Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp hints at next Liverpool transfer as midfield overhaul faces new scrutiny

Liverpool have completed an £150m midfield overhaul this summer but that can’t be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s transfer surgery.
This summer Liverpool have had to do in three months what it previously took them three years to – overhaul a successful position in Jurgen Klopp’s once all-conquering side.
There was a period when the Reds’ attacking triumvirate of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane looked unbreakable, untouchable and irreplaceable. Klopp would even refer to the trio as exactly that in his latest press conference.
“We had for a few years, the front three was irreplaceable,” the German conceded on Friday. “And somehow, we made it happen. We made it happen.”
While the bargain signing of Takumi Minamino ultimately didn’t quite work out, Diogo Jota proved it was possible to break up Salah x Firmino x Mane after joining from Wolves for £45m in September 2020. And over the last 18 months, the Reds have successfully unearthed long-term replacements for the latter pair after snapping up Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.
Throw in the potential club-record signing of Darwin Nunez last summer and even though exactly how he fits into Klopp’s starting XI remains unclear, Liverpool’s attack is stronger than ever.
In truth, the Reds have benefitted from this gradual succession plan and ‘soft launch’ of their next attack. Both Diaz and Gakpo were afforded half a season alongside Mane and Firmino respectively, avoiding the ‘direct replacement’ label and accompanying pressure in the process, before emerging as exactly that.
Meanwhile, Nunez is being treated with similar patience despite a transfer fee that could rise to £85m. “In a world, a crazy world where nobody gets time anymore, we somehow managed to buy some time and now we go from here,” Klopp said of the Uruguayan last week.
In truth, this overhaul is not complete yet. Salah remains at Anfield, having signed a new three-year contract to become the best-paid player in Liverpool’s history last summer. Yet thanks to Saudi Arabia, the Reds are being forced into contemplating life beyond the Egyptian.
An £150m bid from Al-Ittihad was rejected earlier this week, with Liverpool bosses adamant Salah is not for sale. Whether that resolve is tested further before the Saudi Pro League transfer deadline on September 7 remains to be seen, though the Reds would loathe to lose their talisman now, no matter what the fee, with it now impossible for them to sign a replacement until their own transfer window reopens in January.
Of course, even if Liverpool retain Salah’s services now, Saudi Arabia will come calling again. The most high-profile Muslim footballer in the world, an eventual switch to the Gulf state feels inevitable. Next summer would offer the Reds a last chance to bank a considerable fee – while the forward could move on as a free agent in 2025.
But regardless of the outcome of this saga, Liverpool bosses will again favour a gradual succession plan as they look to do the impossible and replace one of their greatest-ever players. Consider the likes of Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak, and Kaide Gordon and you could perhaps argue that such a stratagem is already quietly underway, even if a big-money replacement will obviously be desired when the time comes.
When it comes to replacing the irreplaceable attack, the ‘soft launch’ plan has paid dividends for Klopp. But he has been afforded no such patience when it comes to revamping his midfield.
A long-awaited engine-room overhaul has been on the agenda at Anfield for some time. Yet after missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni to Real Madrid last summer, and with Borussia Dortmund not yet willing to cash in on Jude Bellingham, the Reds opted to wait until this summer to initiate the next stage of their squad development.
In hindsight, that was a mistake with Liverpool’s struggles last year speaking for themselves as they failed to qualify for the Champions League. Consequently, acknowledging they needed more than just one marquee new midfielder, they withdrew from the race to sign Bellingham back in April.
But even when planning multiple new midfield arrivals this summer, the Reds were not yet aware as to the extent they would have to reinvent their wheel.
Sure, they knew James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would all be departing at the end of their contracts. And they also moved quickly to bring in both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai before the start of pre-season.
But Saudi interest in both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho caught the club off-guard. Ultimately waving off both midfielders, Klopp was left with no lieutenants who had won all there was to win at Anfield to pass on the baton to the next generation.
With Ryan Gravenberch arriving from Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day, joining Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo as part of an £150m midfield overhaul, what comes next is entirely new.
“We pretty much have to reinvent the team,” Klopp acknowledged on Friday before Gravenberch was officially a Liverpool player. “The midfield is now already and will be completely new.
“We had to do that in a season where we didn’t qualify for the Champions League. Last year we qualified but this year we didn’t which has a massive impact. That’s how it is. I know people expect it to be different but it is how it is.
