footballtopstar

Tag: Sadio Mane

Liverpool has repeated Sadio Mané transfer trick amid $61m gap as Manchester United danger clear

Liverpool and Manchester United have started to move this summer, but transfer fees are far from the only cost factor for Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag.

With every transfer taking place across the Premier League this summer, the actual amount of money is somewhat obscured by the transfer fees quoted.

Last summer, for example, Erling Haaland cost significantly more than the $81m (£64m/€75m) release clause put in place by Manchester City when wages and fees brokerage are taken into account.

Even small moves cost a lot more than transfer fees alone. Dominik Szoboszlai’s release clause has been set at $77m (£61m/€70m), but with his wages on a five-year contract, Liverpool would have spent significantly more.

Liverpool have often signed players on the verge of becoming superstars at the FSG. The plan is to recruit them at lower salaries and then slowly develop them as they progress.

Sadio Mané, for example, was hired in 2016 before receiving a pay rise as a reward in 2018. He had one year left on his contract when Liverpool sold him. Mohamed Salah is the one who received the third salary increase and contract extension.

This summer, it was the same strategy. Liverpool have so far signed Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister who ECHO say will both earn around $150,000 a week, far less than the sums other clubs are willing to pay.

Mason Mount, for example, signed a contract this week with Manchester United worth more than $300,000 a week. On a five-year deal, that’s a difference of about $32 million between Mount and Szoboszlai.

Liverpool made an exception for the signing of Thiago Alcântara, but the former Bayern Munich player cost a relatively low transfer fee (less than half of what Mount Manchester United cost), so the overall cost of his signature was lower.

The rest of the transfers made were at relatively modest wages compared to what is offered elsewhere. Last year, Salah was in the same league as players like Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz. Generally, players start lower and work their way up the ladder.

For Liverpool, it works in two ways. On the one hand, the pay structure is manageable and everyone earns the same amount, instead of one player being miles ahead of the others; On the other hand, everyone is encouraged to keep improving and earning trophies.

Even someone like Darwin Núñez, who could be a record signing for the club, was signed on a relatively low salary compared to other Premier League biggest deals, meaning that in any scenario Liverpool could allow large contracts avoided. At Manchester United, Mount and Sancho are not alone.

Raphaël Varane, Casemiro, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes all have equally large sums: two of them are over 30 and Martial is redundant. Marcus Rashford, when he makes a new deal, he’s going to join that group in that group.

Liverpool have the best model. While FSG has invested heavily in salaries (according to The Mirror, Liverpool had the fourth-highest salary in the Premier League last year, behind Chelsea and both Manchester clubs), it is more evenly distributed and correlated to performances, meaning situations like Martial and Sancho – who has been a clear disappointment since his move from Borussia Dortmund to Old Trafford – are avoided.

The Mirror report says Liverpool paid $61m (£48m/€56m) less in wages than Manchester United last season, and with Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gone, even with new purchases, should balance the situation. Only when those new players have proven themselves will there be raises.

Mason Mount could be a big hit for Erik ten Hag, but it represents the latest big gamble Manchester United have taken, as Liverpool remain more risk averse.

July 7, 2023
Despite Jurgen Klopp’s admission, Roberto Firmino may have hinted at Mohamed Salah’s departure.

Could Mohamed Salah eventually reunite with his former Liverpool strike partners given Roberto Firmino’s move to Saudi Arabia and reports of a possible reunion involving Sadio Mane?

After becoming the most well-known player to transfer to the Saudi Pro League, Roberto Firmino might be reunited with a former Liverpool teammate.

Following the expiration of his Reds contract, the Brazilian’s move to Saudi Arabia was officialized on Tuesday night. He joins Cristiano Ronaldo in moving to the Gulf state, joining other players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, and Marcelo Brozovic who are also making the move this summer.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United, took control of Al-Ahli, one of four Saudi Arabian clubs, last month. It seems to make no difference that they played in the second division last year.

The most recent reports indicate that Al-Ahli is already looking to complete its third high-profile signing of the summer with another well-known face the target of their desires. Mendy joined Al-Ahli after joining from Chelsea last month.

Sadio Mane is reportedly being pursued by Al-Ahli from Bayern Munich in an effort to reunite with both his former Liverpool strike partner and fellow Senegal international, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Mane moved from Liverpool to Bayern last summer in a deal that could have cost up to £35 million, but it’s been reported that Thomas Tuchel’s hiring as the new manager of the team in Bavaria has already rendered Mane unnecessary. In the end, the 31-year-old struggled in Munich, scoring just 12 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions—27 of which were starts—and making just 25 Bundesliga appearances.

Injury certainly did not help; a leg issue that required surgery in the middle of the season kept him out for more than three months and prevented him from competing in the World Cup. However, Mane was not used as a substitute against Koln on the final day as they were declared champions thanks to a late goal from fellow substitute Jamal Musiala, making the Bundesliga championship the only significant trophy won by Bayern.

A fight with teammate Leroy Sane during Bayern’s Champions League loss to Man City ultimately signaled Mane’s demise, if he is indeed sold this summer. The Senegalese was punished with a fine of £250,000 and a one-match suspension after it was claimed that he punched the German, leaving him with a bloodied lip.

For the record, Mane has already stated that he plans to remain at Bayern this summer. However, rumors that he’s leaving continue, and the Bavarians are pushing to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur.

Many nostalgic Liverpool fans would likely smile at the prospect of a reunion with Firmino if the forward were to leave Bayern. The two players, who joined the Reds in 2015 and 2016, respectively, won every trophy at Anfield, including the Premier League and the Champions League, and contributed 231 goals and 110 assists in 631 appearances.

Together with Mohamed Salah, they made up two-thirds of Jurgen Klopp’s deadly triumvirate in attack, and the three propelled the Reds to English, European, and global glory while solidifying their place in Anfield lore.

Though his affection for his former teammate is well-known, it is unknown whether Mane would actually consider moving to Saudi Arabia.

Bobby Firmino is by far and away my favorite person I’ve met in this industry, though I’ve met many nice people. In a recent three-part series on the Brazilian on LFC TV, the 31-year-old said, “He’s my favorite teammate.

“Bobby made a modification to my football. He simplifies things so you don’t have to make them more difficult. Bobby is standing next to you when you get the ball, giving you a choice.
Both myself and the team benefited from .
it.

There isn’t a chant that compares to Bobby’s in my opinion. I occasionally listen to it while at home. It’s so unique, which I love. Sometimes you just have to sing it if you love the man as well. Better than my own song, I can sing Bobby’s.

Only time will tell whether his former teammate’s reunion will be enough to tempt him. However, reports indicate that Al-Ahli are quite enamored with the idea.

Which begs the question: Could they be planning a future move for Salah to complete the set if they reunite Firmino and Mane?

Even though he has a contract with Liverpool through 2025, the Egyptian is still frequently mentioned in connection with a move to Saudi Arabia. As the most well-known Muslim football player in the world, he would obviously be a dream acquisition for the Saudi Pro League.

