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Tag: Nico Williams

Liverpool given transfer ‘advantage’ as Arne Slot suggests potential Anfield move

Liverpool could reportedly be presented with the chance to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams as Barcelona’s attacking options are already well-stocked. The 22-year-old, who won Euro 2024, was strongly linked with a move to Barcelona after a standout 2023/24 season at Bilbao. However, the Catalan club opted to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig instead.

Despite rumors linking Williams to Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, it was anticipated he would eventually join Barcelona. However, according to Spanish reports, this may no longer be the case. Fichajes suggests that after a strong start to the season with Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski in attack, there is now “little chance” of Williams moving to the Camp Nou in the summer.

Nevertheless, it is said that Williams will not remain at Bilbao, paving the way for a potential move to Liverpool or Paris Saint-Germain. The Spain international extended his contract with his childhood club last December, keeping him at Bilbao until June 2027.

Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister has expressed that he could envision a future in Spain but emphasized that his current focus is on his time at Anfield. The Argentina international joined Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £35m deal last June and has been an integral part of the team’s success over the past 18 months.

In an interview with Spanish publication *AS*, the 2022 World Cup winner acknowledged he would be open to playing in Spain someday.

“Yes, why not? It’s a country I like a lot and I’ve visited it several times, and, above all, because of the language and the culture, it’s very similar to Argentina,” he said.

“I would definitely like to play in Spain one day. But right now, I’m very comfortable at Liverpool and I don’t think about what might happen in the future.”

More news…..

Liverpool set to spend £91m on two key signings for Slot in January

Liverpool manager Arne Slot may reportedly have the opportunity to make two significant signings to further strengthen his Premier League-leading team this January.

The Reds have been exceptional since Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp in the summer, with the Dutch manager far exceeding expectations given the pre-season outlook.

Few would have anticipated that Liverpool would adjust so effectively to the departure of club icon Klopp, but Slot appears to have elevated the team to new heights.

This success has come despite a quiet summer transfer window, and now it seems Liverpool are ready to support Slot with two major acquisitions for the mid-season.

Liverpool set to invest heavily in Martin Zubimendi and Milos Kerkez?

Despite holding a nine-point lead at the top of the table, Liverpool are clearly not content to rest on their laurels, with reports suggesting they are willing to spend up to £91 million on the signings of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Zubimendi deal is likely to be straightforward for Liverpool, with the Spain international expected to leave his current club and negotiate a better contract at Anfield.

The report notes that Arsenal are also interested in Zubimendi, which could complicate matters, but there is optimism that Liverpool will return for the 25-year-old after previously attempting to sign him in the summer.

As for Kerkez, he could be available for around £40 million following his impressive performances at Bournemouth. The young Hungary international is viewed as a promising long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson at left-back.

Robertson remains a vital player for Slot’s side, but there are growing indications that his age is beginning to show, and he may no longer be in his prime.

December 10, 2024
Liverpool transfer news: a proposal for Goncalo Inacio is being considered amid Double Barcelona blow anticipated

Since replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, Arne Slot has not yet made a signing, but it is increasingly probable that he will make a move for Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio.

Liverpool’s Arne Slot era has officially started, but it doesn’t feel like the summer transfer window has ended.

Even though a lot of players, both young and elderly, left Anfield with Jurgen Klopp last month, the Reds have not made a deal since Slot took over. Fans haven’t had much to cheer about thus far, with just one preseason friendly completed (a shocking 1-0 loss to Championship team Preston North End).

Luckily for them, it seems that things are moving forward and that Liverpool is opening its chequebook.

This is a summary of Anfield’s most recent transfer news.

Liverpool is readying a bid for Inacio

Liverpool is getting ready to make their first offer after deciding that Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio is their top transfer target. Inacio, who played for Portugal at Euro 2024, is a left-footed center-back that the Reds are reportedly interested in signing this summer.

Sporting has agreed to start negotiations for €45 million (£38 million), according to Portuguese publication Correio da Manha, despite their initial refusal to sell for less than €60 million (£51 million). For Liverpool, who have long been predicted to buy the 22-year-old star, that amount would be a steal.

