Liverpool
Advanced stage: Liverpool in talks to sign “outstanding” midfielder; transfer may cost just £20m
Jurgen Klopp is running out of time to complete his midfield rebuild…
Since welcoming both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai at the start of the summer transfer window, Liverpool have encountered a fair few difficulties when it comes to their midfield rebuild.
It looked as though they could sign Moises Caicedo at one stage, after reportedly agreeing a fee with Brighton & Hove Albion, before the 21-year-old chose Chelsea over an Anfield switch.
The Merseyside club then suffered the same fate when it came to Romeo Lavia. And, now, they have reportedly turned to another option, as the transfer window edges closer and closer to slamming shut.
What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?
After failing to sign Caicedo and Lavia, Jurgen Klopp settled on Wataru Endo, who arrived for a reported £16m from Stuttgart to at least hand the Liverpool boss a defensive midfielder to call upon.
Even after the Japan international’s arrival, though, the Reds are still seemingly seeking one more arrival before deadline day arrives.
It remains to be seen whether the Premier League giants will get the reinforcement that they have been seeking, however, after Crystal Palace reportedly placed a £70m price-tag on Cheick Doucoure. And that price-tag has reportedly seen Liverpool turn their attention to Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, via Sport Witness, the Reds have already seen a bid rejected for Gravenberch this summer. But, as per 90min in the last 48 hours, Liverpool’s talks are at a more “advanced stage” than Manchester United this summer, and there is now a feeling that Bayern Munich have softened their stance regarding the sale of the midfielder.
With that said, 90min have reported that the Bavarians could now be willing to part ways with Gravenberch for as little as just over £20m before the transfer window slams shut. It seems as though the Dutchman is certainly one to keep an eye on in the coming week.
The former Ajax man has so far failed to make his mark at Bayern Munich, making just three starts in the Bundesliga last season. But, that’s not to say he hasn’t got enough potential to succeed elsewhere, perhaps even at Anfield.
At his best, Gravenberch has received plenty of praise, including from former Bayern director Hasan Salihamidžić, who said, via Fabrizio Romano:
“Ryan is an outstanding player. We know that we’ll have a lot of joy with him.
“There are phases where you play a bit less. But everyone can look forward to him.”
Statistically speaking, the 21-year-old outperformed former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson last season in certain aspects, too.
According to FBref, Gravenberch made more progressive carries, enjoyed a better pass completion rate, and made more blocks, tackles, and clearances than Henderson per 90 last season.
Every way you look at it, if Liverpool can secure the midfielder’s signature for around the £20m mark, they’d be completing a smart piece of business to complete their summer rebuild in the middle of the park. Klopp’s side are certainly one to keep an eye on as the window comes to a close.
Liverpool
Roy Keane gives brutally honest Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold departure verdict – ‘We talk’
Roy Keane gives brutally honest Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold departure verdict – ‘We talk’
The 26-year-old’s future at Anfield has been up for discussion all season after entering the final year of his contract without signing an extension.
Real Madrid have been heavily linked with Alexander-Arnold and made an approach for him in January which was swiftly rejected. Since then, Alexander-Arnold has remained tight-lipped about his future while Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah signed extensions.
With the season beginning to trickle towards its conclusion, it looks less and less likely that the full-back will sign a new contract on Merseyside. But, if this is to be his final season at the club, he made a crucial contribution on Sunday against Leicester City.
Firing home the winner with less than 15 minutes remaining, Alexander-Arnold ensured that Liverpool could win the Premier League next week, firstly if Crystal Palace beat Arsenal in midweek or should the Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield they will be crowned champions. With the defender back in the headlines, Keane tried to add some perspective to the debate on Sky Sports.
“It is amazing, we talk about Trent who is a fantastic player but it is as if the world is coming to an end if he leaves,” the Irishman said. “If he does leave, you wish the lad well.