Hafez Al-Medlej, a Saudi football official, stated last month that “we must also begin working on the signing of Mohamed Salah since he is overwhelmingly popular in the Arab world and in Europe.”. “I hope that if Salah doesn’t come now, he will in the future because I think he still has records to break with Liverpool. ”.

Salah is showing no signs of slowing down after scoring 30 goals for Liverpool once again this season. It goes without saying that Liverpool made the right decision in terms of which one of the trio to retain into their senior years, given Mane’s struggles last year and Firmino’s sporadic injury problems after slipping down Klopp’s pecking order.

Last summer, the Egyptian earned more than £350,000 a week, making him the highest-paid player in Reds history. He continued to score goals and provide assists. While there will come a time when Liverpool wants such terms off their wage bill, for now, as long as Salah keeps producing in front of goal, they won’t want to see his time with the team end.

After all, Klopp has given the forward his blessing to continue playing at the highest level well into his mid-thirties, much like Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.

In September 2021, Klopp stated, “I’ve never spoken to Mo about how long he wants to play, but he has all the things you need to do that. “He is more physically similar to Lionel Messi, obviously; we’re talking about similar height and weight, probably; so all these guys need to be lucky with the injuries.”.

They had some wounds, but they were able to recover from them without suffering any more damage. That is incredibly crucial. You have to be extremely lucky, but Mo has everything you need, and I’m pretty sure that given the way he views football, he wants to continue playing it in some capacity for as long as he can.

No reason exists why he shouldn’t be able to do that, either. Obviously, attitude is key if you want success. I have a good feeling that a few players ended their careers because they were unable to be that motivated; they would say things like, “I want this or I want that, but I am not the same as I was a few years ago.”. People complete their careers for this reason.

“With Mo, I don’t see that happening; I’m pretty sure Mo wants to make the most of every day of his career, yes. “.

There is no reason why Salah can’t continue to produce for the Reds given that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luis Suarez all thrived in major European leagues well into their mid-30s before making recent moves to Saudi Arabia, South America, and the USA.

As Klopp previously suggested, he also has the hunger, so a move to Saudi Arabia probably won’t happen anytime soon. After all, he won’t be 34 when his Liverpool contract expires.

It’s unclear if another extension will be discussed in the coming months, but if Salah has yet another season with 20-30+ goals in 2023/24, you’d think Anfield officials would be eager to hold talks and find out what the Egyptian wants to do next.

His Liverpool career will continue if he keeps producing in front of goal and harbors dreams of winning the Premier League and the Champions League again. Saudi Arabian factions will come to tempt him if that doesn’t happen.

The possibility of a future “dream” reunion with the Egyptian King of the Reds could be even more alluring for the Saudi club if Al-Ahli intend to pair Firmino, who signed a three-year contract with the club, with Mane once more this summer. Even though Father Time prevented the trio from remaining together indefinitely at the highest level, their names will always be synonymous with one another.

Of course, nobody wants to wish Salah’s remaining years at Anfield away in favor of seeing him follow his former strike partners out the exit. There are still many more goals to be scored and trophies to be won. But it seems fairly certain that Saudi Arabia will eventually make a move for the 31-year-old, and it will be up to the forward to decide if and when he does so.

There has been some controversy surrounding the recent transfer activity in the Arab nation, and nostalgia alone won’t turn people away. But if Saudi Arabia is to be the new semi-retirement home for some of the world’s best players, at least the prospect of one last ride for Salah, Firmino, and Mane could be a fitting end, regardless of location, for three of Liverpool’s best players.

July 6, 2023
Before apologizing to Sadio Mane during Liverpool transfer negotiations, Jurgen Klopp wanted to punch himself.

Sadio Mane has left Liverpool for Bayern Munich after the sides agreed a €41m deal in the summer

Sadio Mane looks set to leave Bayern Munich this summer, but there is no suggestion the Senegalese will complete a return to Liverpool.

After winning all there was to win at Anfield, the 31-year-old ended his Reds career last year for a £35m transfer to Bavaria. But while he would win the Bundesliga title in his first season in Germany, his first season ultimately proved disappointing.

The striker played 38 games for Bayern last season and scored 12 goals. However, he only made 25 Bundesliga appearances and 27 appearances in all competitions as, without the help of injury, he has failed to find the best form of him.

A dressing room altercation with team-mate Leroy Sane led to the striker being suspended for one game in April, with the suggestion that Bayern would try to keep him there.

Bayern’s £60million bid for Harry Kane, which was reportedly seen as overshot by new manager Thomas Tuchel, suggests the Bundesliga giants are planning a future without Mane, despite having been rejected.

He has been loosely linked with a return to the Premier League as well as a move to Saudi Arabia, but his future remains uncertain at the moment.

Kopites said he had a heavy heart at the striker last summer after scoring 120 goals in his six seasons on Merseyside, propelling Liverpool to the Champions League for only the second time since 2009 before helping them lift six trophies and to be crowned champions of England and Europe. and the world.

Certainly, despite being 30 and with a year left on his contract, it was only a matter of time before the Reds had to consider a future without the striker. At least his faltering successes in Germany can comfort Liverpool bosses with the fact that they appreciated the best of Mane before selling him for a profit.

With Roberto Firmino already in the squad, the Senegal international was the second part of the Reds’ attacking game when he was signed from Southampton in the summer of 2016.

Along with Mohamed Salah the following year, Jurgen Klopp was the best front line of Europe which has conquered everything before them.

Mane was actually Klopp’s first major signing at Anfield as he tried to turn doubters into believers.

He was signed at the start of the German’s first full season at the club. And his desire to sign the Senegalese from Saints to bolster his attack stems from a previous transfer mistake which saw the Liverpool manager admitting he could have struggled.

Klopp has been following Mane’s progress since his impressive display at the 2012 London Olympics and first thought about signing Mane when he was Borussia Dortmund manager, while also holding talks with the then RB Salzburg player about a possible transfer at the Westfalenstadion in 2014. decided the player was not for him before quickly realizing he’d made a terrible mistake.

“I made a mistake,” Klopp said. “We met, we talked, but in the end I didn’t hear from him anymore. I like the player, it was more of a sensation. “His baseball cap was askew, the blonde highlights he still has today.

He looked like a rookie rapper. I thought, ‘I don’t have time for this.’ I would say I have a pretty good sense of people, but was I wrong?

“At Dortmund we could only have one player for this position, not two or three, so it had to be perfect at that time. About three months later I would have fought, so I already knew that I would take the next chance I got. “With Sadio it was a pretty easy decision.

When the club arrived in the summer and Michael Edwards said we had a chance, no more talks were needed. It was ‘Let’s do it.

“Since I arrived here I have spoken a lot about him to the staff and I always thought he could be a very good signing for us. He would have been more expensive if we had brought him to Dortmund and then sold him. at Liverpool, so all is well for Liverpool. The more I think about it, that was my first decision for Liverpool. Cute!”

Dortmund’s defeat was Liverpool’s victory, as Klopp made sure to get his man out of him in 2016 and even stole it from under Manchester United’s noses. And the German would have apologized to the attacker in a secret phone call while he tried to convince him to join him at Anfield.