Double Barcelona blow anticipated

According to reports, Barcelona is optimistic about finalising agreements to capture BOTH Dani Olmo and Nico Williams, two players who have also been connected to Liverpool. Williams, a winger for Athletic Bilbao, is reportedly nearing a transfer to Barcelona, according to local newspaper Sport, and Barcelona is also prepared to step up their efforts to capture Olmo from RB Leipzig.

Mundo Deportivo also reports that Barcelona has draught a potential six-year deal for Leipzig’s playmaker, who spent seven years at the club as a young player. Olmo and Williams were two of Spain’s greatest players during their 2024 European Championship victory.

Liverpool is preparing a record offer for Kubo

It is rumoured that Liverpool is preparing an offer of €65 million (£54 million) to recruit Takefusa Kubo, a forward for Real Sociedad. The 23-year-old Japan international, who has played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past, had yet another fantastic season with the La Liga team this past season.

Now, Liverpool is reportedly considering a bid that would make him the most expensive player in the history of the team, according to the Japanese publication Sponichi. The adaptable attacker is now bound by a contract that expires in 2029, so obtaining him for a cheap price would be challenging.

July 21, 2024
In light of Liverpool links, Athletic Bilbao compelled to release Nico Williams’ transfer statement.

After his outstanding performances at Euro 2024, the Spanish winger drew a lot of interest, compelling his present club to issue a statement regarding his future.

In response to persistent rumours that winger Nico Williams would be leaving Athletic Bilbao this summer, the team has issued an odd statement.

Due to his impressive performances for Spain at Euro 2024, the 21-year-old hotshot has drawn a lot of interest from potential employers, increasing the likelihood that he will be moving.

Williams has started five of Spain’s six games in Germany, and he has been a key player in helping La Roja defeat every opposition to go to the Berlin final on Sunday, where they will take on England. After missing out on the last group stage match against Albania, the attacker even scored a goal and provided an assist in the 4-1 triumph against Georgia in the Last 16.

Due to his impressive performances, the Bilbao academy product has been linked to a high-profile transfer to the Premier League ahead of the upcoming season, with Chelsea and Arsenal among those who have already expressed interest. According to reports, Barcelona may jump at the chance to sign the starlet, and Liverpool is also willing to move for her.

Williams’ present team, however, has responded to all the transfer rumours by declaring that their highly sought-after player is not up for grabs. The recent speculation and claims of a deal for the young player, according to Bilbao, have been “excessive” and have been made in a “uncontrolled” manner, the club said in an official statement.

“Nico, a football player very committed to Athletic Club, has been subjected to an excessive and uncontrollable questioning about his future, when he is concentrated to compete in the Euro Cup by the Spanish Football Federation, which has not known how to protect him,” the statement stated.

“Athletic strives for excellence and knows no bounds. We are demonstrating that our project is appealing and successful for our coach and players. We just renewed two of our internationals, Vivian (2031) and Simón (2029), Nico, which serves as evidence.

“He signed last year through 2027, and a few other highly sought-after players, like Oihan Sancet, Benat Prados, Julen Agirrezabala, and Aitor Paredes, have also committed for multiple seasons.

“Athletic Club is economically, socially and sportingly capable of keeping footballers of the calibre of those named in its structure, including Nico Williams.”

The La Liga team is obviously adamant about holding onto its prized winger, and they probably won’t move him this summer unless they receive an absurd amount of money. Williams is still valued at $71 million (£55 million/€65.3 million) by Transfermarkt, which is far less than many clubs can afford.

However, following yet another strong campaign, it’s understandable why the Spanish team wishes to hold onto him. Williams made 37 appearances in all competitions in 2023–24, tallying eight goals and 19 assists. He scored goals against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to lead his team to their first Copa del Rey since 1984.

Williams has appeared in 122 games for Bilbao since making his debut at the end of the 2021–2022 season, contributing 20 goals and 26 assists. In addition, he has made 19 appearances for Spain, where he has three goals and six assists since his debut in 2022.

July 13, 2024
Liverpool transfer news: Karim Adeyemi price revealed, as Liverpool faces Nico Williams blow

As Arne Slot searches for his first summer addition, Liverpool is lagging behind Barcelona in their pursuit of signing Spain international Nico Williams.

The summer transfer window for Liverpool has not yet officially opened while new manager Arne Slot evaluates his team.