“He has done brilliantly, been a good servant, he has been a brilliant player for Liverpool but I am pretty sure Liverpool will survive. Better players have left Liverpool than Trent and Liverpool have done okay.
“You have to accept, supporters have to accept, that you are supporting the club. Obviously, you love your players and you will have your idols and certain players like [Kenny] Dalglish and [Ian] Rush and all these people, but when they leave you just continue [Jamie Carragher says exactly in the background], good players will come through – that is the name of the game.
“So as brilliant as Trent is, Liverpool will be fine.” Continuing to agree with Keane, Carragher added: “Before this team got together, Steven Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish were the two greatest players to play for Liverpool.
“We [Gerrard and Carragher] were in the team together and didn’t win the Premier League, the next manager won the Premier League and won everything with half of this team and other players who moved on. So, the greatest players in Liverpool’s history moved on, and the next manager won everything – European Cup, Club World Cup.
“It just shows you, the greatest clubs, as Roy said, will be fine.”
Liverpool
Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards disagree on Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold send off stance
Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards disagree on Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold send off stance
legend Jamie Carragher got into a debate with Micah Richards and Roy Keane about what Arne Slot should do with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the remainder of the season.
Easter Sunday saw the Reds claim a 1-0 victory over Leicester City to move a step closer to winning the Premier League title. Alexander-Arnold came off the bench on his return from injury to score the winning goal for Liverpool and move his boyhood club to within three points of being crowned league champions.
The last few months has seen Alexander-Arnold’s future be the topic of intense debate and speculation, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Conor Bradley started the game against Leicester with Alexander-Arnold replacing his teammate at right-back just five minutes before finding the back of the net.
“You can’t replace him [Alexander-Arnold], the reason we talk about him so much, he’s probably the most talked about full-back we’ve ever seen in the Premier League because he’s unique, he’s different,” Carragher began.
“Now, most full-backs don’t get it thrown at them that they’re not good defensively but he’s so good on the ball, he can come on and change games.
“So Liverpool aren’t going to replace that, they need to replace his creativity, they can’t do that from right back, they maybe need to do that with an attacking midfielder or left wing position. So the team has to evolve.
“Where they can replace him is Conor Bradley is a right back, he shouldn’t look like Trent and think, ‘I want to be like him’. He’ll be like Andy Robertson, a proper full-back, up and down, you’re not going to be able to replace him [Alexander-Arnold] so forget that.
“The biggest decision Liverpool have or couple of decisions and the summer, if Trent hasn’t committed, which he hasn’t, he shouldn’t be starting games.”
Richards then jumped in and questioned Carragher’s claim. “Not even for a send-off? For what he’s done for the football club,” the former Manchester City defender said.
Carragher then replied: “Liverpool aren’t here to give someone a send-off.”
Richards then explained while he understands Carragher’s point of view, he would still want to see Alexander-Arnold start the final matches of the season.
“He’s [Alexander-Arnold] been a vital part of that,” said Richards. “I understand what you mean, prepare for next season, I totally get that point.
“But what he’s done for the football club for these years, been there since a little boy just to give him a few appearances and say well done?”
Carragher then explained why he would want to see Liverpool start Bradley for the final matches of the season with a view to their summer transfer plans. The Reds legend believes Bradley gaining experience from regular starts will help the right-back’s career development.
“It’s not about that, the point being is in Conor Bradley you’ve got a young player. He had a tough 15-20 minutes at the start of the game and that’s part of how you become an experienced player.”
Carragher added: “It’s not about, ‘Let’s give Trent a send-off’’. It’s about Liverpool needing to assess that Conor Bradley is the guy to play week in, week out next season.
“The decision Liverpool have in terms of Trent moving on, does Conor Bradley become the first choice right-back and buy a back-up who’s maybe a utility player, or buy a first-choice full-back and Conor Bradley will have to battle with him. So that lad will need as much experience as he can get.