“I have to say I was very close to leaving for Manchester United,” Mane admitted in an interview with The Telegraph when he reflected on his decision to join Liverpool. “I had the contract there. I agreed. Everything was ready.

“I still remember the first time I got the call from Klopp. I watched TV. It was an action movie – because I love movies – and he said: ” Sadio, listen, I want to explain to you what happened in Dortmund.”

“At the time he was thinking of signing me for Dortmund, but for some reason it didn’t work out. He tried to explain himself and I said, “It’s okay, it happened. I forgave him. Then he said, “Now I want you at Liverpool.” And I said: “Okay, Dortmund is behind us, let’s focus on the future.”

Eight years after his failed move to Dortmund, Mane was a late earner of a Bundesliga transfer, but only after enjoying his prime at Liverpool under Klopp.

And while the German would inevitably have preferred the striker to stay at Anfield, he was at least able to rectify the decision that led him to struggle all those years ago.

But while Mane is looking to rediscover his best Reds form elsewhere, should he indeed leave Monaco this summer, he will not be allowed a return to the Reds.

As much as Klopp wanted to slap himself for not signing the striker the first time around, such an itch has rightly been scratched by six trophy-laden years at Merseyside.

And even though the 31-year-old returned to the Premier League and ended up chasing his former club, the German cannot be expected to kick himself in the head for not moving.

After all, the signings of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo ensure that he has already been duly replaced at Anfield.

June 28, 2023
“We did incredible things together,” Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane said in an homage to Roberto Firmino.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane reflect on the unforgettable success they shared with Roberto Firmino in the closing episode of LFC Original “Bobby”.

Having joined forces as a trio when Salah followed Firmino and Mane to Anfield in 2017, they have gone on to become one of the most prolific attacking duos in the club’s history.

He led Jürgen Klopp’s side to the front row, scoring a total of 338 goals in five consecutive seasons. Trophies of the Carabao Cup.

In the third and final episode of Bobby, our brand new series which tells the story of Firmino’s remarkable rise before his departure this summer, Salah and Mane detail their appreciation of the number 9 they have flanked to such incredible effect .

“I think it’s his ability to give everything in the game and also to sacrifice himself for the team,” says Salah.

“He just plays for the team. He doesn’t care much about scoring, he just wants to enjoy his game and play football and he wants the team to win.”

“I think he’s one of those [who] is loved the most, because everyone likes him. He’s very calm, he’s always smiling. And as I said before, when you see someone who sacrifices himself for the team, you see that everyone here loves him. ” .”

Mane, who split from the club last summer, says: “I think we’ve done some amazing things together. I am so grateful. I think Bobby is a special player. For me, wow, what a number 9”.

The Senegalese forward continues: “As a person I think he is the most positive man.

“I learned a lot from him personally, because sometimes when I’m not playing, on the bench or whatever, he knows me. He tells me to stay calm, he knows me… Stay calm, positive, no problem. This kind of person is not easy to find… I learned a lot from him on and off the pitch.

“He has the ability to turn the ball easily, doesn’t always play the back pass, he always tries to find solutions. I think he changed everything.

Together the trio punished defense both domestically and across Europe – and became a force to be feared and revered in the game.

All three have earned a treasured place in club folklore and to conclude his tribute to Firmino, Salah highlights the legacy left by the Brazilian during his eight years on Merseyside.
“[He will be remembered as] awesome,” No. 11 concludes.

“He will be one of the best players to ever play for Liverpool.”
“He won the Premier League and the Champions League and all the trophies. He has won everything with the club and is one of the best to ever play for Liverpool.”

Read also…….

Jorg Schmadtke needs to address Liverpool’s escalating Trent Alexander-Arnold issue.

New Liverpool transfer boss Jörg Schmadtke has to resolve an issue over Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool and new sporting director Jörg Schmadtke will be busy finding new signings to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s squad, but they also have a looming problem with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Englishman has shone as a midfielder for club and country in recent months, underlining how important he is to his club in multiple roles.

He operated in a more traditional midfield position under Gareth Southgate, but for his club Alexander-Arnold moved from right-back to play alongside Fabinho – while Curtis Jones and Jordan Henderson were given more freedom to play.

‘offensive. New signing Alexis Mac Allister is set to make up a big part of Klopp’s midfield next season, further aided by the arrival of Alexander-Arnold. However, the 24-year-old has to make a decision on his long-term future with just two years left on his current contract.

If the Reds fail to tie him down to a new contract within the next 12 months, clubs will be lurking in the background, growing confident they can steer him away from Anfield.

One issue could perhaps be his salary, as Alexander-Arnold currently earns £180,000 a week but is expected to be paid at least £200,000 a week, on par with top earners like Virgil van Dijk and Thiago.

Liverpool fans have expressed their displeasure that current owner Fenway Sports Group is reluctant to splash the cash as it remains to be seen whether a record deal for Alexander-Arnold will come in a season without the financial help that comes with it. to play with the champions. high on the agenda would be the league.

Athletic have claimed Alexander-Arnold will be the priority outgoing players in 2025, a list which includes Mohamed Salah, Van Dijk and Henderson, but there is currently no urgency to start talks over an extension.

With Schmadtke only in a short-term role over the summer, with an option to extend if all parties believe the partnership is fruitful, there is a chance he will focus on short-term goals for the current open window rather than long-term ambitions like tying Alexander-Arnold to a new contract.

The full-back’s new role revitalized him at a time when he was worried about his defensive frailties, but if there were any doubts that Liverpool could have been better off without him, Alexander-Arnold quickly put them to bed with recent performances: how he impressed Reds team-mate Andy Robertson.

“Trent is Trent and that’s the biggest compliment I can pay him,” the Scotland captain told Sky Sports. “He fits everything you ask him.

He’s still relatively young, but he’s got a wise head on his shoulders and I think when you’re so technically gifted, you’ve got so many skills, you’ve got so much talent.

Then you can play in any position and it would come from the best and most importantly he has that aggression and that will to succeed – and I think you’ve seen it.

June 25, 2023
Liverpool has completed its “other” big renovation, but the most difficult challenge still lies ahead.

Liverpool may be on the verge of another major transformation, but the club are already quietly overseeing a succession plan, writes Andy Ramsay.
And then there was one.

Last summer, Sadio Mané joined FC Bayern Munich. This summer, it will be Roberto Firmino who will live the last years of his career at another club.

As Liverpool fans bid farewell to the brilliant Brazilian, only the irrepressible Mohamed Salah remains from their legendary top three.

At the peak of their combined powers, there was arguably no attacking trio in the entire history of European football or the Premier League that could rival them. In five seasons (2017/18 to 2021/2022) he scored a total of 338 goals and 139 assists, in a period in which Liverpool played 282 competitive matches.

Jürgen Klopp’s firepower has helped the club win five major trophies: the Champions League (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2020), Premier League (2020), Carabao Cup (2022) and FA Cup (2022 )

For example, the 2018 Champions League final lost to Real Madrid, the first year that the famous top three all played together.
En route to that year’s final, the trio scored a total of 30 goals – a league record!