“I really think we did good business. The players we brought in are really good, will help the team, will even get better. I think especially for Macca and Dom, everybody can see that already.
“For Endo it is a massive step, massive change in the way he used to play and the way we play, so that obviously needs a bit of time to get there, but it is no problem…
“Yes, we got younger – but we had to. We are less experienced but that is normal but we are full of desire and I love this team.”
He continued: “The natural skillset is obvious but we had to replace and change the most successful midfield in the young [recent] history of this club. Fabinho, Henderson, Milner, Gini Wijnaldum a few years ago. All had big, big parts in the team. Naby, Oxlade, they all played big parts in that midfield.
“In our best periods, I remember that you asked me the question if we had enough of a goal threat from this midfield, when we scored all the goals from the front line. I think we have much more goal threat in midfield now, that is definitely the case!
“But the work-rate these guys put in, the stability they gave us, that was second-to-none and that is what we have to create as well…I think it is clear the players we brought in have real quality, are young and in a super-way really excited about the opportunity of being here, so that’s a cool mix.”
Liverpool are now well placed for the future in midfield, with Endo and Thiago Alcantara, who is set to leave at the end of his contract next summer, the only Reds midfielders over the age of 24. Mac Allister is 24, while Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are aged 22 and 21 respectively. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones (22), Harvey Elliott (20), and Stefan Bajcetic (18) complete Klopp’s senior midfield contingent.
Yet having been denied the preferred gradual succession model in this instance, overnight success is by no means guaranteed or expected. Liverpool will still have to show patience to get back to their very best.
And as much as they have faced scrutiny to revamp their midfield in recent years, they are about to face even more as the success of such surgery, in challenging circumstances, now goes under the microscope.
Such a scenario is their reality but far from ideal, considering they have been forced to build a midfield with no previous experience of playing together. Given the importance of in-sync on-pitch relationships to play for Klopp, and how long it can take to get up to speed with his demands, starting from square one is problematic. The club have ultimately taken one step backwards in a bid to later move two steps forward.
“We are still in that moment where we have to create something new,” Klopp admitted on Friday. “We have new key players in, in key positions on the pitch. How can we just be there and go? We have to fight into that. We have to work into that…
“I’m fine with it but I don’t know where we go from here because it’s the start. But my ambitions are super. Honestly, I stood in the dressing room, had a look, and I love this team. It’s a well set-up team. Let’s go, let’s go.”
In truth, the midfield revamp might not be quite complete given Thiago’s Anfield expiry date, the same as the uncertainty regarding Salah’s future ensures there is one card left to play. But once such business has been addressed, it is clear what comes next in the transfer market for Liverpool.
“Over the last few years we had to do the same with our front line,” Klopp said of his squad’s overhaul. “The most stable area is obviously the last line but now not because of the injury and suspension.”
Referring to being without Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk to face Aston Villa this weekend, the Reds are left with only Joel Matip and Joe Gomez as their available senior centre-back options. Meanwhile, having made his Liverpool debut as a substitute against Newcastle, teenager Jarell Quansah is Klopp’s only reserve option as they are given a premature glimpse into the future.
But it’s clear, having revamped the majority of their attack and midfield, that the Reds’ previously stable defence will be next on the agenda. With Van Dijk and Matip both aged 32, the latter out of contract next summer, and Andy Robertson set to turn 30 next year, how can it not be?
Like failed attempts to initiate their midfield overhaul last summer with Tchouameni, Liverpool would have perhaps done similar this summer at centre-back. They were interested in Chelsea’s Levi Colwill before he signed a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, and were open all summer long about how they were in the market for a new left-sided centre-half. Alas, such a search, this time, was not successful.
Consequently, with Matip likely to leave Anfield next summer, the Reds will need to sign a replacement at some point over the next 12 months. While initially taking the former Cameroon international’s place as back-up, such a player may ultimately serve as Van Dijk’s long-term replacement.
Liverpool can only hope that when such defensive surgery does belatedly take place, with it yet to be seen if they rue their failure to sign a centre-back this summer, they won’t be forced to overhaul everything everywhere all at once, and that their new-look midfield has already fully bedded in.
Reds bosses achieved the impossible when seamlessly replacing Firmino and Mane, and will look to do the same with Salah. Forced to suffer a bumpier ride with this midfield overhaul, they will at least get to their final destination in the end.
But whether they are able to learn from these enforced engine-room missteps when it comes to tackling their next-generation defence, only time will tell. For now, having overhauled both the attack and midfield in two very different ways, it’s clear one strategy is a lot more favourable than the other.