Slot is anticipated to request several new players from the club executives in order to bolster the roster that Jurgen Klopp left behind. Nico Williams, who has been playing for Spain at Euro 2024, is at the top of his list.

However, Barcelona is now putting up a fight for the winger, who is thought to have Barcelona as his ideal destination. Anthony Gordon, the backup target, is becoming uneasy with that setback as questions about his future persist.

Karim Adeyemi, who has been linked to a move to Anfield, has also intimated that Borussia Dortmund is willing to take a lowball offer.

Barca joins the Williams race

Liverpool’s chances of acquiring the winger have been dashed as Barcelona has entered the battle to sign Nico Williams. Williams’ transfer to Anfield has been strongly suggested, but Barca president Joan Laporta is certain he can steal the Spain international right out from under the Reds’ nose.

Laporta stated to Catalunya Radio, “Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams.” “Nico is a player I really enjoy watching. We are discussing potential signings with [coach Hansi] Flick.

“We must now part ways with [sporting director] Deco in order to conclude the projects we are working on. Regarding the financial [problems], we will be able to share some positive news soon and will once again be playing within La Liga’s Fair Play parameters. And that will make it possible for more encouraging [signings] news.”

Gordon becoming unsettled

Anthony Gordon, a target for Liverpool, is allegedly becoming sidetracked by the speculation over his future. Although he has had difficulty getting playing time during the competition, the 23-year-old is presently a member of the England squad for Euro 2024.

Gordon was Newcastle’s standout player and the team’s Player of the Year the previous year. His performances made him a target for Liverpool, especially considering the challenging circumstances surrounding the Magpies due to FFP regulations.

The Daily Star claims that although the Reds eventually declined to sign him, there is ‘increasing fear’ among England’s top brass that Gordon has ‘taken his eye off the ball a little bit’ due to the rumours.

Dortmund is pressuring Adeyemi exit.

Karim Adeyemi’s departure from Borussia Dortmund looks to be the goal, as Liverpool is one of the teams rumoured to be interested in signing him. Adeyemi failed to live up to his promise after joining the Bundesliga team in the summer of 2022.

The attacker fell down the ladder last season, scoring just five goals in all competitions. Sky Germany reports that Dortmund is ready to allow him to go and may approve a transfer if a proposal of £25 million is made.

As they look for a new winger, Liverpool is one of the teams mentioned as having interested in the German teenager. While no firm offers have been made, Chelsea, AC Milan, and Juventus are also contenders.

July 10, 2024
LFC transfers news: Nico Williams takes a stand as Liverpool suffer Adrien Rabiot blow

Prior to the Dutchman’s debut season, Liverpool has a long list of targets on their transfer shortlist, even if they haven’t made a signing under new manager Arne Slot yet.

Before the 2024–25 season, Liverpool will usher in a new era under Arne Slot, but he won’t be the only new face to arrive at Anfield this summer.

Following the departure of several long-serving players and manager Jurgen Klopp, the Reds are formulating plans to bolster their roster and mount a more determined challenge for the Premier League title. They have to contend with Champions League football once more, which makes having a strong squad overall even more important.

The Reds’ recruitment team, Slot, and new sporting director Richard Hughes will have to choose from among a plethora of names being linked to transfers to the red part of Merseyside while remaining within their budget.

This is a summary of Anfield’s most recent transfer news.

Liverpool position on Williams is revealed

According to reports, Nico Williams’ £46.5 million release clause would be met by Liverpool. The winger for Athletic Bilbao has been lighting up Euro 2024 with a series of incredible displays for a fiery Spain.

Nacional, a Spanish news source, now states that Liverpool is ready to trigger his sizable release clause. The 21-year-old, who is rumoured to favour a transfer to cash-strapped Barcelona, has also been linked to Chelsea.

Lacroix declines new deal

A contract offer from Wolfsburg was apparently rejected by Maxence Lacroix, who is rumoured to be moving to Liverpool. In the last 12 months of his contract, the left-footed French centre back is drawing interest from Premier League teams and throughout Europe.

Lacroix, 24, is reportedly considering his options after turning down the opportunity to sign a new contract with Wolfsburg, according to reports from Italy. He is also expected to join with AC Milan and Juventus, according to tips from Oliver Glasner, the former manager of Wolfsburg’s Crystal Palace.