For context, that’s more than Real Madrid’s famous front three of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo record 28 goals and the 27 goals scored by Barcelona’s legendary goalscorer Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Replacing the trio would therefore never have been easy.

Finding value in the transfer market

After a turbulent season on and off the pitch for the Reds, it feels like the club will need to invest heavily this summer if they are to recapture their previous successes.

Fans have rightly criticized the owners, and in some cases the manager, for not investing in an aging and injury-prone midfielder last summer.

So far, Liverpool’s recruitment under Klopp has been nearly flawless, as can only be expected in the uncertain world of football transfers.
Firmino (£29m), Mane (£30m) and Salah (£36.9m), for example, cost the club £95.9m in transfer fees.

In the mad vacuum of the football economy, this can only be described as incredible business. At their peak, their transfer value has risen astronomically, with Firmino (£90m), Mane (£150m) and Salah (£150m) expected to cost around £390m, per Transfermarkt.

This would represent a 306.7% increase in value over the Reds’ initial investment.
For last summer, Klopp and the Liverpool recruiting team were heralded as the standard-bearer in the transfer market for good reason.

They have become masters of spotting talent, fitting into the mold of the manager’s energetic press, who then scoffed at their transfer fee.

The transfer fee, usually between £30m and £50m; players signed, mostly in the 23-24 age group. It is a brain-based approach with two main characteristics: 1) enough data to draw useful conclusions about each transmission target; and 2) sufficient growth for talent to exceed market expectations under the guidance of a world-class coach.

lose sight of the ball

That’s what makes last summer’s neglect of midfield reinforcements so frustrating.
The club were in a strong position on the pitch and wise investments in the middle of the park could have given momentum.
In fact, the exit could have been prevented last season.

It’s hard to understand how a club widely regarded as one of the best-run clubs in Europe can go wrong.

Did the owners lose focus and instead invest their time in the eventual sale of the club? Was the loss of key personnel to blame? Mike Gordon’s short-term resignation to face a potential sale and Michael Edwards’ retirement and career hiatus from football undoubtedly caused a stir.

What about human error? After coming so close to winning an unprecedented treble in the 2021/2022 season, it may have been miscalculated that midfield reinforcements could wait.

The truth is that it’s probably a combination of all of these factors, among others. While the recklessness in midfield has been rightly criticized in recent months, the transfer model has largely been successful.

It was the transfer inactivity in midfield that let the team down last season, not the buying of unsuccessful players.

The other players signed in the past three years have all been largely successful and show future planning: Diogo Jota (26), Luis Diaz (26), Ibrahima Konate (23), Darwin Nunez (23) and Cody Gakpo (24) are all looking forward to it. to a bright future with the Reds.

With all the talk of a big summer transfer window for Liverpool, there is almost no evidence of any striker being linked with a move to Merseyside.

Most of the work required in this area has been completed in the past two years. Mane’s replacement

lose sight of the ball

That’s what makes last summer’s neglect of midfield reinforcements so frustrating.

The club were in a strong position on the pitch and wise investments in the middle of the park could have given momentum.
In fact, the exit could have been prevented last season.

It’s hard to understand how a club widely regarded as one of the best-run clubs in Europe can go wrong.

Did the owners lose focus and instead invest their time in the eventual sale of the club? Was the loss of key personnel to blame? Mike Gordon’s short-term resignation to face a potential sale and Michael Edwards’ retirement and career hiatus from football undoubtedly caused a stir.

What about human error? After coming so close to winning an unprecedented treble in the 2021/2022 season, it may have been miscalculated that midfield reinforcements could wait.

The truth is that it’s probably a combination of all of these factors, among others. While the recklessness in midfield has been rightly criticized in recent months, the transfer model has largely been successful.

It was the transfer inactivity in midfield that let the team down last season, not the buying of unsuccessful players.

The other players signed in the past three years have all been largely successful and show future planning: Diogo Jota (26), Luis Diaz (26), Ibrahima Konate (23), Darwin Nunez (23) and Cody Gakpo (24) are all looking forward to it. to a bright future with the Reds.

With all the talk of a big summer transfer window for Liverpool, there is almost no evidence of any striker being linked with a move to Merseyside.
Most of the work required in this area has been completed in the past two years.

Mane’s replacement

The Senegal international’s influence on Liverpool’s recent triumphs has been huge.
His aggressive and direct play, tough physique and lack of dramatic personality made him a dream player for Klopp.

But it wasn’t always clear. Following Mane’s signing, the German tactician admitted he missed the chance to sign the player while coaching Dortmund, although a misjudgment of his attitude appears to be the reason:

“I made a few mistakes in my life and one of my biggest mistakes was not taking Sadio when I was at Dortmund.
“We were together in an office and I spoke to him. In hindsight I wasn’t sure, but it really was my fault!

“He’s an excellent guy and life has given me a second chance to work with him and hopefully we can take both.”

The rest, they say, is history.
After signing for Southampton in the 2016 summer transfer window, Mane made 259 appearances for the Reds, scoring 120 goals and providing 48 assists for his teammates.

This equated to a goal contribution in 64.8% of his appearances whilst playing for the club.

In his prime, Mane was one of the best forwards in the game. His contributions to his goals, complemented by his physicality and direct style of play, made him a nightmare to play against. Not an easy man to replace!

However, his replacement was introduced six months before his departure and made an immediate impact.

Diaz signed for £37m from Porto and emulated a lot of what was great about Mané: he was quick, direct and courageous on the ball.

Diaz also possesses a modest and undemanding personality, much like the Senegalese international.

But a statistical analysis of the two actors shows that while they share a lot in common, they also have different strengths and weaknesses compared to each other.

To make the comparison fair, Mane’s stats here are from the 2017/2018 season, when he was of the same developmental age and playing under Klopp’s style of football at Liverpool.

Diaz’s stats are only from the 2021/22 season as last season was heavily plagued with injuries and trying to get fit for next season.

In terms of possession and passing, the Colombian tops most key metrics used to judge a winger (stats via FBref):

However, comparing the two based on the raw data on goals, assists and quality of attacking performance, Mane is way off the mark:

Time will tell if Diaz can match in terms of goals and assists.
Stats suggest Mane was better at spotting good chances and knowing where the biggest attacking threats were during a game. Diaz, on the other hand, seems to have better ball retention and dribbling skills.

However, these stats come from Diaz’s first six months at the club as he acclimatised to the Premier League and Klopp’s system.

Next season, the Colombian will be a first-team regular after a frustrating knee injury cut short his first full term and we should have a better idea of his role and impact in the side.

Klopp could guide Diaz to become more active in key areas and focus on quality rather than quantity.

For example, Diaz has more shots (3.57-2.88), shots on target (1.22-1.07) and passes that result in shots (3.85-3.25) than Mane. ; however, Mane has higher xG (0.44-0.34), shooting accuracy (37.1%-34.2%), and targeted actions (0.58-0.38).

