Liverpool
Declan Rice gives double boost to Liverpool ‘Dyson’ as Jürgen Klopp vote of faith looks likely
Fabinho hasn’t showcased great form for Liverpool over the past year, but he looks set to keep his place at Anfield next term as possible successors go elsewhere.
Jürgen Klopp’s squad has suffered a collective drop in quality over the past 12 months, with many of the German’s trusted lieutenants simply struggling to perform as effectively as they have in the past. Except for Alisson Becker, many of the elite performers at Anfield have been a shadow of their former selves.
Fabinho is certainly one of them, with the Brazilian international previously known for his intensity, aggression, timing, and physicality. After signing for the Reds from AS Monaco in 2018, he evolved to become the ultimate fire extinguisher on Merseyside, but one who always kept a cool head regardless of what surrounded him.
Indeed, at his very best, Fabinho thrived as the calm amid Liverpool’s storm, with Pep Lijnders once describing him as a ‘lighthouse’ for the team. Klopp has his nickname for the Reds number three, having labeled him as ‘Dyson’ many years ago due to his ability to sweep up loose balls like a vacuum.
“I like the fact that there are plays and movements that I can anticipate to intercept some passes,” he told UEFA last year. “I like to steal the ball, take the ball from the other team, and many times, depending on where you win the ball, you can put a team-mate through into a good attacking position. I think that’s what I enjoy doing the most.”
Klopp has also touched on his importance to his team on the defensive side of the game, stating: “He saves our lives. He gives us opportunities to play the way we play, together with the two center-halves, so we can focus on offensive stuff.”
Now aged 29, Fabinho has just experienced arguably the worst campaign of his career. Liverpool conceded far too many goals and chances, finished fifth in the Premier League table, and failed to secure a single piece of silverware, having exited every cup competition by the middle of March.
The South American midfielder has been responsible for many of the attacks that his teammates have suffered from, which captures why his place in the team has been debated by some sections of supporters. With Fabinho now potentially past his peak, Klopp could have considered replacing him this summer.
However, that seems unlikely to happen. Liverpool is linked with a whole host of midfielders, but hardly any of them play as a holding presence like Fabinho, with the Reds chasing more advanced performers such as Mason Mount, Ryan Gravenberch, Khéphren Thuram and Alexis Mac Allister, who joined recently.
One of the few holding players who has been tipped for a switch to Anfield is João Palhinha. The Fulham fulcrum has made a real impression in the Premier League since moving to England last summer, which explains why he’s emerged as a possible threat to Fabinho future.
Palhinha has depicted shades of Fabinho this term, exhibiting real endeavor and fight on the field. He placed top of the division for tackles and interceptions with a remarkable total of 193 this season, which put him in a league of his own ahead of Moisés Caicedo in second on 156, followed by Idrissa Gana Gueye on 153 and Declan Rice on 142.
The latter could be about to provide Fabinho with a transfer boost. Rice is on the verge of leaving West Ham United, potentially to join Arsenal, and Hammers boss David Moyes is lining up Palhinha as his replacement at the London Stadium, via the Evening Standard.
If the two holding midfielders do indeed change clubs in the coming weeks, it will only benefit Fabinho’s chances of remaining as a fixed member of Liverpool’s squad next season. Overall, although the Brazilian hasn’t been his usual self for some time, it seems Klopp is willing to stick with him as Rice and Palhinha go in different directions.
Arne Slot could omit four Liverpool players for Leicester City clash.
Liverpool team news ahead of the trip to Leicester City in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium.
Arne Slot looks set to have virtually a full squad available as Liverpool could seal the Premier League title against Leicester City.
And Liverpool face Leicester with Slot potentially having to omit four players from his match-day squad. That is because Trent Alexander-Arnold could be back after being absent for the past month with an ankle injury. He suffered his issue in the Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Alexander-Arnold returned to training earlier this week and Slot admitted there’s a chance the vice-captain may be on the substitutes’ bench. Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez could also return to the fray. The striker was absent from last Sunday’s 2-1 win over West Ham United after feeling unwell the previous day. Nunez has also been photographed rubbing shoulders with his team-mates at the AXA Training Centre.
With Joe Gomez the only current player injured, Slot has decisions to make when it comes to his squad. Third-choice goalkeeper Viteslav Jaros was among the substitutes against West Ham and will make way. Meanwhile, midfield duo Tyler Morton and James McConnell represented the under-21s in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Friday night. That suggests that they will not be involved against Leicester.
But there is a decision on the other member of the squad who will miss out against the Foxes, who will be relegated if they fail to yield a triumph. It could be a midfielder who misses out. Given that Wataru Endo or Harvey Elliott have not make a single league start, either could be in line. Or Slot could leave out one of his forwards. Federico Chiesa has played just four times in the league this term, so he could be the likeliest candidate.
