Five stars set to walk out on Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp this summer - Now soccer
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Five stars set to walk out on Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp this summer

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A number of Liverpool players could be about to follow Jurgen Klopp out the door.

Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to be the only high-profile figure leaving Liverpool this summer, with a number of players expected to follow him out the door. The Reds manager will step down after nine years in charge at the end of the season to be replaced by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.

While Liverpool have already moved to secure Klopp’s successor, they will need to be active in other areas to replace players who could also leave in the summer. They could lose as many as five squad members over the coming weeks, with three of those set to see their contracts expire.

Joel Matip is yet to be offered a new deal by Liverpool despite nearing the end of his current agreement. He joined on a free transfer in 2016 and has won everything there is to win during his time at Anfield, but it seems apparent that he will no longer be on their books next season.

Veteran goalkeeper Adrian, who has failed to make a competitive appearance for Liverpool this season, also looks set to depart when his contract runs out in the summer. There is still a chance that he could be offered a new deal but any movement on that front will depend on the wishes of incoming boss Slot.


Meanwhile, it seems as though it will be the end of the road for Thiago Alcantara, with the Spaniard highly unlikely to be offered fresh terms over the coming weeks. He arrived to a big reception in 2020 but has failed to live up to expectations, which has mainly been down to a constant stream of injury problems.

Liverpool could also part ways with a couple of players who are tied down to contracts beyond the end of this season. Nathaniel Phillips has made no secret of his desire to play regular football and it would not be a surprise to see him make a permanent exit after several loan spells away from Anfield.


Second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher may also be tempted to move on with the aim of nailing down a starting spot elsewhere. The Irishman is clearly good enough to play at a high level and is attracting interest from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Celtic, according to the Daily Mail.

There is no guarantee that Kelleher will leave, but it remains to be seen if he will object to playing second fiddle to Alisson Becker for yet another season. He remains under contract until 2026 and is rated highly by Klopp but Slot may decide to cash in if a suitable offer is tabled.

 




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Troy Deeney predicts which team will easily win when Arsenal face Chelsea

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Arsenal face Chelsea this weekend in what is almost a must-win game for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Gunners are now three without a win in the Premier League, and if they don’t return to form here, they’re going to struggle to get back into the title race.

Arsenal have been here before in terms of having a must-win game against Chelsea.

Indeed, back in December 2020, Arsenal headed faced Chelsea in a play a game that, perhaps, would’ve decided Mikel Arteta’s fate at Arsenal as he came under increasing pressure.

Step forward, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.


Smith Rowe and Saka put on standout displays in that game, and, all of a sudden Arsenal seemed to enter a new era.

Now, Arsenal are in a familiar position as they head to Stamford Bridge in desperate need of a win, and they need someone to step up again.


Chris Sutton couldn’t pick a winner when he was predicting this game, but speaking on his TikTok channel, Troy Deeney has made a bold prediction for this match.

Troy Deeney predicts Arsenal vs Chelsea

Deeney shared his verdict on how this game will pan out.

Not only does Deeney think Arsenal will beat Chelsea, he’s claimed that this will be a dominating performance, tipping the Gunners to win 3-1.

“No Declan Rice, but Odegaard is back which is a massive change. I still think Arsenal are the better team,” Deeney said.

“Maybe no Cole Palmer as well, so I will say, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Arsenal get back to winning ways with a dominant performance, Arsenal will win 3-1.”

Can Arsenal win the Premier League?

Arsenal have lost some serious ground in the title race in recent weeks, but this is far from over.

Indeed, Arsenal are still very much in the title hunt, and a win here would put the Gunners back on track.

Gary Neville still believes that Arsenal can win the league, but recent results suggest that this will be difficult.

Ultimately, Arsenal’s fate is out of their hands after a slow start to the season, but, as Mikel Arteta’s side have shown in recent years, they can get close to that 90-point barrier if they manage to rediscover their best form.

Arsenal aren’t in the best of form at the moment, but, as we’ve seen before, against a team like Chelsea can be the perfect springboard to spark a revival.




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Arne Slot explains what makes Ibrahima Konate ‘stand out’ in Liverpool squad

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Arne Slot talks up Ibrahima Konate’s impressive development at Liverpool ahead of the weekend’s visit from Aston Villa.

Arne Slot says he has been hugely impressed with Ibrahima Konate’s willingness to absorb what he wants from his Liverpool defenders. And the head coach has explained how his in-form centre-backs complement each other.

Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night means they now lead both the Premier League and Champions League tables heading into the weekend’s visit from Aston Villa.

Much of the progress this term has been built on a miserly backline who have only conceded seven times in 14 games in both competitions.

Having forced his way back into the team after ending last term on the bench, Konate has been in imperious form alongside captain Virgil van Dijk and Slot says he has been delighted with how much the France international wants to learn and develop under his guidance.


“That thing is difficult for me to say because I don’t know how [Konate’s form] was [last season]” Slot said Konate’s improvement. “The only thing I know is that from the moment I first started working with Ibou, his first game wasn’t the best against Manchester United in pre-season on the USA tour.

“But I was impressed by how much he wants to learn. So every time we are on the pitch, or having individual clips or team meetings he is so focused on trying to understand what we want from him.


“All the guys are quite positive in that but, in my opinion, he stands out in trying to learn the things that we are trying to hand over to it. That is one of the reasons why his performances are very stable and the other thing is he is playing next to a player who we would all love to play alongside.

“But for Virgil it is the same with Ibou, I think the two of them are complementary. They bring out the best in each other so that is the reason why the two of them do so well.

“The best partnership in the league right now? That is difficult to judge because I only saw our games, all of them, and sometimes I see a few games of the opponent if we face them.

“I don’t look at it in as much detail as I look at our own defenders. The only thing I see we have at this moment is four very good centre-backs where two of them are playing most of the games.

“But the moment we need Joe Gomez he has done outstanding and for me Jarell Quansah has been unlucky in moments but if you take away these moments he is doing really well as well.”




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Liverpool Receive Quick Response After ‘Impressive Offer’ For Brazilian Starboy

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Liverpool’s impressive start to the season hasn’t stopped them from planning ahead, but they may face disappointment in their pursuit of Brazilian talent Rayan Vitor Simplicio.

The club is actively searching for potential successors to Mo Salah with his contract set to expire this season, can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs as early as January.

While Liverpool would ideally like to extend Salah’s stay, finding common ground could be challenging, particularly as hints suggest he might be considering a move. Despite this, Frank Lampard has offered words of encouragement, expressing optimism for Liverpool’s future beyond Salah.

Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is strategically monitoring options to replace Mohamed Salah, should the Egyptian leave on a free transfer in 2025. According to Catalan outlet E-Noticies, Liverpool have made a substantial offer to Vasco da Gama for their 18-year-old star Rayan, often compared to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. The young Brazilian talent has a hefty £54.4 million (€65.3 million) release clause in his contract, which runs until December 2025.

The Wonderkid has decided to pursue Neymar’s Legacy

Barcelona consider the signing of Rayan a big win in their ongoing efforts to secure future talent, leading them to ease their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. The young Brazilian forward attracted widespread interest from top clubs like Manchester City, Udinese, Atalanta, Bologna, and Fiorentina. Already highly regarded in his homeland, Rayan has made 38 appearances and recorded four goal contributions for Vasco da Gama, solidifying his reputation as one of Brazil’s brightest prospects.


https://x.com/ScoutVasco/status/1741482447231979764?t=4R9fvfOk_iSPaHCB9_v51w&s=19

It seems Liverpool’s offer may have come too late, as reports indicate that teenage sensation Rayan is already on the brink of joining Barcelona. Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, is reportedly finalising the deal for around €18 million (£15 million). Consequently, Liverpool’s late approach has been swiftly rejected, with Barcelona now in pole position to secure the young Brazilian talent.


Liverpool may need to explore other options for young talent as Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield remains uncertain. With his contract set to expire in under a year, Salah has drawn interest from major clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. However, it’s reported that the Egyptian forward is open to a lucrative new deal, potentially extending his stay at Liverpool until 2027.

 




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Rio Ngumoha and Arne Slot have just sent a clear contract message to Trent Alexander-Arnold

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Rio Ngumoha has just made another big step in his development at Liverpool, and it should send a clear message to Trent Alexander-Arnold over his future at the club.

“I truly believe I can win the Ballon d’Or one day.”

It’s a big claim, and one that you might not expect to come out of the mouth of a player yet to make a single senior appearance in football. Rio Ngumoha isn’t just any other player though.

Still just 16 years old, the young forward has certainly made his impact after trading Stamford Bridge for Anfield in the summer. Such was the rage emanating from Chelsea that you’d be forgiven for thinking Liverpool had somehow manage to lure Cole Palmer away from them.