When the famous front three were at their best, Salah was usually the most prolific in terms of goals and assists, followed by Mane and then Firmino.

However, all three were regularly summoned throughout the season. If Liverpool are to challenge for major titles again, the burden will have to be shared between the strikers, whether Diaz, Gakpo, Jota or Nunez – or the squad as a whole.

A lack of energy in midfield and a weak defense were a key factor in Liverpool’s poor form last season in the league, but attacking performance was also down from the previous season when the Reds were at their worst. best and were fighting for the title.

The number of goals scored went from 94 to 75, the number of shots from 729 to 605 and the number of shots on target from 256 to 212.

Firmino’s replacement

Similar to Mane and Diaz’s changing of the guard, Firmino’s replacement was brought in six months in advance.
His name: Cody Gakpo.

It’s hard to define Firmino’s role at Liverpool over the years and the man Gakpo is set to replace – the brilliant Brazilian has played the bad nine like no other.

After Liverpool’s famous 5-0 victory over Man United at Old Trafford in 2021/22, Klopp underlined this point:

“Mo gets a lot of attention and deservedly so, but Bobby, for people who know football, I’m pretty sure by the time he’s finished playing people will be writing books about how he interpreted the wrong nine positions.”

“I’m not saying he made it up, or that we made it up, but with the way he plays it feels like it from time to time.”

It’s his blend of technical prowess, selfless defense, keen awareness, creativity and goal threat that has made him a fan favourite. Indeed, while praising the Brazilian, Klopp explained his unique and multifunctional role in his tactical system:

“He IS a connector; the best offensive defender I’ve ever seen in my life.
“He is a ball chaser, incredibly tactically intelligent and capable of playing in the tightest spaces; to make good decisions in a very short time.

“Also, he can score goals, which is why we are so happy when he rewards himself once in a while.”

Comparing Firmino and Gakpo is more difficult to do.

Firmino had plenty of experience playing the false nine in 2017/18. He has played there since Klopp’s arrival in 2015, playing in a fully functioning and well-proven Liverpool team at the time. He recorded his best individual season: 27 goals and 14 assists

Furthermore, although Gakpo had a strong individual season, he was used more on the flanks for PSV Eindhoven before joining Liverpool in January.

He was also tasked with learning the unknown position of the false nine in a dysfunctional Liverpool side that lacked confidence and had an aging midfield.
Given the context of these two seasons, there is reason to celebrate the central role of Gakpo.

And it seems that was the plan when he signed the Dutch international.
Prominent Dutch manager and football presenter Hans Kraay reported just before the Reds signed his man that Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders saw his compatriot as a ‘missing link’.

In fact, just like Firmino, his role in the team will often be to dig deep into midfield and control play.

We don’t talk about it anymore, but when Klopp first used Firmino centrally, much of the media felt that Liverpool should sign a traditional No.9.

The Brazilian was then considered an attacking midfielder and often played on the touchline; He was therefore not a centre-forward.

But Klopp’s vision was to have a conductor with the spatial awareness, tactical acumen and technical skills to link the game together so that Mane and Salah’s direct playing styles could thrive. With the famous top three established, the calls for a traditional number 9 quickly died out.
When it comes to attack performance, there’s not too much in between

As Klopp alluded to, it’s Firmino’s selfless attitude and defensive acumen that has made him such a unique asset:

Firmino is ahead on key defensive metrics, but against the backdrop of this statistical comparison, Gakpo’s numbers are still very impressive.

For example, compared to other players in the same position last year, Gakpo scores as an elite defensive forward on these metrics.

Over 99% of the population for tackles, 98% for tackles won, 99% for dribbles tackled and 99% for combined tackles and interceptions

Find an heir to the Egyptian king

Statistics suggest Liverpool have done their homework, with Mane and Firmino’s replacements well placed to forge their own history at the club.

As Diaz and Gakpo haven’t quite settled down yet, with an unfortunate injury to the former and the latter ending up with a dysfunctional team, both have been impressed enough to suggest they are two-thirds of the legendary three up front can replicate and perhaps even surpass them.

However, the last one left, Salah, will be the hardest to replace.
Thankfully, even at 31, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

He possesses not only the offensive attributes of the elite, but also the mental attributes of the elite of the greatest players; Klopp doesn’t have to think long to get the best out of him, because he already does it himself.

You have the feeling with Salah that falling records will only motivate him even more to achieve the next goal

In just six seasons, the African superstar has already scored the most goals for Liverpool in the Premier League era, recently surpassing Robbie Fowler’s record of 128.

Considering the Toxteth-born poacher is considered to be one of the most talented finishers of all time at the club, it underlines Salah’s genius already surpassing him.

He achieved this by playing as a winger who also possesses top-notch creative qualities and provided a slew of chances and goals for his teammates during his time at Liverpool.

The No.11 is already one of Liverpool’s top five goalscorers of all time and has already achieved legendary status.
How far he climbs up the list will depend on how long he stays at the club.

With two years left on his contract, it is possible to suggest he could reach top three status; perhaps even in the top two if he extended his stay beyond two years.
Ian Rush’s record is unlikely to be broken; at his current rate of 0.62 goals per game, Salah would need to play another 260 games, just over five more seasons in which he scored at the same rate.

When the time comes to find an heir for the Egyptian king, this will give the scouts and the transfer committee the most difficult task.
But in their work to oversee both Mane’s and Firmino’s successors, there is every hint that they are capable of doing so.

June 23, 2023
Liverpool have to ‘move on’ from ‘crazy’ £35m star at Anfield

Liverpool have been linked with a £35million star offer a return to familiar surroundings

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp should not be trying to seal Sadio Mane’s return to Anfield despite Bayern Munich desperately trying to take him off the books, RedmenTV presenter Ste Hoare has told GIVEMESPORT.

The Senegalese international swapped Merseyside for Bavaria just last year, completing a £35million move, but already appears to be well on his way to the Allianz Arena.

Transfer news Liverpool – Sadio Mane

Mane could be lined up for a speedy return to Anfield via the Liverpool Echo, according to German media outlet Bild.

The report suggests the reigning Bundesliga champions are looking to reform their squad in the summer, leading to former Southampton players Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry leaving.

Newcastle United, Manchester United, West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion have been proposed as possible destinations as Mane approaches the exit door.

The winger has reportedly been offered to Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and several Premier League clubs, while he was also the subject of a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al-Ettifaq.

Daily Express reporter Ryan Taylor recently told GIVEMESPORT that Mane would be interested in returning to Liverpool should he leave Bayern Munich.

What did Ste Hoare say about Mane?
Hoare understands Bayern are so keen to sack Mane that they are ready to accept discounts before the transfer window rolls around.

However, the RedmenTV presenter believes Liverpool would be making a mistake if they offered the 31-year-old a return to the Premier League.

Hoare told GIVEMESPORT: “We spoke to Sport Bild and they basically told us on one of our shows that if someone came up with something for Sadio Mane, they’d probably get it.”

“Bayern just want to get him off the books and there are a few players they want to get rid of. Someone will probably get it, and someone might get a good deal.