Rabiot makes his preference apparent

Despite Liverpool and Newcastle’making a play’ for the France international, Adrien Rabiot has made up his mind to sign with Real Madrid. After his contract with Juventus expired, Rabiot, 29, became a free agent, and it’s rumoured that the Italian powerhouses have given up trying to sign him to a new agreement.

According to Calciomercato, Juventus is currently putting more pressure on Nice to sign Khephren Thuram. That implies Rabiot will be moving, with Real Madrid being his preferred destination.

July 4, 2024
How Liverpool might lineup after Arne Slot approves the first signing

According to reports, Arne Slot and Liverpool’s backroom crew have decided on a player who might be their first acquisition. If true, this would be an exciting addition to the attacking rotation for the Reds.

With new head coach Arne Slot reportedly giving the go-ahead for the Reds staff to chase Nico Williams, Liverpool is hoping to make its first summer acquisition in the coming weeks.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is reportedly being watched by numerous teams after making an impression for his country at the European Championships. Williams’ contract contains a $53.4 million (£42.2 million/€50 million) release clause that expires in June 2027. After the tournament, many European teams would probably fight for his signing.

Slot is a fan of Williams and wants to see him added, according to Caught Offside. After succeeding Jurgen Klopp, Slot might make history by signing the Spaniard, even if a transaction would not be easy to complete.

With a busy offseason ahead of him, Slot hopes to establish himself as the team’s new leader following the retirement of the renowned German manager. Furthermore, he has made it clear that he will collaborate with Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to select the best players for the Reds, even though he will have a voice in who they sign.

And here’s how the Reds may lineup at Ipswich on opening day of the season if they sign Williams this offseason.

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Alisson is under contract with Liverpool for the next three years, therefore it appears quite unlikely that he will leave the club this offseason, even though he has been connected to the Saudi Pro League.

Caoimhin Kelleher, an Irish backup who is rumoured to want to look for a move to become a first-choice custodian, is expected to be let go by Liverpool. The decision by Liverpool to replace him may have a significant impact on how long they believe Alisson will stay with the team. They may decide to buy a starting-caliber player to challenge him or bring in another young keeper to learn under him.

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Andrew Robertson

Liverpool’s defence, save for its custodian, is anticipated to remain unaltered. The Reds are hopeful that Real Madrid’s rumoured interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold is unfounded. On the last day of the season at Anfield in May, the hometown hero of the Reds appeared distraught. Some interpreted this to suggest that he might look forward to moving on with Jurgen Klopp.

Leny Yoro, a center-back for Lille, is not expected to replace Konate as the preferred partner of captain Virgil van Dijk, despite Liverpool’s connections to him. Given that Robertson is now approaching his 30th birthday, Slot will probably think about his alternatives at left back going forward.

Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo

Despite having an abundance of players at the midfield position, Liverpool is probably only going to sign one. One player would have to depart for that to occur, with Endo rumoured to be leaving the Reds after just one season. After Liverpool lost out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Endo entered the market towards the end; in fact, the Japanese international outperformed both players the previous season. Slot might play for Liverpool again alongside Feyenood midfielder Mats Wieffer, a move that many supporters appear excited about on social media.

However, for the time being, it’s safe to say that Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, and Stefan Bajecetic—Klopp’s preferred starting trio for the majority of the previous season—will start on opening day.

Attackers: Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, Nico Williams

Williams may start right away if Liverpool choose to use Williams’ release clause, as has been suggested, should the Reds decide to cut ties with Luis Diaz in light of the Barcelona connection.

Williams’ release clause is almost half the amount Diaz might be sold for, and Liverpool is gaining a younger left winger while also bringing in one of the most exciting and gifted players in European football.

Nunezs and Salah would be a perfect fit for the Spaniard, and Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo would be good starting choices from the bench.

June 24, 2024
LFC transfer Liverpool news: Arne Slot “approves $63 million signing” and “eyed” free agents

Arne Slot gives Liverpool the all-clear to chase Barcelona for a $63 million winger, which is the latest transfer news. In the meantime, a well-known name is once again making the rounds of rumours.

During his initial discussion with the Liverpool staff, the new head coach Arne Slot was eager to emphasise that the team he takes over is a formidable one. However, there is undoubtedly space for improvement in the transfer market.