“Yes, bring him [Alexander-Arnold] on if you need to win a game, but in terms of starting games, if Trent hasn’t committed to the club – which he obviously hasn’t – Conor Bradley should be starting every game.”
Keane then asked Carragher who he would want to start for Liverpool at right-back against Tottenham next Sunday.
“Conor [Bradley],” Carragher replied. “If this title wasn’t sewn up, you’d put your best player on the pitch, which is Trent, but Liverpool have won the league.”
Keane then said: “It’s a big test to do it week in, week out because we don’t know and there’s a big question over him [Bradley].”
“That’s my point, Roy,” Carragher replied. “You have to give him [Bradley] his head now, five games to go.
“He’ll have good games, he’ll have bad games, but he’s a young defender. Give him that experience, then you get to the summer and make your decision.”
Liverpool
Jamie Carragher suggests Arne Slot does brutal thing to Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool right-back’s goal vs Leicester
Jamie Carragher has suggested Liverpool boss Arne Slot does a harsh thing to Trent Alexander-Arnold after his winning goal against Leicester City at the King Power on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, scored the only goal of the game to hand Liverpool a 1-0 win, which sees them a step closer to what is now an inevitable 20th Premier League title.
The right-back was introduced in the second half and was visibly emotional after his left-footed strike hit the net and ran to the Reds’ supporters before taking off his shirt.
After the match, he was directly asked if he’s leaving Liverpool live on Sky Sports, to which he replied: “Look, obviously, like I’ve said all season, I am not going to speak on my situation, I am not going to go into details but these days like today are always special: scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles and being in title races, they are special moments that will live for me forever. I am glad to be a part of them.”
Alexander-Arnold added: “To do it for the fans here is a very special moment. As much as we do it for ourselves and our family, we do it for the fans as well, they are the ones who travel to the games and spend their money, so it is the least they deserve to see us give 100% on the pitch and win games.
“So to see us so close, some of us, to a second league title and for others a first, especially in front of fans, which is what we’ve been missing, is very special. Virgil pushed me to the front to soak it in, get up close and personal. The fans have been amazing again this season, they have pushed us every game to the final minutes and they have done that again today to help us win the game.”
However, Carragher gave a harsh take on what he thinks Slot should do to the England international between now and the end of the season.
When speaking on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s victory, Carragher said: “If Trent hasn’t committed, which he hasn’t… to the manager for next season, he shouldn’t be starting games.”
https://x.com/SkySportsPL/status/1914021393684930894
Micah Richards was quick to jump in and suggested: “Maybe not for a send off for him… you think about planning for next season.”
Carragher added: “Liverpool are not here as a football club to give someone a send off.”
Richards hit back: “You win the league [after] so long – he’s been a vital part of that. I understand what you’re saying [about next season], I totally get that. But for what he’s done for the club… been there since a little boy. They are going to win the league, just to give him a few more appearances just to say, ‘well done’.”
Liverpool
What Leandro Trossard said about Liverpool and the title race after Arsenal beat Ipswich 4-0
Liverpool could have won the Premier League title with their 1-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday, but Arsenal and Leandro Trossard had something to say about that.
The Reds have been forced to put their celebrations on hold after the Gunners recorded a 4-0 win over Ipswich, which ensures the Premier League title could still head the way of Arsenal, mathematically at least.
Liverpool would now have to lose all five of their remaining games this season, and Arsenal would need to win all five and make up a goal difference of ten along the way, for Mikel Arteta to snatch the title from Arne Slot.
In the meantime, Leandro Trossard paid reference to Liverpool in his interview after scoring twice to defeat Ipswich, providing an insight into how the Arsenal squad are thinking.
Leandro Trossard says Arsenal are not paying attention to Liverpool whatsoever
Speaking to Sky Sports after the 4-0 win over Ipswich, the Belgium international said (via BBC Sport): “It is important for ourselves. We don’t need to look at them (Liverpool). We just have to keep going like this and take it game by game.