Liverpool
Tears for Trent: Young Liverpool Fan Isaac Reacts to Rumors of His Departure
Tears for Trent: Young Liverpool Fan Isaac Reacts to Rumors of His Departure
Liverpool fans worldwide are struggling to come to terms with the possibility of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving the club. But for one young fan, the news has been particularly devastating. Isaac, a passionate seven-year-old Liverpool supporter, was left heartbroken when his parents spoke to him about Trent’s potential departure. According to his mother, the news hit him so hard that he cried himself to sleep.
Trent has been a hero to many young Liverpool fans, embodying loyalty, passion, and skill. For Isaac, the right-back represents everything he loves about the club. The thought of watching a Liverpool team without Trent is almost unthinkable for the young Red. His emotional reaction mirrors the sentiments of countless fans who have taken to social media, urging the club to do everything possible to keep their vice-captain.
Tears for Trent have not been limited to Isaac alone. Across social platforms, the hashtag #StayForIsaac has started gaining traction, with fans pleading for Trent to reconsider any plans of leaving. The young defender, who grew up as a Liverpool fan himself, surely understands the deep connection supporters like Isaac have with him.
As contract talks and transfer speculations continue, Isaac’s heartbreak is a reminder of the emotional impact football has on its youngest supporters. For now, his only hope—and that of many Liverpool fans—is that Trent stays and continues to make history at Anfield.
Liverpool
Isaac’s Mum Speaks on How He Copes with His Disability at Home
Isaac’s Mum Speaks on How He Copes with His Disability at Home – A Heartfelt Truth That Will Inspire You
When asked on Instagram how Isaac feels about his disability, his mum’s response was both touching and inspiring. In a world where differences are often highlighted, Isaac’s perspective on life stands as a powerful reminder that confidence and self-worth are not defined by physical limitations.
Isaac’s Mum Speaks
According to his mum, Isaac has no awareness of his disability. He sees himself just like any other child, playing, laughing, and interacting with his friends without a second thought about what sets him apart. “He honestly doesn’t see himself any different to his friends. And I love that, he’s so full of confidence,” she shared.
However, at home, moments arise when Isaac realizes his physical limitations—especially when compared to his little sister. While he is full of self-belief, there are times he gets frustrated because he can’t do as much physically. But in those moments, his sister steps in with unconditional love and support, always ready to help him in any way she can.
Isaac’s story is not just about coping with a disability; it’s about a mindset that many can learn from. His unwavering confidence, the love and support he receives from his family, and his ability to focus on what he can do rather than what he can’t is a lesson in resilience. His mum’s words remind us that disability does not define a person—attitude does.
Liverpool
Arne Slot may be making same mistake Jurgen Klopp publicly admitted to regretting as Liverpool manager
Harvey Elliott came off the bench to record an assist in the Carabao Cup final and may now be pushing for a starting berth.
Jurgen Klopp will not look back on his time at Liverpool ruing too many mistakes. Given what he built during his nine years as Anfield boss, why would he? Klopp arrived in October 2015 with the Reds little more than Premier League mid-table fodder. By the time he left, the club were back dining among the European gentry. Seven major trophies were added to the trophy cabinet. They included a sixth Champions League and a first league title in 30 years.
Klopp’s final season at supremo, at one stage, was on the verge of arguably being his best. Granted, Liverpool were not in Europe’s elite club competition but after beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final to win the competition for a record 10th time, the word quadruple started to be uttered.
How quickly things unravelled, though. Liverpool were dumped out of the Europa League after a damaging home defeat by Atalanta in the quarter-finals, while they lost to bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup. In addition, the Reds could not keep strides with Manchester City and Arsenal as the title race turned towards the home straight. A draw against United before losses against Crystal Palace and fierce foes Everton meant Klopp’s side could not keep apace and the German would win a solitary piece of silverware in his final campaign.
Klopp’s regret
Klopp was contemplating why Liverpool’s form towards the business end of the season jettisoned. There’s no doubt that a busy fixture list and a squad that was made up of a brand-new midfield – with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all signed in the summer – were factors.
But by Klopp’s admission, he did not utilise Harvey Elliott more in the latter stages. The former Anfield boss said before a 3-3 draw which was his penultimate match in the dugout: “If I regret one thing a little bit it’s that Harvey didn’t play often enough maybe. It was in a very important and intense period. January, [with] a lot of injuries, he played really good, he was probably our best player, right-wing, right midfield, all these kind of things. Everybody came back and he had minutes here and there and then he didn’t start anymore. [He] came on [and had] a big impact but it’s really nice that he could show.”