Although Liverpool are on the verge of claiming the title, Slot insists he’s still not thinking about the silverware. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Dutchman said: “The honest answer is no. I’m not sure you believe me but that is the honest answer. My whole life I’m living in the moment, in the day, and I’m not looking backwards a lot and I’m not looking forwards a lot because it’s the type of person that I am, that I am not constantly looking back at what I have achieved at former clubs.
“That is also so difficult in football, people constantly tell you, ‘Try to enjoy it, try to enjoy the whole journey,’ but the only thing you are thinking about as a manager is, ‘Oh, at the weekend there is a game coming up as well and we need to win that and we need to win the next and we need to win the next.’ So, maybe that’s one of the reasons: because I’m already so long in football that you get used to the fact of living day by day and trying to influence day by day.”
Mikel Arteta Determined to Delay Liverpool’s Title Party
Mikel Arteta continues to rage against the dying of the light, with Arsenal now clinging to only a mathematical hope of stopping Liverpool from winning the Premier League title this season.
The title race could be officially wrapped up on Easter Sunday if the Gunners fall at Ipswich and Liverpool beat Leicester. That scenario would open up a 16-point gap between the top two—with just five matches remaining.
Even if Arsenal prevail tomorrow, a slip-up against Crystal Palace in midweek, or a win for Arne Slot’s side at home to Tottenham next weekend, would all but seal it—assuming Liverpool take care of business at the King Power Stadium.
“We Won’t Gift It to Them” – Arteta Defiant
Arteta has vowed not to hand Liverpool the title on a silver platter this Sunday by stumbling at Portman Road, where the Tractor Boys are fighting their own desperate battle to avoid relegation.
Addressing the possibility of Liverpool being crowned champions this weekend, the Gunners boss told The Independent:
“We will make sure that we win the game against Ipswich, and that [LFC winning the league] doesn’t happen.”
Clutching at Straws as Liverpool Close in on No. 20
Publicly, Arteta may feel obliged to project belief and resilience, but deep down he’ll know the Premier League is all but gone. Arsenal’s real hope now lies in the Champions League.
Even if the north Londoners take six points from six this week, Liverpool just need to do the same to clinch their 20th league crown. In essence, the Reds only need to match Arsenal’s results across the next two games to get over the line.
Conor Bradley can barely contain his excitement at the thought of becoming a Premier League champion, while Dominik Szoboszlai has made it clear—he’s not losing sleep over what Arsenal do next.
Arteta will dread the possibility of having to give Liverpool a guard of honour at Anfield on 11 May—especially after doing just that back in the 2019/20 campaign.
Time to Finish the Job
While the title is within touching distance, Liverpool must remain professional. Last weekend’s scare against West Ham should serve as a timely reminder not to underestimate Leicester—even though the Foxes are virtually relegated. Their fate could be sealed before kick-off if both West Ham and Wolves win earlier in the day.
Regardless of what Arsenal do from here on out, Liverpool hold all the cards. Let’s finish this with no doubt, no drama—just dominance.
Arne Slot leaves Liverpool fans fuming after making ‘U-turn’ on summer transfer plans
The Liverpool head coach has left fans questioning his stance after hearing his comments during a press conference on Friday.
Liverpool fans have been left questioning head coach Arne Slot after he made a U-turn on his previous comments about the club’s summer transfer business.
The Reds need a maximum of six points from their final six league fixtures to secure a record-equalling 20th Premier League title.
If Arsenal lose at Ipswich Town on Sunday and Liverpool follow that up with a victory against Leicester City, they will be crowned champions
And Slot will have achieved this despite the fact that he signed just one first team player – Federico Chiesa – ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Although fans are pleased with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk recently penning new deals, many think Liverpool need to add to their squad ahead of next season.
When speaking about the potential of transfers after Salah renewed his deal earlier this month, Slot said: “It’s a good message, I assume and I think.”
He added: “We’ve worked hard — and by we, I mean the ownership (Fenway Sports Group), Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes — to achieve that.
“We have all the confidence in him [Mo Salah] that he can produce two more years than he has produced in the past seven or eight years, because of the reasons I just gave you.
“But also because we will make this team very strong next season. Then it’s always nice to have someone that can make a goal.”
But when speaking at a press conference on Friday, Slot seemingly did a U-turn on his previous stance regarding transfers.
“Let’s see what the rest of the summer will bring, but it would be strange for me to say now I am not happy with the team because I’ve said this for a year, we are happy with the team we are having,” Slot said.
“Maybe if we can keep that team, it will already be a big summer.
“I think the core of the team you want to keep as long as you can together, as long as they are performing in the best possible way, but it is also, in general, good to have some new energy in and around the place with one or two players.