“We want to win every game but we know how tough it is in the league. A good win today and we just need to keep pushing going forward.”
With so much needing to happen for Arsenal to displace Liverpool, that is a sensible outlook from Trossard – who has interest from Saudi Arabia.
Arsenal need to focus on the UEFA Champions League
To be blunt, the title race is over – a side as good as Liverpool are not going to lose five games in a row, having only lost two in 33 to reach this stage.
Therefore, Arteta should put all of his eggs into the UEFA Champions League basket, in our view.
Arsenal, who Kieran McKenna praised, have already defeated PSG 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season in the league phase, which should breed confidence, even more so given the fact the first leg is also in N17.
Should Arsenal progress, either Barcelona or Inter Milan await, both of whom are strong sides, but after beating a juggernaut in Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate, the Gunners should fear nobody.
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold directly asked if he’s leaving Liverpool live on Sky and his answer speaks volumes
Alexander-Arnold leaves future in doubt but Jamie Carragher takes the hint
Sky Sports touchline reporter Patrick Davidson asked Trent Alexander-Arnold about his Liverpool future and got exactly the answer everyone was expecting.
Alexander-Arnold scored the only goal of the game in Liverpool’s win over Leicester City to put the Reds just one win away from their second title of the Premier League era.
As the scorer, Alexander-Arnold spoke to Davidson along with man of the match Alexis Mac Allister, and the Sky Sports man concluded his interview by asking him how many more big moments he will be enjoying as a Liverpool player.
“I’m not gonna speak on my situation but these days are always special, scoring goals, winning games and winning titles,” said the boyhood Liverpool fan, who’s been on the club’s books for more than 20 years.
“I’m glad to be a part of them.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was part of the Sky Sports team at the King Power Stadium and hinted in his reaction that most people expect Alexander-Arnold to leave for Real Madrid.
While the player’s response was understandably noncommittal at a key moment in the season, new contracts for team-mates Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk have amplified his silence.
Carragher wasn’t alone in reacting to Alexander-Arnold’s post-match comments.
While the response to his goal and celebration was overwhelmingly positive, there was a distinct whiff of resignation among Liverpool fans on social media after Davidson’s question was deftly batted away by the Premier League and Champions League winner.
“Well that’s Trent gone then after that,” posted one fan on X, formerly Twitter.
“Trent’s off and he has been for weeks,” admitted another. “It is what is is. But he’s given us that moment today as a farewell and we should be thankful for it.”
“Y’know what, whether or not Trent wants to stay, I’ll always love him,” conceded one supporter. “He’s put us 3 points away from the league, now. If this is his grand send-off, so be it. You’re forever in my best graces, scouse.”
Another imaginative fan wrote: “I think the longer [the] Trent saga drags on, the more emotional the fans will get, if at the last day he comes forth and announce (sic)) he’s staying, the emotional shock will force people to place him above [Steven] Gerrard as a greater local icon, it’s a possible power move from Trent.”
Incredible.
Liverpool will win the title in midweek if Crystal Palace beat Arsenal, or with a win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield next Sunday if they don’t.
Liverpool player ratings from the 1-0 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium.
Liverpool moved within three points of being crowned Premier League champions as they battled to a 1-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, the homegrown player out of contract at the end of the season, returned from injury to come to his boyhood club’s rescue with a second-half strike. Arne Slot’s men had a plethora of chances but lacked composure in the final third before Alexander-Arnold’s breakthrough. And while Liverpool moved within one victory of claiming their 20th title, Leicester’s relegation back to the Championship was confirmed.
Match report
Liverpool must have thought they’d broken the deadlock in the third minute when Luis Diaz slipped in Mo Salah but his shot struck the inside of the far post – before ricocheting off the other side of the goal.