Finding a regular starting berth for Elliott was tough for Klopp. Mo Salah was always the undisputed first choice on the right flank while Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister operated in the number-eight roles. As a result, Elliott was often used as an impact substitute. Still, after a goal and assist in a 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur, that was perhaps when Klopp realised the diminutive attacking midfielder should have been handed more chances.
After an assist in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final defeat by Newcastle United last weekend, maybe Klopp’s successor Arne Slot will start to think the same. In truth, Elliott can have had few complaints about not playing too much in the Dutchman’s maiden campaign in the L4 hot seat. Liverpool are on track to be crowned Premier League champions as they sit 12 points clear with nine games remaining. In the top flight, Elliott has not featured from the outset once. Szoboszlai has chiefly been the No.10, with Curtis Jones also deployed in the role. That is despite Elliott believing it is where he thrives best.
It would be an almighty shock if Liverpool did not claim their 20th title given their advantage. But the past four games have made the finale more nervy than it perhaps should. The Reds were knocked out of the Champions League by the potential winners in Paris Saint-Germain. However, their performance in the first leg, despite earning a 1-0 smash-and-grab win, was well below par.
Recent impact
Their first-half display against a Southampton team that could genuinely go down as the worst in Premier League history was abject. Luckily, the calibre of opposition meant the game could be salvaged after the break. But the Newcastle loss was insipid. In truth, a 2-1 reverse flattered Slot’s men. They appeared fatigued mentally and physically and many agree it was not a short-term consequence of playing 120 minutes against PSG and losing on penalties.
Slot has been reluctant to rotate his team for much of the season. The Southampton game was a prime example as players such as Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate started. Liverpool appear they may just get away with possibly the ex-Feyenoord’s only glaring mistake in his maiden campaign but they require a fillip after the international break.
Elliott underlined how much of a livewire he can be at Wembley. He made an impact and slipped in the clever through ball for Federico Chiesa’s equaliser. It was no surprise the England under-21 international made a difference.
Per Opta’s Matt Reid, in Elliott’s past 43 games, he ha started 16 times. In that period, he has scored seven goals and recorded assists – averaging a goal involvement every 97 minutes. In that period, he has scored against Tottenham, Manchester United Lille, PSV Eindhoven and PSG.
Elliott could scarcely bang on Slot’s door at the AXA Training Centre when Liverpool were on a rampant run of form. How could he make a case to feature ahead of Szoboszlai, Jones or Mac Allister? But now the Reds have lost two games in a row for the first time in Slot’s tenure, there is a genuine debate to be had.
That, of course, is it Elliott is fit enough to feature when Liverpool’s season recommences after the international break given he limped off the Wembley pitch following a heavy, unpunished challenge from Newcastle’s Joelinton.
If Elliott is available then he has every right to start clamouring to come into the starting XI against Everton in the Merseyside derby on April 2.
Liverpool
Liverpool fans are getting excited after hearing what world-class Netherlands international said to Ryan Gravenberch
An interaction between Ryan Gravenberch and his Netherlands teammate while on international duty has got people talking as Liverpool continue to be linked with the player.
Liverpool are preparing for an active summer transfer window, according to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg, as Arne Slot looks to “reshape” his current squad with a number of departures and new signings.
Caoimhin Kelleher, Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott are mentioned as potential departures alongside Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota, while a host of talent have been tipped to join the Reds.
One of those players is highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong, the 24-year-old full-back who has established himself as a regular under Xabi Alonso at the BayArena.
In fact, the Reds are said to be in ‘regular contact’ with the £33 million-rated Netherlands international, according to German publication Sport Bild, after Slot spoke warmly of signing the player last summer.
Amid ongoing speculation around Frimpong’s future, a clip from the Netherlands camp ahead of their Nations League double-header against Spain has got people talking.
As you can see from the footage below, Frimpong delivered his best scouse accent as he welcomed Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. He could be heard saying: ““You alright, la?”
Moments later, the full-back embraced Reds captain Virgil van Dijk.
Here’s how fans on social media reacted to the scenes.
One said: “Yeah he’s coming isn’t he,” while another commented: “Frimpong practicing his scouse accent for a summer move to Liverpool.”