With Joel Matip’s departure, most people believe that finding a central defender is a top priority, although a holding midfielder would also be excellent. Having an additional forward option would not be a bad thing, even if Liverpool decides to keep all of its current attackers.

This is Liverpool.com’s assessment of the transfer rumours that have been circulating about the Reds lately. We begin with some updates on Nico Williams, who is performing admirably for Spain at the European Championship being held in Germany.

Nico Williams [Athletic Club]

Following an impressive La Liga season with Athletic Club, Liverpool and Barcelona have been linked to moves for Spain’s Nico Williams this summer. Arne Slot has reportedly given the go-ahead for a transfer to be made for the 21-year-old, who recorded a goal or an assist every 101 minutes in all competitions last season, according to Caught Offside.

Williams has made an effort to downplay reports that he would move on, though. A release clause in the forward’s contract allows him to leave for a cost of approximately $63 million (£49 million/€58 million). Williams stated yesterday, “I just signed a new deal at Athletic a few weeks ago.” “I feel fantastic over there. I’m thrilled to be at Athletic. It seems really odd to be asked about my future.”

According to Liverpool.com, Williams will have plenty of options if he decides to go after the Euro 2024 competition. However, a move by the Reds would only make sense if Luis Diaz went on, as Barcelona is also reportedly interested in him.

Adrien Rabiot [Juventus]

Without Liverpool being linked with a bid for Adrien Rabiot, a midfielder for Juventus, the summer transfer window wouldn’t be the same. Who won the sweepstakes on June 23? This time, Sport Italia has delivered early in the summer.

According to the source, Rabiot is getting closer to leaving Juventus as a free agent during the transfer season, and the Reds may be a potential destination. But chances are they won’t be, just like every other year.

According to Liverpool.com. Rabiot is a passable enough player, but the Reds shouldn’t be considering signing him. There is almost no possibility that he is being thought of in any way.

June 24, 2024
Superb Euro 2024 star ‘considered’ by Liverpool; signing fee of £47 million

Athletic Club and Spain’s Nico Williams is a promising young player with a £47 million release clause in his contract.

Liverpool has ‘considered’ the prospect of signing him. The 21-year-old dynamo, who has been tearing it up in Spain over the past three years, had previously been linked to Liverpool.

Williams had another successful season at Athletic Club last year, tallying eight goals and dished out 19 assists across all competitions from the left wing. This earned him a starting berth for Spain at Euro 2024 this summer.

The attacker did well in La Roja’s tournament debut against Croatia, but he just gave an absolutely amazing performance in his team’s 1-0 victory over Italy, which guaranteed Spain’s spot in the round of 16.

Liverpool is among the several teams closely monitoring Williams in the lead-up to what seems like an inevitable move for him this summer, as a result of his performances, which have understandably intensified transfer links.

NICO WILLIAMS MOVE IS DISCUSSED BY LIVERPOOL.

A report from Pol Ballus, the Spanish correspondent for The Athletic, claims that Liverpool is just one of several teams interested in the outstanding Williams.

Ballus stated: “Liverpool has also been discussed as a potential destination if a winger is needed for Arne Slot’s new project.”

While Williams is being watched by several Premier League teams, including Arsenal and Chelsea, Barcelona is still in awe of the gifted attacker in spite of their present financial struggles.

Despite having many suitors, Williams’ signing might not be too difficult for the Reds to pull off.

Ballus claims that Williams’ current contract has a £47 million release clause. This sounds like a great deal for a player with Williams’ calibre and ability.

Liverpool can hold direct talks with Williams and his representatives if they activate the aforementioned clause. The Reds, who currently have a wealth of alternatives on the wings, are reportedly eager to add a new wide forward to their roster this summer.

That might alter this summer, though. Williams may be a direct replacement for the inconsistent Colombian, Luis Diaz, who has been linked to a summer move and may be available for roughly £50 million.

Though Arne Slot is expected to evaluate his team before making any transfer moves, it is unclear how serious Liverpool is in acquiring a new attacker.

More news…….

Liverpool ‘interested’ in Endo’s former Stuttgart teammate.

Liverpool are interested in signing Stuttgart defender Waldemar Anton, a former teammate of Wataru Endo, according to reports in Germany.