“But it isn’t really a necessity when you look at the quality we have and the quality of the season we have had.”
And fans were quick to give their thoughts on social media.
One said: “If you don’t sign players we’ll finish 6th in the league, especially having Robertson as a first team player.”
A second added: “Someone’s been told to wind his neck in since last week saying it would be a busy summer…”
While a third commented: “Has he not seen how trash our left-back options are? Our attackers are average bar Salah. Gravenberch’s legs are gone. Serious investment is needed this summer.”
Liverpool
‘Maybe…’ – Sky journalist ponders whether Salah and VVD staying could prompt Trent contract twist
Mo Salah? Check! Virgil van Dijk? Check! Trent Alexander-Arnold?…
Two of the three Liverpool stalwarts whose contracts were due to expire have now agreed new deals which’ll keep him at Anfield until 2027, leaving just the vice-captain on course to depart on a free transfer in a few weeks’ time.
As per David Ornstein, the England right-back is expected to leave for Real Madrid once his current contract ends on 30 June, and Fabrizio Romano isn’t anticipating a dramatic volte-face in that regard even with the 26-year-old’s two teammates committing their futures to the Reds.
Could Trent yet follow Salah and Van Dijk in staying at Liverpool?
However, reacting to today’s announcement of a new deal for Van Dijk, Sky Sports reporter Vinny O’Connor is refusing to shut the door on the possibility of a late twist involving Trent, in light of the Dutchman and Salah staying put.
The journalist said: “Now we wait to see whether this deal has any influence on Trent Alexander-Arnold. Obviously we’re not hearing the noises out of him [that] we did from Salah or Van Dijk.
There is that interest from Real Madrid but maybe the fact these two have signed new deals could influence him.”
Trent staying would seem like a huge surprise
While there’s always scope for huge surprises in football, we don’t think there’ll be a major curveball in the form of Trent sticking a proverbial two fingers up to Real Madrid and signing a new contract at Liverpool.
The right-back has resumed training this week after his recent injury, so even if he is to depart at the end of the season, he seems determined to play some part for his current club before saying his goodbyes.
Barring a drastic twist in the meantime, it’ll be interesting to see what reception he’d get at Anfield if he were to feature in our upcoming matches – a spate of posters erected near the stadium prior to the Merseyside derby a fortnight ago would suggest that he won’t be greeted with raucous acclaim if he plays for the Reds in the coming weeks.
If Trent were to turn around and agree a new contract at his boyhood club, that could go a long way towards a return to the adulation he’d been receiving until it became apparent that his heart is set on Real Madrid.
Should that happen, Liverpool would hold onto one of the best right-backs in world football. If he goes, then the retention of Salah and Van Dijk isn’t exactly a mere consolation prize.
Either way, it’s been a magnificent week for Kopites on and off the pitch – and the best should be yet to come in the form of an impending Premier League title party!
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold responds to Liverpool contract extension with Virgil van Dijk message
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the highest profile Liverpool player out of contract in the summer after Virgil van Dijk signed a new two-year deal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was among the Liverpool players to show support for captain Virgil van Dijk after he signed a new two-year deal at Anfield. The England defender remains the final player yet to pen fresh terms amid uncertainty over his future at Anfield.
The 26-year-old has faced criticism for the manner in which his Reds deal has been allowed to get into the precarious position that it’s currently in. But with the new deals for Van Dijk this week and star forward Mohamed Salah ahead of the important win over West Ham United on Sunday, the speculation regarding the full-back increases with Real Madrid lurking.
Van Dijk will remain at Liverpool until 2027 after Thursday’s announcement put to bed an entire season of reports, rumours and concern over whether the skipper will continue under fellow Dutchman, Arne Slot.
But the 33-year-old’s extension underpins the prospect of further success with the former Feyenoord head coach in the driving seat.
Liverpool are just two wins away from winning the Premier League with Van Dijk facing the increasing possibility of becoming the first Dutchman to lift the trophy.
On Instagram, the Reds captain posted an emotional message that he was always hoping to remain at the club even though he had faced speculation over a move to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in previous months.
His Liverpool teammates were out in force as they celebrated the important piece of business orchestrated by sporting director Richard Hughes.
Curtis Jones was among the current crop of players to comment on the post while Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander-Arnold were just some of the stars to like the post.
Iconic Liverpool players Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard celebrated the news in different ways via comments, likes or posts to their Instagram story.
For Van Dijk, he admitted that he was always looking to extend his stay at Anfield.
“I’m very happy, very proud,” he said.
“There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.
“It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.
“It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.
“Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”
Liverpool
Liverpool fans spot what Trent Alexander-Arnold did immediately after Virgil van Dijk’s contract announcement
Liverpool fans have been reacting on social media after seeing what Trent Alexander-Arnold did on the back of Virgil van Dijk’s contract announcement.