A third wrote: “Either he’s signed for us or he’s absolutely taking the piss out of Liverpool,” and a fourth said: “If Trent leaves then we need to get him.”
A fifth added: “I can see the welcome video starting with this already.”
https://x.com/AnythingLFC_/status/1901942617086058920
Earlier this week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provided an update on Frimpong’s current situation as he continues to be linked with a summer move.
“Jeremie Frimpong remains one to watch in the summer, one more goal and assist performance on Sunday,” he wrote on X. “Dutch RB could leave Leverkusen in the summer with many clubs interested. The clause into his contract is worth fee around €40 million.”
As mentioned above, Frimpong is attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Liverpool
Liverpool star ‘bitterly disappointed’ after playing potential last game for club – rivals ready to swoop
Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth have been linked with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Caoimhin Kelleher admitted he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ after Liverpool’s Carabao Cup loss against Newcastle United.
The Reds goalkeeper could not win the competition for a third time in his career after a 2-1 loss at Wembley. Kelleher was handed the gloves ahead of No.1 stopper Alisson Becker. He is Liverpool’s regular stopper in the Carabao Cup and was the match-winner in the 2022 final win on penalty shootouts over Chelsea and impressed in the 1-0 triumph against the same opposition two years later.
But Kelleher – and Liverpool – had to settle for runners-up medals. Newcastle were deserving of claiming their first trophy since 1955, with Dan Burn powering home a header in at the end of the first half before Alexander Isak doubling the advantage in the second period. Federico Chiesa bagged a consolation goal for Liverpool but it didn’t prove enough.
Reflecting on the game, Kelleher said via club’s website: “To be fair to Newcastle, I thought they deserved it, so fair play to them. We’re bitterly disappointed.
“It’s tough to take, obviously. I think we know ourselves we could perform better than that, which is probably that bit extra hard to take. To be fair to the lads, they gave everything, ran as hard as we could, but we just came up a bit short.
“We’ll believe right until the very end and it was a good goal to get us back into it and then anything can happen. But unfortunately we couldn’t get a second. To be fair to them, they closed out the game well. It’s obviously difficult when the ball is in the corner to take it out and then create a chance from there. To be fair to them, they closed it out well.”
Future uncertainty
Kelleher’s Wembley outing could well be his final Liverpool appearance. He has been at the Reds for the past 10 years after joining from Irish club Ringmahon Rangers aged 16. He graduated through the academy ranks before establishing himself as deputy to Alisson.
Kelleher has made a total of 66 appearances for Liverpool and has been highly impressive in the vast majority of those games. Former manager Jurgen Klopp labelled the Republic of Ireland international as the best No.2 in the word.
However, Kelleher has made it clear on several occasions that he wants to play week in, week out. That is something he has been denied at Liverpool because of Alisson’s ability, with the Brazilian regarded as the world’s best by many. Alisson is first choice in the Premier League and likely to start the remaining nine fixtures of the title push.
Kelleher is now aged 26 and his Anfield contract expires in June 2026. He will likely feel he is at the stage where his career needs to kickstart. In addition, Liverpool are signing Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in the summer transfer window for a fee of £29 million to add to their goalkeeping department.
Speaking while on international duty last September, Kelleher said: “I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out. The club’s made that decision to get another goalkeeper and from the outside looking in, it looks like they’ve made a decision to go in a different direction.
“Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that’s 100% my decision but at times it’s not always in my hands. It’s been reported that Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well. My ambition is clear that I think I’m good enough and I want to go out and prove it.”
Kelleher has been linked with several clubs, with talkSPORT suggesting that AFC Bournemouth are leading the race. The Cherries currently have Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. The London side have also been credited with an interest.
Liverpool
‘I understand’ – What Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has told Ronald Koeman about his future
‘I understand’ – What Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has told Ronald Koeman about his future
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is approaching the end of his current contract at Anfield with talks still not having resolved his future
Holland national team boss Ronald Koeman has claimed Virgil van Dijk expects to be playing at the highest level next season regardless of whether or not he leaves Liverpool.
Van Dijk is out of contract in three months and, with talks over a new deal having yet to reach a resolution, is at present set to exit Anfield in the summer on a free transfer despite having made clear he wants to extend a stay that began in January 2018.
But Koeman believes Van Dijk will be playing for a leading European team next term even if he departs the Reds.
“We’ll see what happens, and what I understand from Virgil is that he is still looking for the level he is at now.”
