blues debut.

Jurgen Klopp’s midfield options may be constrained by Thiago’s recent injury concerns. Curtis Jones’ return to last season’s form will be eagerly anticipated by the German.

July 30, 2023
Liverpool transfer news: Jürgen Klopp ‘set $220million offer’ amid Khéphren Thuram update

Liverpool transfer news: A director of football has provided an update on Khéphren Thuram, as Jürgen Klopp is allegedly preparing an unlikely offer.

Following the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool transfer chatter in recent weeks has focused more on departures than arrivals. But that could soon change. With Jordan Henderson confirmed to be leaving the club and Fabinho set to follow, Liverpool are entering a crucial phase of the transfer window.

As usual, gossip and transfer rumors are circulating and many names have been linked with a move to Anfield. It is obvious that Liverpool need to strengthen in several positions to replace the missing and solve some problems in Jurgen Klopp’s team.

As the Premier League draw ever closer, the club’s recruitment team face a busy period, which will no doubt focus on recruiting reinforcements ahead of the club’s first game against Chelsea.

Whether this will happen remains to be seen. But based on current reports, it’s certainly clear that Liverpool are active and busy in the market.

Khephren Thuram (Nice)

Thuram has been linked with a move to Liverpool all summer but reports of his future have died down a bit lately. However, the recent declaration of the Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi caused a sensation again.

Speaking at a press conference, Ghisolfi appeared to hint that the door could be open for Thuram to leave the club this summer.

“Thuram and Todibo are in demand. We hope to keep all our key players, but we have never matched any player. If all parties are satisfied, there could be an exit,” Ghisolfi said as quoted by Get French Football News. Liverpool.com says: Thuram is a fantastic player and could be a huge improvement for Liverpool’s midfield. Based on these comments from Nice’s sporting director, it certainly appears that the French side are open to a deal and given Liverpool’s need to invest in midfield, it would come as no surprise if the club moved the Frenchman further.

Thuram’s energy and tactical intelligence could bring a lot of excitement to the club, and he has just the kind of profile Klopp needs to invigorate his side.

Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint Germain)

There can be no summer in which Mbappé’s future is not in doubt at Paris Saint Germain. Once again the French star appears willing and once again Liverpool have been approached as potential suitors. Spanish site El Nacional reports that Liverpool are preparing a $220m (£172m/€200m) package for Mbappé, with Klopp having already assured him he would play on the Reds’ left wing.

Liverpool.com says: Mbappé is one of the best players in the world and there’s no denying that Liverpool would love to include him in the club’s squad. But it is a distant dream. Even with the sale of Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia, Liverpool simply don’t have the funds to buy Mbappé.

The tight budget of the FSG does not allow it. Not to mention that even though Mbappé is world class, it’s unclear whether – even if Liverpool had the money – it would be a wise move to spend it on him, given the club have other areas before signing a attacker should give priority.

More news……

Dominik Szoboszlai’s recovery and return from an ankle injury has been confirmed by Jurgen Klopp.

Dominik Szoboszlai missed Liverpool’s most recent friendly due to an ankle issue, but Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he will return against. Leicester.

Szoboszlai started the Reds’ first preseason game against Karlsruher SC and participated for 45 minutes as they won 4-2; however, he sat out the Reds’ subsequent 4-4 draw with Greuther Furth.

It followed a twisted ankle suffered in training while abroad in Germany, which raised concerns among fans as a setback for the club’s new £60 million acquisition.

However, Szoboszlai was spotted with the group after arriving in Singapore on Thursday, and in his press conference prior to Sunday’s match against Leicester, Klopp stated: “Dom is back. ”.

He told reporters, “He will train tonight, and if nothing happens here he will play tomorrow night.

“Good,” I say.
Nothing too serious happened.

We have a lot of intense sessions, and at that exact moment, he just slightly rolled his ankle.

“We all know anything can happen there, but nothing really happened other than the fact that he needed to rest and receive proper care for a few days.

“After a short while, he was back running.

“He was now in training yesterday, but yesterday was obviously not intense – after the long trip we had to just shake the legs a little bit, play a little rondo and the boys were shooting a little bit after the session, that’s all.