“But that doesn’t seem like the kind of commitment Liverpool should be making. I think Liverpool need to look forward, not backward.”

Would Mane’s return to Liverpool be a mistake? There is no doubt that Mane enjoyed enormous success during his previous spell at Liverpool as, according to Transfermarkt, he scored 120 goals and provided a further 48 assists in 269 appearances.

The former Red Bull Salzburg player has also played an integral part in winning the Reds over the past few years, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, Super Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup before his departure.

While Klopp is clearly an admirer of Mane – previously described as “absolutely crazy” – Liverpool would be better off focusing on other targets in the transfer market.

He currently has a contract worth £306,000 a week with Bayern, and the Reds shouldn’t consider getting anywhere near that figure after a disappointing season.

Mane has found the back of the net just seven times during the 2022-23 Bundesliga campaign, underscoring that his best days may be behind him. Tottenham: Levy now faces a ‘thunderstorm over London’ on Hotspur Way.

The Tottenham Hotspur star could become a target for the European giants this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane could become a target for Paris Saint-Germain, transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed.

PSG are at risk of losing Kylian Mbappé this summer and Jones believes the French club could identify the Spurs talisman as a possible replacement.

Tottenham Transfer News – Harry Kane

Kane has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Earlier in the month, the Daily Mirror claimed the Spanish giants would place a £100million bid for the player.

However, with Mbappe potentially kicked off, they could quickly turn their attention to the Frenchman.

L’Équipe reported on Monday that Mbappé will not exercise the option to extend his PSG contract, which expires in 2024, for another year, meaning his employers could be forced to sell him this transfer window. despite his intention to stay.

Real Madrid have historically focused on winning the World Cup, something President Florentino Pérez has spoken about publicly.

“We wanted to do it last August and they wouldn’t let him leave. He kept saying he wanted to play in Madrid and 15 days before the situation changed,” Pérez told El Chiringuito (via BBC Sport) last June.

What did Dean Jones say about Harry Kane, PSG and Tottenham? Jones believes Mbappé’s departure from PSG could trigger a domino effect between Kane and Tottenham.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: “Daniel Levy is now hoping that Real Madrid will make an offer for Mbappé to PSG and leave Harry Kane alone. The problem is that this could mean PSG knocking on the door and knocking for Kane like a domino effect.

“It has to feel like there’s a constant thunderstorm over London and Levy just needs that for Spurs to have a relaxed pre-season knowing their striker won’t be in for a big offer. I don’t do that.” However, I think Kane is very keen on joining PSG. I don’t think it has the same appeal as Madrid.”

Will Harry Kane join PSG if given the chance?

That would be a bit of a surprise. While Kane would obviously have a shot at winning Ligue 1 and his first silver medal, it’s not the greatest honor in football.

Considering this, it’s easy to imagine him waiting to move to another European giant like Real Madrid or Manchester United, or stay at Hotspur Way.

While Tottenham may not be able to offer the England captain the chance of a league title like PSG, a stay at the Ange Postecoglou will give him the chance to become the Premier League’s all-time top scorer.

June 19, 2023
ARSENAL TIPPED TO SIGN SADIO MANE, AN EX-LIVERPOOL STAR

Dean Saunders has advised Mikel Artetas Arsenal to sign former Liverpool star and current Bayern Munich player Sadio Mane this summer.

The former striker has suggested that if Sadio Mane joins Arsenal he might ‘win the league title’ as the club look to take the next step after returning to the Champions League this season.

Last summer Mane left Liverpool for Bayern Munich for £35million (Sky Sports) but things have gone horribly wrong for the 31-year-old and Saunders thinks ‘what a signing’ he would be for Arsenal against talkSPORT.

Gunners aside, there are indications the Senegalese star could return to the Premier League this summer after his time in Munich went horribly wrong.

From the incident in which he beat Leroy Sane to being a substitute on the last day of the season when Thomas Tuchel’s side won the Bundesliga title in spectacular fashion.

But while other teams have been named over a possible Mane signing this summer, Saunders has decided to throw Arsenal’s name into the mix.

“I have one for you, it could win you (Arsenal) the championship,” said Saunders. “Mane. What a signing that would be! He Plays everywhere. Plays center.”

The mane would not suit Arsenal now

The problem here is that he prefers to play from the left or from the centre, now that Arteta is quite on that left channel and a true striker is more needed in the center than a player like Mane.

Also, Mane has just come off a season of struggles and isn’t getting any younger, so from that perspective he wouldn’t fit the profile Arsenal have been looking for in recent years.

It probably just shows how much North London has grown that they probably wouldn’t push for Mane’s signing now.

Read also……….

Liverpool is currently ‘tracking’ a lightning-quick 22-year-old star at Anfield

The Dutch defender has been under Liverpool’s radar for “a long time.”.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano exclusively revealed to GIVEMESPORT that Liverpool has been monitoring Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven for a “long time.”.

The 22-year-old has made an impression during his time in Germany. He played a significant role for the club last season in the Bundesliga and was ranked as the ninth-fastest player in the league.

Micky van de Ven: news from Liverpool.

According to Transfermarkt, Van de Ven made 36 appearances across all competitions as Wolfsburg finished second in the Bundesliga and just missed qualifying for the playoffs.

In light of recent remarks from the young defender, there is talk that he will leave the German team this summer, with Liverpool and other Premier League teams being linked to him.

The Dutchman was quoted by HITC as saying: “I am very good at Wolfsburg, so I don’t mind staying at Wolfsburg for another year. I would like to leave, though, if I have the chance.

“Of course, I read the entire speculation. I frequently communicate with my agent, so I am aware of what is happening. I’ll follow it to see where it goes. Perhaps the Premier League.
Exactly what?
”.

As a result, it would seem that the 22-year-old is eager to join the Premier League, whether it be with Liverpool or another team.

Regarding Micky van de Ven and Liverpool, what did Fabrizio Romano say?

Although Romano reiterated that there hasn’t been a move for the defender as of yet, he acknowledged that Liverpool has been tracking the player for “a long time.”.

On Tuesday afternoon, Romano made the following statement in an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT: “Now for Van de Ven is a player they’ve been following for a long time. Let’s see if they choose to participate or not. However, the current focus is solely on following the player. “.

Micky van de Ven has been associated with Liverpool for what reason?

With Joel Matip’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2024, according to Transfermarkt, the Reds will reportedly permit the center-back to leave this summer if he so chooses.

Therefore, Jurgen Klopp will probably want to bring in a replacement to make sure his team has depth in this area. Van de Ven is a versatile center back who can also play left back at a very high level. He is young, only 22 years old.

The Dutchman would probably not be acquired as a starter right away, but as a player with potential to make the first team in the future.

Read also……….

Midfielder Khephren Thuram of Nice is a barrier for Liverpool to overcome.

Liverpool have cleared a hurdle in their pursuit of sympathetic midfielder Khephren Thuram

Liverpool’s transfer efforts have been thwarted by their alleged interest in Khephren Thuram from OGC Nice. Apparently, initial talks between the two sides were ‘fundamentally negative’ and presented a challenge to Liverpool’s bid to land the talented 22-year-old midfielder.