Van Dijk is currently with the Holland squad preparing for their two-legged UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Spain, which takes place on Thursday and Sunday.
As things stand, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will also become free agents once their deals expire in the summer. Salah has stated his desire to stay with Alexander-Arnold is pondering an offer from European Super League advocates Real Madrid.
Liverpool
Liverpool star ‘won’t play for the club again’ after defeat to Newcastle with sensational move lined up
Liverpool star ‘won’t play for the club again’ after defeat to Newcastle with sensational move lined up
The star player has been linked with a massive move away when the transfer window opens.
A top Liverpool star may never play for the club again following the brutal 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
On Sunday, Newcastle United secured their first trophy 70 years after dominating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, winning the game 2-1.
The disappointing result comes just days after Arne Slot’s side crashed out of the Champions League after being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain following a penalty shootout in the second leg of their round of 16 clash at Anfield.
And in the wake of the match, it appears that one star player may never represent the club again, as rumours of an massive move in the summer have emerged.
As is customary in the domestic cup competitions, second goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher started in between the sticks for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, but was unable to do much to step Dan Burn and Alexander Isak from sealing the win for the Magpies.
With Liverpool also out of the FA Cup, it’s likely that the Irishman may not play another game for the Reds this season, with first-choice keeper Alisson Becker the favourite to start as Liverpool hope to secure the Premier League title.
Liverpool have just nine matches left this season, and with it looking like Kelleher will leave the club in the summer, it seems increasingly likely that Sunday’s loss to Newcastle could end up being the 26-year-old’s final game in red.
Should the Irish international decide to leave in the summer, then a recent report from The Sun has claimed that Bournemouth have emerged as the favourites to secure his signature.
The Cherries are said to be confident about getting the deal over the line as they look to replace current keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga when he returns to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell.
However, with Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly interested in Kelleher, it’s possible that Liverpool could receive bids from several sides within the Premier League for their star keeper.
Should bids come in and Kelleher express a desire to move on from Anfield, then it is believed that Liverpool will allow him to leave ahead of with Giorgi Mamardashvili’s imminent arrival.
Explaining why Kelleher was handed a start at Wembley, Liverpool boss Slot said: “It wasn’t difficult.
“That was Jaros when Caoimhin was the No.1. Caoimhin has always done so well so deserves to play in this one.”
Liverpool
Arne Slot shows his true colours as fans spot what he did immediately after Carabao Cup final defeat
Arne Slot shows his true colours as fans spot what he did immediately after Carabao Cup final defeat.
He may have been left disappointed by his side’s lacklustre performance in the Carabao Cup final, but Arne Slot showed his class after Newcastle ended a 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
Slot missed out on winning his first trophy as Liverpool manager on Sunday afternoon as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle defied the odds to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
It was ultimately another frustrating result for the Premier League leaders, but after the full-time whistle at Wembley, Slot was full of praise for the Carabao Cup winners in his post-match comments.
“It is 70 years since they last won a trophy but that is for the fans,” he said. “The players have 15 years to play football and they want to win every single trophy they play for and that is what we also want.”
Slot added: “They got some extra energy with the goal which they probably deserved so I don’t think there was more hunger for them. The game went the way they wanted it to.”
The former Feyenoord boss was also magnanimous in defeat during Newcastle’s post-match celebrations. On the touchline, he could be seen giving every Newcastle player a hand-slap as they walked past him to receive their medals.
It was a gesture that was praised by many on social media.
One fan said: “Absolutely sensational. Just shows you the character of him, very unique. He also gave full credit to Newcastle in his interview that they simply outplayed his team.”
A second wrote: “He’s a classy operator, Reds are lucky to have him,” while a third commented: “He’s a classy guy to be fair.”
A fourth said: “True sportsmanship and a gent,” and a fifth added: “Great sportsmanship, a little respect goes a long way.”
Speaking in his post-match interview, Slot gave a further insight into Liverpool’s defeat. “A disappointing result and a disappointing performance,” he began.
“It’s completely different to how I felt after the Paris Saint-Germain game. Losing two games in a row is something we’ve done probably for the first time, but it probably comes with being in the latter stages of competitions.
“Even Liverpool can lose football games. We were outplayed, in their style. Today it wasn’t about running; it was more about duels.”
He added: “This game went exactly the way they wanted it to, with a lot of fight and a lot of duels. This game had no intensity, so you cannot even judge if we were tired physically. There was nothing to press because they played over our press. The game was slow.”
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