The game is tomorrow, and tonight will be a formal practice.
Nothing speaks currently against him playing.
”.

Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic chose not to travel to Singapore because, despite being close to recovering from injuries, the flights would have “cost [them] two, three, maybe four days of training,” according to Klopp. ”.

In a critical stage of the boys’ rehabilitation, he continued, “we thought it makes no sense.”.

At least Bajcetic will participate in team practice “as soon as we get home.”. ”

July 30, 2023
Erik ten Hag faces a problem Liverpool have already solved as PSG offer $55m for Manchester United goal

Liverpool rivals round-up: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is complaining about the problems his nemesis has already faced in the transfer market.

With just over a month to go until the summer transfer window, Liverpool are fourth of the Premier League’s big six in terms of total spending.

The Reds have so far spent around $122m (£95m/€111m) on deals for Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai, but their midfield overhaul could still continue with a move to Southampton Romeo Lavia.

It’s Arsenal who have invested the most money to date, breaking the UK transfer record by signing Declan Rice from West Ham for $135m (£105m/€123m) and also spending heavily on Chelsea’s Kai Havertz and Ajax. Jurriën Timber’s takes his spend to around $257m (£200m / €234m)

Spurs are next, albeit far behind at $149m (£116m/€136m), having added Leicester City’s James Maddison and Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario to its ranks and made transfers for Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski permanently.

Manchester United are not too far ahead of Liverpool with $129m (£100m/€117m), moving up the table after recruiting Inter Milan’s Andre Onana this week to add to his earlier attack on Chelsea’s Mason Mount. Chelsea themselves are level with Jurgen Klopp’s side having signed Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, Nicolas Jackson from Villareal and Ângelo from Santos, while three-time winners Manchester City are a distant second at $39m (£39m). ) and 14th in the league at €30m/€35m. ) Mateo Kovačić (Chelsea) his only new purchase to date.

Here, Liverpool.com takes a look at other top teams in the Premier League and across Europe for an overview of what’s going on at other clubs.

PSG offer Manchester United to target Rasmus Højlund

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Paris Saint-Germain have made a rival bid for Manchester United target Rasmus Højlund.

PSG have made a bid of $55m (£43m/€50m) for the 20-year-old, the same amount Manchester United announced as an upfront payment.

Crucially, the Red Devils are also offering to pay Atalanta an additional $11m (£8.6m/€10m) in surcharges, which should theoretically work in their favour. The PSG options in the number nine option seem a little limited, with Kylian Mbappé, perhaps on the road to the outside and Mauro Icardi will appeal unlikely after the season on loan in Galatasaray. Hugo Ekitiké lets the 21 year old signed by Reims last summer.

Liverpool.com says: Manchester United can win the race for Højlund, but it is not an agreement that will necessarily influence their competitors.

While the Dane of last season scored a laudable 16 goals in 42 performances in all games, it is still quite inexperienced, after playing only 32 games in one of the first five European competitions after transferring the Austrian dress Sturm Graz last summer.

Consequently, it may take some time before it can touch the elite numbers at Old Trafford, and this does not seem the type of signature that Manchester United will make a candidate for the Premier League trophy. Erik ten Hag admits two Man Utd weaknesses
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said his side need to improve their pressing and finishing after losing 2-0 to Real Madrid in pre-season.

An early goal from Jude Bellingham and a late strike from Joselu condemned United to defeat at NRG Stadium in Houston as Ten Hag’s men completed the third of their four pre-season games in the United States.

Manchester United, starting with Marcus Rashford at the helm, failed to score despite shooting 15 times throughout the match, as many as Real.

Ten Hag says his side need to be more precise in front of goal and pressing more effectively and insists the club are working hard to bring in a new striker as there are no experienced pros with the No.9 available for him.
moment.

“Two things: pressing can be better from the start and score,” he said of MEN. “And I think we need more players who can play one-on-one.

“We had the situations: it was Rashford, Scott McTominay, [Alejandro] Garnacho, you have to score. It’s always hard to see, but we work 24/7. We do a lot at the club, all the power to stay Together.

“We never talk about players under contract with another club. We have our goals, we are there 24/7, we are there, with the right player to sign with us.”