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David Beckham sends message to Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool decision

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Trent Alexander-Arnold decided to be one of the first players to wear the new Adidas Predator 24 boots, which were released on the same day as Liverpool’s win over Bayer Leverkusen

David Beckham gave a nod to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold after the right-back sported Beckham’s new Adidas Predator 24 boots during the Champions League triumph over Bayer Leverkusen.

The match, which ended in a resounding 4-0 victory for Liverpool, featured a stunning hat-trick from Luis Diaz and a strike by Coady Gakpo, propelling Liverpool to the summit of the group stage table. The clash with Leverkusen coincided with the launch of the latest Adidas Predator Beckham boots, a limited edition with only 3,000 pairs available worldwide.

Alexander-Arnold was among the elite few to don them on the pitch, joining stars like Alvaro Morata, Rodrigo De Paul, and Marco Asensio. Post-match, Beckham expressed his approval on Instagram, posting “Looking good!” – alongside an image of Alexander-Arnold in full flight against the German side.

Liverpool fans will hope to see the defender wear stylish Adidas boots for years to come at Anfield amid the uncertainty around his soccer future. Alexander-Arnold has entered the final eight months of his contract and is a transfer target for Real Madrid – Beckham’s former club.


It’s unclear at this stage whether Alexander-Arnold will commit his future to the Reds or move elsewhere. He can enter pre-contract negotiations with overseas clubs – such as Madrid – from January.

Liverpool’s vice-captain has become a key player for the club after graduating from the academy, having played more than 300 times for the first team. He’s won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Community Shield, Club World Cup, European Super Cup, and the League Cup twice during his time on Merseyside.


Alexander-Arnold is set to lace up the exclusive boots once more when Liverpool host Aston Villa at Anfield in the Premier League fixture on Saturday. The Reds are currently leading the pack, two points clear at the top following unexpected defeats suffered by Manchester City and Arsenal.

On the other hand, Villa are desperate to halt a four-match winless streak. Unai Emery’s squad also had a Champions League encounter this week, where they suffered a 1-0 loss to Club Brugge under unusual circumstances due to Tyrone Mings’ handball in the box, which led to the decisive penalty.




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Paul Merson and Alan Shearer disagree on Liverpool vs Aston Villa prediction

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Liverpool will be aiming to maintain their spot at the top of the Premier League, but Paul Merson and Alan Shearer are in disagreement on how they’ll fare against Aston Villa.

Paul Merson and Alan Shearer are in disagreement with their predictions for Liverpool’s meeting with Aston Villa tomorrow, with the former expecting the Reds to drop points.

Arne Slot’s side will have the chance to confirm top spot in the Premier League heading into the final international break of 2024. Liverpool currently sits two points ahead of Manchester City heading into the weekend, having lost just one game so far.

With Pep Guardiola’s side facing a tricky trip to Brighton before kick-off at Anfield, there could even be a chance for the Reds to extend their lead. Coming off the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, and with Villa having lost their last three games in all competitions, there’s every reason for Liverpool to feel confident against Unai Emery’s side.

Former Villa and Arsenal midfielder Merson though believes his old side will claim a point on their travels. Predicting a 2-2 draw, he told Sportskeeda: “Aston Villa are on a bit of a sticky patch now after three straight defeats in all competitions.


“This is a big game for both clubs. I saw Brighton against Liverpool and they were actually better than Arne Slot’s men for the majority of that game. Brighton simply failed to pick the right pass, they were excellent otherwise. Ultimately, Liverpool got the three points which they always do.

“I just don’t think Liverpool are playing well enough to get a win in this game. If they give Villa the kind of chances they gave Brighton, the likes of Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins will punish them. Liverpool were really fortunate to come away with a win in the last game, but I doubt they’ll have that kind of luck here.


“Villa may have conceded four goals against Tottenham, but that can happen when you play a team like Spurs. If Tottenham are in the mood, they can move the ball quickly and score goals in quick succession. So I’m not reading too much into that scoreline and I really think Villa can cause Liverpool problems in this game.”

Shearer though is much more confident about the Reds’ chances of claiming all three points, and expects Slot’s side to get the better of Villa. Making his predictions for Betfair, the Match of the Day pundit said: “Both sides were of course in Champions League action earlier in the week, but Liverpool have an extra day’s rest and were at home.

“It’s tough for any team to play in the Champions League and then perform at the weekend with the same energy, and Villa come here after an away defeat in Brugge.