The Reds will attempt to add fresh players during the summer transfer window as they prepare for their debut season under new head coach Arne Slot. They are thought to be looking for a new centre-back, with Joel Matip leaving this month after his contract expired.

According to German outlet Sport BILD, Liverpool is interested in Anton, who recently led Stuttgart to an impressive second-place finish in the Bundesliga, surpassing Bayern Munich and qualifying for the Champions League.

If Anton does join Liverpool, it will not be the first time the Reds have signed Stuttgart’s captain, as they did with Endo last summer. The Japan international instantly became a fan favourite at Anfield, appearing 44 times and scoring three goals in 2023/24.

Before deciding on his club future, Anton will first navigate the European Championships, where Germany will compete for continental cutlery on home soil. They started their campaign with a 5-1 victory over Scotland on Friday night.

Virgil van Dijk is poised to enter the final year of his contract at Anfield, with his future uncertain despite his dedication to helping the club build in the post-Jurgen Klopp era. A fresh face in defence would be excellent news for Liverpool.

Youngster Jarell Quansah made steady progress last season and was named to England’s provisional Euro 2024 squad before being cut from the final team. Joe Gomez has mostly been used as a full-back in the last year, while Ibrahima Konate is still a key member of Liverpool’s backline but has frequently struggled with injury since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021.

June 22, 2024
Liverpool will compete with Real Madrid and Arsenal to get the 21-year-old La Liga winger.

The Mirror claims that Arsenal will make an effort to thwart Real Madrid and Liverpool in order to sign Nico Williams, a winger for Athletic Bilbao.

Williams, 21, has made 136 appearances for the La Liga squad, tallying 26 goals and 29 assists. His achievements at the club last year won him a new contract.

The Mirror says that Arsenal scouts have observed Williams. The report claims that Arteta is excited to relieve pressure on Bukayo Saka in the summer by adding a winger to his offensive options.

Williams is wanted by Real Madrid, Aston Villa, and Liverpool, so landing a deal with him is definitely going to be difficult given that he signed a new contract last year.

Williams graduated from the programme, and Athletic Bilbao is determined not to let him go.

The article also claims that Arsenal, who have long admired the Portuguese attacker, is interested in Pedro Neto, a notable performer for Wolves.

Neto has contributed three goals and ten assists in just 17 appearances for Gary O’Neil’s squad, despite missing two months of action because of a serious hamstring injury.

A restructuring of Mikel Arteta’s squad, which might see the departure of Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah this summer, may accompany any moves for Neto or Williams.

Ivan Toney, a striker for Brentford, and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi are two players who Arsenal is reportedly interested in signing.

After an exciting 3-1 victory over Liverpool seven days ago, the Gunners return to action on Sunday when they play West Ham.

More news…….

Cesc Fabregas explicit on perfect candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss

After Jurgen Klopp departs Liverpool in the summer of 2020, Cesc Fabregas, a former player for Arsenal and Chelsea, has shared his opinions on who should take over as manager of the team.

When Jurgen Klopp leaves his position as manager of Liverpool at the end of the current campaign, Cesc Fabregas thinks Xabi Alonso would be the perfect successor.

Given his impressive early coaching record, Alonso is one of the early contenders to succeed Klopp. After finishing second last when Alonso took over in October 2022, Bayer Leverkusen is now leading the Bundesliga and two points ahead of Bayern Munich.

Fabregas has outlined Alonso’s qualifications to take over at Anfield the next season, highlighting his intellect, disposition, mindset, and bond with the team from his five years as a player at Liverpool.

According to Fabregas, “he’s a very intelligent guy,” the BBC’s Planet Premier League podcast reported. “There, he has been. He has experienced everything, and he is aware of the high standards Liverpool has established. He is adored by the audience, and as a coach, I believe he is excellent. He has insightful insights.

“He may have a slightly different style of play, but I believe he is versatile. I used to see him around when he was the Real Sociedad B coach and now he works at Bayer Leverkusen. He does diverse actions. He has the correct mindset and can adjust to the circumstances and the various kinds of players he has.

“Despite his youth, he has very distinct ideas, which is a plus. He is a stable, intellectual man with the ideal disposition. Therefore, it’s a big ask, but I think he could pull it off.”