Liverpool.com says: When it comes to firepower, Liverpool are certainly not worried. The Reds have lost Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané in the last 12 months, but the arrivals of Luis Díaz Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo have left Klopp with a host of potentially explosive options.

Ten Hag, on the other hand, are in dire need of options after Cristiano Ronaldo’s unceremonious departure last year and Wout Weghorst’s memorable loan spell came to an end. This of course explains the persecution of Højlund mentioned above.

In terms of pressing, Liverpool have been at the center of this transfer window, as the signing of Szoboszlai best exemplifies. The Hungarian is a specialist in the field, finishing sixth in the Bundesliga last season with high turnovers (via The Analyst) and has bolstered the team’s first line of defence.

July 28, 2023
Liverpool transfer round-up: New offer for Romeo Lavia as Jurgen Klopp plan emerges

Liverpool are in talks with Southampton over the prospect of signing Romeo Lavia following the departure of Jordan Henderson to Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq.

Jürgen Klopp still has work to do in the transfer window, despite him already having two first-time deals lined up for Liverpool this summer.

The Reds have added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to their ranks to give their midfield a much needed upgrade. But with even more unexpected expenses in that department, Klopp still needs reinforcements before the new season kicks off in just over two weeks.

With the clock ticking towards the curtain-raising in the Premier League against Chelsea on August 13, here’s the latest transfer gossip coming out of Anfield.

Henderson leaves

Jordan Henderson has finally completed his £12m move to Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq. The outgoing Liverpool captain is set to join a new manager, former Reds icon Steven Gerrard, in the Middle East.

Henderson spent 12 years at Liverpool, but Klopp has told the 33-year-old he will see a shorter season this season. The England international has agreed a deal with the Saudi club worth £700,000 a week.

He has also faced backlash due to his status as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and the fact that homosexuality is banned in the Gulf state. Al-Ettifaq announced Henderson’s signing with a video, but grayscaled all instances of him wearing the rainbow captain’s armband in support of LGBTQ+. Read what Mirror reporter Jacob Leeks had to say about the controversial move here.

A fresh supply of Lavia is expected

Liverpool look set to make a better offer for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia following Henderson’s departure.

The 19-year-old is seen as a suitable option to help fill the gap left by Henderson and Fabinho, who are also due to leave for Saudi Arabia.

The Telegraph reported that Liverpool still had £15m off Lavia’s valuation, while Southampton slapped a £50m price tag on his head.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has since said Liverpool are set to raise their initial £35m offer to an initial £42.5m with £2.5m in add-ons to try and lure relegated Saints into a sale. Klopp’s plan unfolds

Right-back Conor Bradley is set to sign a new three-year contract with Liverpool, suggesting he could be included in the first team next season.

Bradley played on loan at Bolton Wanderers last season and won the Player of the Year award when he finished fifth in League One. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is said to be a big fan of the 20-year-old and revealed in April that he wanted to assess Bradley in preparation for the season before deciding whether to loan him out again or keep him in and around the first season. Team

“When he was there we knew what we had in our hands but there has to be a way for the guys to take the next step in terms of the game and it was a typical win-win situation. now: it was good for us, good for.” “He’s good for the club and I liked him a lot,” Klopp said when asked about his time at the back at Bolton.

July 28, 2023
Jurgen Klopp has already picked his short-term Fabinho replacement for Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold had to play in another new position this summer as Jordan Henderson leaves Liverpool and Fabinho will follow

When Liverpool planned their long-awaited midfield renewal, it was not expected that they would be left without a defensive midfielder just over two weeks before the start of the new season.

Already knowing they would be without Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer this summer, the Reds were quick to sign Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai before the start of pre-season. Little did they know, however, that those preparations would soon be interrupted by transfer interests from Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

The Liverpool captain completed a controversial £12million move to Al-Ettifaq on Thursday, while the Brazilian is set to join him in the Gulf state, where a £40million move to Al-Ittihad is finalized . But as the Reds are the only senior midfielders, their departures have left Jurgen Klopp in a dilemma on the eve of the new season. Liverpool are already considering the possibility of signing a third new midfielder this summer, with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia named as Fabinho’s long-term replacement. But the Reds are now prioritizing such a push, having already rejected a £38m bid for the Belgium international.