According to Get French Football News via ECHO, Liverpool have clearly shown an interest in Khephren Thuram and the player has remained impressed with the club’s pitch in their first two encounters.

However, the negotiations have so far failed due to a lack of meaningful commitment from Nice.

It looks like the French club are showing little to no interest in parting ways with Thuram unless the player himself explicitly expresses a desire to leave.

This development represents a significant obstacle for Liverpool as they look to strengthen their options in midfield.

Thuram’s dynamic style of play and versatility make him a tempting target for Jürgen Klopp’s side, but Nice’s reluctance to take part in negotiations complicates matters.
Thuram has been tough for the Reds

Time will tell whether Thuram will actively push for a departure from Nice or whether the club’s position will change in response to his possible desire to leave.

If Thuram expresses a strong desire to join Liverpool, it could potentially lead to more meaningful discussions between the two clubs.

As the transfer window progresses, Liverpool will certainly need to explore alternative targets in midfield should their search for Thuram prove fruitless

Liverpool fans will be monitoring the situation closely, hoping the club can overcome the challenges in the negotiations and secure the services of a promising talent like Thuram.

However, you understand that transfer agreements can be complex and alternatives may need to be considered if the initial pursuit fails.

Should negotiations progress or alternative targets emerge, Liverpool supporters will eagerly await further developments in their club’s search for midfield reinforcements. They need to show their confidence in the club’s ability to make sound decisions in the transfer market.

June 14, 2023
Sadio Mané might make a surprise transfer, as Manchester United gives Liverpool a double boost.

Roundup of Liverpool’s rivals: Sadio Mané may be on the verge of a surprise transfer, and Manchester United may soon follow suit with a double boost.

Liverpool has had a good week because Alexis Mac Allister’s acquisition marked the ideal beginning of the club’s summer rebuild.

The Argentine, who signed a five-year contract at Anfield, is the first element of Jürgen Klopp’s overhaul after the disappointing 2022–23 season. The Reds may have already gotten the best deal of the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, who says the cost could be as little as $44 million (£35 million/€41 million).

The addition of Mac Allister undoubtedly raises the bar for Liverpool’s competition during the transfer window. Teams in the Premier League and abroad will undoubtedly be looking to follow suit during what is expected to be a busy few months as the season comes to a close tonight with the Champions League final.

Among those who might be moving is former Liverpool favorite Sadio Mané, who is rumored to be on the verge of a shock move to Spain, while Manchester United might be getting closer to a double signing to open their business.

In order to look at the news at other clubs, Liverpool . com scans the other major Premier League and European teams.

Sadio Mané piqued the ‘interest’ of Real Madrid.

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Sadio Mané is a target for Real Madrid this summer.

Less than a year after leaving Anfield, the former Liverpool star has been heavily linked with a move away from Bayern Munich. Mané is one of seven players who have been added to the Bundesliga champion’s transfer list, according to German outlet Bild earlier this week.

However, the Senegal international may now have access to Spain. Mané’s situation is being “evaluated” by Real Madrid, claims Galetti (on Twitter), as they search for potential reinforcements for their attacking options.

Mané doesn’t appear to be very settled in Germany, so if a move this summer is possible, it might be best for both the player and the club, according to Liverpool .
com.
However, a transfer to Real Madrid would be unanticipated.

While the Spanish giant is in need of a new striker as a result of Karim Benzema’s departure, Mané didn’t hold the position for very long at Liverpool, and it would be very difficult for him to unseat Vinicius Jr. from his preferred position on the left. As Mané struggles to find a place to call home after Liverpool, one can’t help but worry that he might end up becoming the next Philippe Coutinho.

Manchester United receives a double boost in transfers.

According to reports, Manchester United has received a double transfer boost because two players are interested in joining Erik ten Hag’s team.

Even though United beat Liverpool to a top-four finish in the Premier League this season and qualification for the Champions League the following year, the club has yet to begin its summer transfer business. But for his team to be competitive for the league or a European trophy, Ten Hag still has a lot of work to do.

Axel Disasi of Monaco and Rasmus Hjlund of Atalanta are two players who have reportedly expressed interest in joining Old Trafford this summer, according to The Mirror.
This may have aided in his efforts to find new signings.

Le Parisien reported that PSG will not compete for the signing of Khéphren Thuram from Liverpool, and Roland Virkus, the sporting director of Borussia Mönchengladbach, confirmed that the German club would be open to selling Manu Koné this summer for the right price. Meanwhile, Liverpool has also received a double boost.

Liverpool . com asserts: While Manchester United may also be in need of some major changes this summer, it’s important to keep that in mind as well. They undoubtedly require a new goalkeeper, a new striker, as well as possibly new defenders and midfielders.

Disasi and Hjlund would undoubtedly address two of those issues, but you have a feeling that United supporters would be a little underwhelmed by the striker selection once more. Hjlund has nine goals in 32 Serie A appearances this season, which would not immediately address Ten Hag’s problems in the front.

June 10, 2023
Liverpool trade news LIVE: Mane linked to return, Thuram blow, Reds draw in on Mac Allister

Liverpool have some big signings to offer when the transfer window starts in nine days. Jurgen Klopp is looking to rebuild his squad after missing out on the Champions League

With just nine days to go before the summer transfer window opens – and Liverpool are preparing for a big few months as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his squad.

We already know that James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino are heading for the exit, with Joel Matip’s future also uncertain.

Sporting director Jörg Schmadtke took up his new role last Thursday and his first big task could be signing Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed for the world champion and he is expected to be the first of many newcomers.

The Anfield side are also in the running to sign Khephren Thuram from Nice and Manu Kone from Borussia Mönchengladbach, and are even now linked with former star Sadio Mane just a year after joining Bayern Munich.

Another Bundesliga winner, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is another target, but hopes of signing Mason Mount appear to be fading with Man United in pole position for the Englishman.

Liverpool fans vote for player of the season

It hasn’t been the best season for Liverpool, but at least fans have European football to look forward to next season.

It will be the Europa League, but even a fifth place marked a recovery after a bad first half of the championship.
And now fans can vote for their Player of the Season via the club’s website

Liverpool feel the date of the program

Liverpool’s league schedule for the 2023/24 season will be announced on Thursday 15 June at 9am.
With work on the Anfield Road Stand extension continuing until the end of July, the club submitted an application to play their first away game. Klopp boosted by the return of a young star

Liverpool hope Kaide Gordon’s injury nightmare ends soon as the 18-year-old returns to training.
Gordon, who made his first-team debut for the Reds last season, last played 16 months ago in a 3-0 Premier League 2 defeat away to Leeds United.

The academic graduate suffers from a pelvic disorder and is undergoing specialist training.
Not a new signing for Jurgen Klopp, but it might look like it.

Watson

Carvalho out? Red Bull Leipzig are reportedly preparing a second offer for Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho, who hinted he was leaving Anfield last week.