Alonso, however, has downplayed rumours of a possible transfer to Anfield and stated he is still entirely focused on Leverkusen’s pursuit of the league championship. “Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen,” he stated.

“I am currently really content with my players at Leverkusen.” Naturally, there was a lot of surprise in Liverpool. I have a lot of respect and appreciation for what Jurgen accomplished there. Here, I am very content.

“I’m having fun at work here. Every day feels like a challenge to me, and every game is that. I’m travelling through Leverkusen in style. I’m not sure about the next one. I’m reflecting on my current location.

“I’m having fun and I’m at a terrific position. What matters most is Saturday. Right now, I don’t really care what will transpire in the future.”

February 9, 2024
Liverpool agree £44m deal for attacking talent – who will be available on a free next summer: Report

Liverpool can win the competition by signing a player whose contract expires in 2024.

Liverpool may have the most potent attacking options in the Premier League, but that won’t stop them from expanding in January.

It’s fair to say there is no shortage of quality up front, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s options including Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunes, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
But Liverpool will not be satisfied with what they have and could be on the verge of meeting the release clause of one of Europe’s most exciting talents.

Liverpool are set to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao in January with a £44million release clause added to his current contract, according to 90min.

However, the Spanish winger’s current contract with Athletic Bilbao expires in the summer of 2024, meaning Liverpool could reach a pre-contract agreement with him in January.
If United want him immediately, they will have to meet his release clause.

Athletic Bilbao are trying hard to keep Williams in the Basque Country but are offering him a new long-term contract to keep him at the club.
The club is confident of maintaining this despite massive parties traveling across Europe.

“We feel calm about it,” John Uriarte said.
“We believe he will be renewed and stay with us, and that will happen.

“We want a compelling project and we’re confident that Nico Williams will be part of it for many years to come.”

However, the 21-year-old is yet to commit and will keep his options open for the crucial January transfer window.

In addition to Liverpool, Barcelona and Aston Villa are also interested.
So if the club want to sign him on a free transfer or for the aforementioned £44m, quick action is essential.

Williams has provided four assists in seven La Liga games so far this season and is valued at £35m by Transfermarkt.

More news…..

The Liverpool dressing room’s verdict on Jurgen Klopp’s rebuild during summer window

Liverpool signed players such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch this summer to remind Manchester City and Arsenal of their title credentials.

Joel Matip believes Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0 has evolved into a different style – but the old mentality remains as strong as ever.

The defender, who was Klopp’s second signing at Anfield when he signed on a pre-contract eight years ago, believes his character – which is the manager’s trademark – can produce trophies again. The Reds have not won a major trophy since the 2022 FA Cup.

Speaking about Liverpool’s new look after a complete midfield reboot this summer, the veteran centre-back said: “It’s my eighth season (at Anfield) and the manager has tried to adapt our style during my time here .”

“It’s not the same football we played six or seven years ago, so he’s adapting.” But he still tries to do it his way and I think it works quite well.
All the new players have adapted well.
Overall, our start to the season isn’t that bad.

“But performance-wise, we’re not exactly where we want to be in the last 90-plus minutes.
In the end, we’ve turned things around a lot and it’s good to know we still have the quality to do that.”

For Matip, the new look of football, as Liverpool have evolved their passing style under Klopp, has already made an impression.
Speaking about new signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, he said: “Dom and Macca played almost all the time and did so brilliantly.

“You can see that both playing with the ball and against the ball their adaptation has been fantastic – they have never really looked new here.”

The defender also believes Klopp’s other summer midfield signings, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, have already shown promising signs despite being signed at the end of the transfer window with little time to adapt.

“Wataru and Ryan arrived later, but they have already shown that they can help us too,” he explained to the club’s official website.
“All the new players have done a fantastic job so far and I’m really looking forward to seeing them play.”

And he believes there is a real chance of glory this season with Liverpool already showing signs of battle on four fronts, including keeping pace with champions Manchester City in the title race.
“We have four competitions ahead of us and we want to be as successful as possible in each of them,” he explained.

“We want to give everything, but no one knows what will happen in the end.
We are just focusing on our next game and working hard to do the best we can there. This is my eighth season at Liverpool and I have always tried to do my best for the team.
When I am needed, I want to be there and show my quality.

October 25, 2023