With a second offer now expected for the 19-year-old, worth around £40-45million, Liverpool are looking to at least strengthen their position ahead of their Premier League opener at Chelsea on Sunday 13 august. But Stefan Bajcetic also brags: there’s no escaping the fact that having two teenagers who have combined just 55 senior caps is a gamble because they’re available as natural midfielders.

Klopp’s task over the next two weeks, having to build a revamped midfield already this summer, is far from enviable – especially as the Reds have also used the pre-season to develop further with their Revamped team of three to fight -2- Formation 2-3. But while existing players gradually adapt to a new system is one thing, its newly forged engine room will definitely be thrown into the deep end.

Whether Liverpool will target a fourth midfielder once Fabinho’s departure is confirmed remains to be seen, with pressure on the likes of Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara to provide at least some midfield familiarity as the new signings adjust to their new environment.

Yet the former, alongside Harvey Elliott, has just returned for pre-season after winning the Under-21 European Championship with England. Meanwhile, the latter, together with Bajcetic, has not yet fully returned to training and both have been excluded from the trip for the Reds’ trip to Singapore, where they continue their rehabilitation from the injury.

Even if Liverpool manage to sign Lavia, they still risk falling short in midfield when the new season kicks off. And given how quickly the start of the new campaign is approaching for the Reds, Klopp could be forced to keep what is currently a forced experience.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was reinvented to great effect as an inverted right-back in the final months of last season, moving into midfield alongside Fabinho when Liverpool were on the ball. But in the absence of the Brazilian and Henderson, he started as Klopp’s number six in recent friendlies against Karlsruher and Furth.

In the first of those two games, Szoboszlai and Bobby Clark started on either side of him, while Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo were selected for the latter. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley, who was also left out of Singapore’s 27-man travel squad, was used as a reverse full-back in both games. Bradley’s absence is due to minor injury, so the opportunity to play Joe Gomez at right-back and try Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas at full-back reversed on the opposition wing at least leaves the door open for Alexander to move forward. -Arnold in midfield if needed.

The England international has regularly been the subject of debate over his long-term position, with many insisting that he should be turned into a midfielder over the years. His new hybrid role has certainly given Liverpool the best of both worlds, with Klopp previously insisting the 24-year-old was the best right-back in the world.

Alexander-Arnold actually thrived for the Three Lions as number eight in June’s international breakout, scoring one goal and one assist in two emphatic Euro 2024 qualifying victories over Malta and North Macedonia. But the last time Gareth Southgate tried out the defender in such a position, against Andorra in September 2021, Klopp was unimpressed. “In this game, in a game where, for example, England are so dominant or where we are so dominant that Trent could play in midfield, I would prefer him to be the six than the eight in this case. , Klopp told Sky Sports ahead of his return to club football.

“It’s possible, but why make the best right-back in the world a midfielder? I don’t really understand that.”

With Liverpool in need of new midfielders this summer, it has again been suggested that Alexander-Arnold could be reinvented in a new role, with the Reds potentially set to target a new right-back.

But having previously said he would prefer to see the 24-year-old in a deeper role if selected in the engine room, Klopp has been forced to do just that in recent weeks. Whether he will be able to get him back to the reverse right-back role in Singapore against Leicester City and Bayern Munich remains to be seen.

But having previously played that role alongside Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, he at least had an advantage over Lavia or another new signing ahead of the Premier League opener against Chelsea. Given the Belgian’s relative inexperience and the lack of time he would need to spend with his new team-mates ahead of the move to Stamford Bridge, Klopp might be wise to make the most of his squad’s familiarity to be able to start the new season Season.

Therefore, Alexander-Arnold should remain an option as Liverpool’s number six and Fabinho’s short-term replacement, at least for now.

July 28, 2023
We feel betrayed and hurt by you, to Jordan Henderson, in this open letter.

Jordan Henderson has received an open letter from Paul Amann, the creator of Kop Outs, the official LGBT+ supporters group for Liverpool.

Kop Outs, the official LGBT+ supporters group for Liverpool, was started by Paul Amann.

As the LGBT+ supporters’ representative, Paul sits on the Liverpool Supporters’ Board.
To discuss issues relating to equality in football and elsewhere, he frequently meets with Jordan Henderson, Jurgen Klopp, and other supporters.