Seven minutes later, it was Leicester’s turn to hit the woodwork when a fierce Wilfred Ndidi effort left Reds goalkeeper flat-footed. Liverpool broke at pace and Cody Gakpo’s cross picked out Salah at the back stikck but he was denied by home keeper Mads Hermansen.
Gakpo was then twice denied by Hermansen and then Salah couldn’t keep down Kostas Tsimikas when picked out in space three minutes before the interval. Then in stoppage-time, Luis Diaz’s acrobatic effort whistled just wide.
Liverpool continued to dominate after the break, with Dominik Szoboszlai having a 20-yard effort saved, Tsimikas being kept out and Salah curling wide. It appeared that Liverpool would never score when, in the 76th minute, Salah’s deft header hit the post and then Diogo Jota struck the bar. But Leicester failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Alexander-Arnold, whose left-foot shot squirmed its way through Hermansen and sparked wild celebrations.
That was enough for Liverpool to claim all three points, putting them on the cusp of the Premier League title, which can officially be won in next weekend’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
Liverpool player ratings
Alisson Becker – 6
Would have been relieved to see Ndidi’s shot hit the post and otherwise untested. Showed by Patson Daka for Leicester’s disallowed goal in the second period.
Conor Bradley – 5
Had some shaky moments against Stepy Mavadidi in the first half. Got on the overlap a couple of times after the break but had to pull the trigger when he had the chance to and was then booked for a cynical foul. Subbed in the 71st minute.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Sound defensively in the first half getting across to cover the right flank and had a header from a corner cleared over the bar.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Breezed through the first half and passing caught the eye throughout. Similar in the second period.
Kostas Tsimikas – 7
Didn’t do much wrong in the first half and a bursting run followed by his cross almost created the opener. Got in some threatening positions in the second half and had an effort well kept out.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
A little untidy at times in the first half but otherwise sound.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Put in a shift in the first half and kept things ticking as per usual. Similar in the second period and slowed things down when he had to.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Free-kick failed to truly test Hermansen but showed energy in the first half. More involved after the break, having one stinging effort well saved, pulling a cross from the byline and whipping in a good deliver for a Jota header. Subbed in the 71st minute.
Mo Salah – 6
Could have had a hat-trick in the opening 45 minutes but appeared he’d left his shooting boots on Merseyside. Had ore opportunities in the second half but unusually lacked his cutting edge. Did have a part to play in Alexander-Arnold’s goal.
Luis Diaz – 6
Knitted things together well in the first half and would have netted a sublime goal had his bicycle kick been on target. Cracked one effort in the second period and couldn’t really get involved as he’d have liked even after switching to the left flank. Subbed in stoppage-time.
Cody Gakpo – 6
Sub 1 – Diogo Jota (replaced Gakpo) – 6
Should have done better with a couple of efforts but did add more craft leading the line.
Sub 2 – Trent Alexander-Arnold (replaced Bradley) – 8
Came up with a glorious moment that has Liverpool three points away from the title.
Sub 3 – Harvey Elliott (replaced Szoboszlai) – 7
Gave more guile to Liverpool’s attack.
Sub 4 – Curtis Jones (replaced Diaz) – N/A
Liverpool
Fans are all saying the same thing after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal against Leicester City
Liverpool fans have reacted to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal at Leicester City.
Alexander-Arnold, who is set to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season, smashed the Reds into the lead at the King Power Stadium to take them a big step closer to an inevitable Premier League title.
“Getting booed. Score a banger. Getting loved again,” pointed out one user on X, formerly Twitter.
“I hope you know you’re not allowed to leave now after celebrating like that,” warned another.
“The ‘King Power Stadium’ is now renamed as the Trent Alexander-Arnold Stadium,” added one jubilant Liverpool fan.
This is a breaking news story from the team at nowsoccer and will be updated in due course. In the meantime, please follow us on our various social channels for the latest information on this story. You can find the latest SPORT news on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned for the latest and follow all the latest developments below.
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.”
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