The Reds turned down a bid for the academy graduate from Fulham but, according to Football Insider, Leipzig are ‘ready to test the Reds’ resolve’ by making an improved offer for the 20-year-old.

Alexis Mac Allister deal could be finalized this week

Liverpool are closing in on a full deal to sign Alexis Mac Allister – and hope to finalize the deal this week.

The Reds have agreed in principle on details of a transfer fee with Brighton which would cover the exit clause in his contract and would be less than £60m.

And with personal details set to be finalized this week, manager Jurgen Klopp is growing confident of securing his first major signing this summer. Liverpool ‘fan’ Kone aims to shine in the Premier League

A longtime manager of Manu Kone has revealed that Liverpool are his favorite club and the Borussia Monchengladbach star wore one of their kits during a trial period.

Former Paris FC youth coach Reda Bekhti recalled that the French Under-21 international wore red during his trial with the Ligue 2 outfit.

In an exclusive interview with Liverpool.com, Bekhti explained why a move to Anfield would be perfect for Kone – it would be particularly rewarding for Manu. I remember him wearing a Liverpool kit during the Paris FC trial, it’s his favorite club than him,” he said.

“Liverpool would be a great step for him and a good career choice. He could prove himself in the Premier League playing for one of England’s most popular clubs.

In such an environment, he could only develop further and continue to demonstrate his talent.

Alexander Arnold goes to Barca

Trent Alexander-Arnold was in Barcelona this week – but don’t worry Liverpool fans, he wasn’t there to negotiate with the Catalan giants.

Instead, TAA enjoyed the Spanish Grand Prix. And he enjoyed looking closely at the AlphaTauri setup before the race, which was won by Max Verstappen.

Liverpool dealt a blow to their talks with Thuram

Khephren Thuram stressed he was happy given Liverpool’s interest in OGC Nice. 90min reported this week that the Reds have started talks with Thuram’s representatives ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window on June 14.
But it looks like the France international, who won just one cap, will need convincing.

Mane is linked with a return to Anfield

Sadio Mane has been linked with a return to Anfield after failing to impress Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel.

Despite winning the Bundesliga, CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic have been sacked and dozens of players are set to be sacked this summer.
Several outlets, including Bilde and Echo, have suggested Mane’s return could be a possibility, although Jurgen Klopp has signed Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.

The Celt star “seduced” by Klopp

Gabri Veiga was the hero as Celta Vigo secured their survival in La Liga this weekend by scoring twice in a win over Barcelona.

And according to Spanish media outlet Relevo, Liverpool are one of the main Premier League clubs interested in the 21-year-old star.
“The Premier League has knocked on his door the most,” they said.”

Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle have been following each other closely for a while, but the one who has taken the lead lately is Liverpool.

“The team coached by Jürgen Klopp wants to give their team an avoidance maneuver and sees in Veiga a midfielder who can lead this new stage at Anfield. The Celta player was seduced by the German manager’s commitment to young players.”

Thiago is unlikely to be offered a new deal

Thiago Alcantara now has just a year left at Liverpool and is “unlikely” to be offered a new contract, according to a new report.
Goal.com says the Spain international, who signed a four-year contract when he joined the Reds in 2020, will be able to wrap up the final year of that deal and leave next summer on a free transfer.

Thiago was plagued by injuries during his time at Anfield, scoring three goals in 97 appearances for the Reds.

Carragher tells Klopp to sell Matip

Jamie Carragher told Jurgen Klopp to get rid of Joel Matip to clear space for a renovation this summer.

After ending the 2022/23 season empty-handed in terms of trophies and failing to finish in the top four, Liverpool’s eviction has already begun with Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner all leaving the club to leave. With the transfer window opening in ten days, newcomers will also be targeted following the appointment of new sporting director Jörg Schmadtke.

A deal for Brighton’s Mac Allister appears to be all but signed and sealed with Mason Mount and Manu Kone. But as Klopp’s midfield came under scrutiny, Carragher urged the German manager to review his defensive options.

Thuram “happy” in Nice

Liverpool transfer target Khephren Thuram has spoken of a potential move to Anfield this summer, insisting he is “happy” at Nice.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to strengthen his midfield this summer as James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all leave on free transfers.

The Reds have been planning a move for Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham but pulled out of the race to sign him due to the scale of the rebuilding work Klopp was to undertake.

The reds pay homage to Firmino

While most of the attention will be on the incoming players, one player is saying an emotional goodbye to Liverpool.
The stars of the Reds greeted the Brazilian in an exciting video.

June 5, 2023
Sadio Mané might complete a surprise transfer amid claims from Liverpool, as Real Madrid has plans for Kylian Mbappé.

Roundup of Liverpool’s European rivals: Sadio Mane could join this summer just a year after leaving Anfield while Real Madrid have drawn up a plan for Kylian Mbappé.

Liverpool must have a successful summer in every aspect between the end of one season and the start of the next, from the transfer window to preparation plans.

Much of the preparations for summer have already been completed, but there is still much to be said when it comes to who goes where and when.

Last summer, part of the reconstruction was funded by the sale of Sadio Mané but Liverpool have no comparable asset to monetize this time around as there are obviously no players to let go other than those who leave at the end of their contract or are expected to earn a small fee.

And Mane is featured in today’s European football roundup as news breaks out from Germany over his future, with the ex-Liverpool star potentially returning to England. Here’s the Liverpool.com version of some of the biggest stories from European football today, with Kylian Mbappé included as PSG prepare for a shakeup.

Return of the transfer of Sadio Mané

Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is looking for a return to the Premier League this summer, with Bayern Munich hoping to sell the Senegalese star alongside Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry.

This according to BILD, with Manchester United and Newcastle listed as possible destinations for the winger. Liverpool would also be an option, but it won’t happen.

Liverpool.com says: Mane would like to stay at Bayern Munich but the year hasn’t gone well for him since he left, partly due to injuries. Selling Mané, Sané and Gnabry in a single window would be a huge challenge when it comes to finding replacements, but after narrowly winning the Bundesliga, Thomas Tuchel’s side need big changes…

It would be a surprise to see him at Manchester United, but the Old Trafford side were interested in a move ahead of his move to Liverpool. Newcastle also seem unlikely given he is 31 and Eddie Howe’s side are usually looking for young talent.

Karim Benzema at the latest

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who has scored three goals in two games against Liverpool this season, has confirmed he intends to stay with the Spanish giants this summer despite being offered $341m ($344m). million pounds/400 million euros) for a match in Saudi Arabia.

” I’m staying ? Well, now I’m here. It’s the internet talking and the internet is not reality,” Benzema said during a speech at an event organized by MARCA, according to the Daily Mail.

If he stayed, it would mean Real Madrid would keep him until his contract expires in 2024 and then look to sign Kylian Mbappé from PSG. The Ligue 1 champions could lose Lionel Messi and Neymar this summer and then Mbappé a year later, which would mean a dramatic change in talent.

Liverpool.com says: Benzema staying a year would help Real Madrid sign Jude Bellingham this summer and then Mbappé in 2024. Signing both in one summer would be a huge outlay, but all could fall into place for La Liga.

June 2, 2023