Paul wrote an open letter to Henderson after the contentious transfer of the former Liverpool captain to Saudi Arabia:.

We’ve already thanked you for your support of LGBT+ people. We greatly appreciate your decision to include us in programs and to denounce homophobia and the LGBT+ community. As a Liverpool player, we supported you, and we admired you as our team’s captain for bringing home every trophy.

Your principles seemed to be the ideal fit for both our club and our city. Regarding equality, human decency, and dignity, you spoke in an honest manner. You were with us for twelve years, giving commendable performances both on and off the field. On the basis of your declared allyship, you were nominated for British LGBT Ally of the Year.

You had the chance to say goodbye to Anfield in style as you left Liverpool. Your two more years were left on your extremely lucrative contract. Clubs around the world outside of oppressive regimes are still looking for players your age and ability. You had the chance to show footballers can be principled and stand by their convictions to your family, teammates, fans, and the footballing community.

The values you have previously openly defended are directly contradicted by your decision to sign a contract with Al-Ettifaq, a company with headquarters in Saudi Arabia. Amnesty International has discovered the following in Saudi Arabia.

the use of torture as a form of punishment.

A rise in executions.

There is no freedom of speech.

Nobody objected.

There is a lot of discrimination against women.

In police custody, brutality is frequently used.

Without cause, you may be taken into custody and placed under arrest.

Religious prejudice is pervasive.

Numerous migrant workers have been deported.

Groups that support human rights are forbidden.

The death penalty is another punishment for homosexuality. This is a far cry from the principles you have previously advocated in public.

Kop Outs has seen many honorable people amplify our messages for voicing these worries about your choice to leave. Sadly, some hateful messages have also been posted to us by so-called fans who support your decision to travel to Saudi Arabia.

Most of our members are shocked and incensed by your decision to support our oppressors. This decision is deemed intolerable by many.

You will forever be remembered as the legendary captain who won it all. Your failure to uphold the values you promoted, however, has severely damaged your standing as a man.

You are not the first and might not be the last person to pass away. Given that Robbie Rogers, a former teammate of Gerrard’s, was an out gay man, it is extremely troubling that Gerrard left. This is a betrayal of a former teammate’s trust. It is also extremely disappointing that Robbie Fowler was selected to manage in Saudi Arabia. All parties involved had other places to conduct business that were free of human rights abuses. options for managing and playing in locations with possibly more long-lasting football leagues. Marco Silva of Fulham has declined playing opportunities twice and has remained true to his beliefs.

At Kop Outs, we worry that players’ relocation to Saudi Arabia will make it less likely for them to publicly support LGBT+ rights in the future. If they also wish to travel to a country such as Saudi Arabia, they might be concerned that their words might come back to haunt them.

Words are not as powerful as actions.
Many Kop Outs members feel betrayed and hurt by your decision, and your words are now being called into doubt as a result. Be proactive and dependable if you want to be an ally. “.

July 28, 2023
Liverpool contacts a Brazilian midfielder valued at £22 million.

As news of Fabinho’s transfer to Al Ettifaq broke, Liverpool were linked with another Brazilian midfielder to fill the void left by 29-year-old former captain Jordan Henderson.

Any remaining deals that need to be finalized should arguably be done as soon as possible as Jurgen Klopp would certainly prefer a permanent squad before his side start the new Premier League season at Stamford Bridge in just over two weeks.

The Reds are believed to continue to try to sign Southampton defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia, 19, and, Football Transfers note, there have also been talks with Fluminense for Andre.

According to the report, the Brazilian club want 25 million euros for 80% of the economic rights and future bonuses of the 22-year-old.

Obviously, that’s an amount Liverpool could afford, although the problem for Klopp is that the player won’t be allowed to leave his current club until the end of his season, which would mean Andre wouldn’t have to. be hired before the next transfer. window. Fulham is also attributed to an interest in its services, but you would also see that the same problem applies.

Since red quickly needs in situ bodies, an offer that goes beyond the price could persuade Fluminense to allow her husband a summer train.

However, it is by no means sure and can hunt Klopp in another place for reinforcements.

July 27, 2023