On Thursday morning, it was confirmed that Van Dijk had committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new two-year deal, ending months of speculation.
The 33-year-old followed in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah, who put pen to paper to extend his Anfield career last week.
Speaking after signing his new deal, Van Dijk explained: “It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.
“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”
Now, all eyes are on Alexander-Arnold, whose contract will expire at the end of the season, and it has been widely claimed that he will be moving to Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer.
However, eagle-eyed fans on social media have spotted that Alexander-Arnold has ‘liked’ Van Dijk’s post announcing his new Liverpool contract.
Reacting, one fan said: “Trent Alexander Arnold liking Virgil’s post on insta.”
Another tweeted: “It’s never too late.”
A third fan added: “Honestly, if Trent does a u-turn, I will be the hypocrite in the world. I’ll be declaring my love for that man just like I did before.”
Someone else wrote: “Stop a**ing around and sign it lad.”
https://x.com/ArneSlotArmy_/status/1912824713576931330?t=QJfbWcSLme0ASPTBCeBGZQ&s=19
Last week, Alexander-Arnold was also spotted liking Salah’s contract announcement post.
The Englishman has not played for Liverpool since they were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain last month.
However, with just six matches left of the Premier League season, it was reported on Wednesday that Alexander-Arnold has returned to training.
Liverpool are back in Premier League action this weekend when they take on Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk’s staggering Liverpool salary revealed as defender handed astronomical contract
Virgil van Dijk Liverpool captain salary has been revealed after he put pen to paper on a new contract.
A club statement read: “Virgil van Dijk has today signed a new contract with Liverpool FC to extend his time with the club beyond the 2024-25 season.
“The captain put pen to paper on the deal to ensure his association with the Reds will continue into the forthcoming campaigns, almost seven-and-a-half years after he initially arrived at Anfield.”
Since joining from Southampton in January 2018 for what was a world record deal, Van Dijk has become an essential part of Liverpool’s recent history.
During his time at Anfield, the 33-year-old has so far made 314 appearances for Liverpool, winning eight trophies including both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Speaking about his new contract, the Liverpool captain said: “I’m very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.
“It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.”
As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Van Dijk is set to earn £400,000 a week after signing a two-year extension.
Ornstein wrote on social media: “Virgil van Dijk signs new 2yr contract with Liverpool. No break/release clauses or pay cut so 33yo continues to earn salary believed to be ~£400kpw; thought to be Europe’s best-paid defender. Approaches from elsewhere but only wanted LFC.”
Premier League rival wanted to sign Van Dijk
Before putting pen to paper to extend his Anfield career, it has been claimed that a Premier League rival wanted to snap up the Dutch star.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Chelsea were one of the clubs interested in bringing Van Dijk in on a free transfer.
However, the feeling the Stamford Bridge club received was that he was going to commit to Liverpool.
Aside from Chelsea, French giants Paris Saint Germain were also said to be keen and Van Dijk was seen speaking to PSG officials after their Champions League clash.
As well as playing a key part in the club’s success in recent years, Van Dijk has also won several individual awards during his time with Liverpool.
Following his best season with the club in 2018/19, Van Dijk won both the UEFA Best Player and PFA Player of the Year awards.
The centre-back also finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2019, finishing just seven points behind Lionel Messi.
With the Dutchman’s future at the club sorted alongside Mohamed Salah, all eyes will now be on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to leave the club in the summer if a new deal cannot be agreed upon.
Liverpool are in the home straight of the season and as we look for the final few points to seal the prize, it seems our squad will be bolstered further.
Taking to X, Vinny O’Connor reported: ‘Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nunez both training with Liverpool squad today. Still no Joe Gomez.’
The Sky Sports reporter is often inside the walls of the AXA Training Centre and seems to have been provided with an insight on our current injury situation.
Arne Slot confirmed that Darwin Nunez missed the game with West Ham through illness, something which is seemingly not going to see him sidelined for another week.
With Joe Gomez still sitting out, it’s looking like he’s going to be pushing for any minutes before the end of the campaign.
However, the Trent Alexander-Arnold update is perhaps the most interesting, due to the impact it could have.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury return would make headlines
A lot has happened since the right back last kicked a ball for the Reds, we’ve been eliminated from the Champions League, lost a cup final and now need just six points in the next six games for the title.
However, all this will likely play a backseat to the updates on his potential move to Real Madrid this summer.
The Scouser seems to have all but agreed a deal to move to Spain and we saw before the Merseyside derby that this hasn’t been well received by all supporters.
If the England international does make a playing return this weekend, or any time soon, then there may not be the warmest of welcomes awaiting him.
https://x.com/VinnOConnor/status/1912475821836562475?t=1xWeJpCzHVvzDoFQXYvfAg&s=19
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