“Liverpool are back at home here, and I think they’ll have enough to beat Aston Villa to remain top of the table going into the international break.”




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Arne Slot shows true character as Liverpool manager does the unimaginable

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Liverpool are on a winning streak under Arne Slot and  the Reds manager has shown he is a Kop legend in the making by taking the Reds to the top of the Premier League and Champions League.

It may not have been the most original of puns, but the message was clear as day – Arne Slot has somehow achieved the unimaginable just months into his life at Liverpool.

Before the Champions League triumph against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday evening, a flag in the Kop was seen waving with pride, showcasing the Dutchman’s grinning visage alongside a tribute to “Arne’s Slot Machine”.

Slot’s record-breaking start as Liverpool head coach has certainly caught everyone’s attention – not even the likes of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea in 2004/05 or Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in 2015/16 could top his staggering 14 wins from 16 matches in all competitions.

Yet, it’s the way Slot has embraced the public-facing aspects of his role that has truly endeared him to Reds fans – his dealings with the media and, consequently, how he connects with the supporters – somehow managing to fill the void left by the legendary Jurgen Klopp.


Right from the off, Slot, true to Dutch candour, has had no qualms about calling it like he sees it. There’s no sense of an ulterior motive or any hidden agenda with the Liverpool manager, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Lately, there have been indications that he’s getting more accustomed to his environment, undoubtedly aided by the continuous victories on the pitch and becoming more at ease with the now-familiar faces in the press. The real Arne Slot is beginning to shine through.


Witness his playful banter with Jamie Carragher on CBS after Tuesday’s victory, Slot trading jibes and cracking jokes with the Liverpool legend. And with all of that, any longing for Klopp from the fans has effectively been snuffed out. Barely five months into his appointment, Slot has firmly stepped into the role.

The squad may essentially be the same as under his predecessor, but this is now very much his Liverpool. In terms of charisma and star power, Klopp – who won it all in his glittering spell at Anfield – was always going to be a tough act to follow.

And in some ways, that has aided Slot given the expectations were significantly tempered by the impact of his predecessor. Slot has been allowed to be his own person and, instinctively, understands the mandate he has been given.

It was the same at his previous club Feyenoord, where the love he received from the fans wasn’t entirely dependent on the trophies he won. Liverpool supporters aren’t easily fooled. They can’t be deceived, and they can sniff out lies from a distance.

And they have been lucky enough over the years to distinguish between good football and something less appealing. In simple terms, Slot “gets it” just as Klopp did, albeit in his own unique way.

Brendan Rodgers made an effort but never truly bonded with supporters. Rafael Benitez definitely achieved a special connection with the Kop, while Roy Hodgson simply didn’t try at all when he replaced the Champions League winning Spaniard.

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Slot’s positive results have allowed him the freedom to praise his team’s quality and the magic of Anfield without getting carried away. Even in the face of a rare defeat, such as the unexpected loss at home to Nottingham Forest in September, the head coach didn’t mince his words.

He said: “If you lose a home game, that’s always a setback, especially if you face a team you never know, maybe they will go all the way to fight for the Champions League places that normally isn’t ending up in the top 10,” he remarked. “So if you lose a game against them that’s a big disappointment.”

Indeed, Slot will come under closer scrutiny when Liverpool faces tougher challenges this season. Yet, so far, there’s no indication he’ll be anything but straightforward, as is his style.

The departure of Klopp after nearly nine years left a palpable void at the AXA Training Centre, but it wasn’t long before Slot and his team dispelled the melancholy. The Dutchman has quickly endeared himself to the staff at Kirkby.

And that sentiment is echoed in the stands. Slot’s machine continues to churn out winners both on and off the pitch at the moment.




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€50m Liverpool transfer target SPOTTED at AXA Training Centre

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Liverpool are expected to make moves in the transfer market either in January or next summer with new defenders on the agenda.

Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas are currently the two senior options at left-back with the Greek putting club legend Robbo under increasing pressure for a starting place.

However it’s no secret that the Scotland captain will need to be replaced sometime soon and the likes of Owen Beck and James Norris might not yet be ready to take over his duties.

Likewise club captain Virgil van Dijk is out of contract in 2025 and there have been no signs as yet that the 33-year-old will renew his terms.

In any case Van Dijk will be 34 at the end of this season and accordingly a long-term replacement will need to be sourced.


Hincapie WELCOMED to Merseyside

Liverpool could also be in the market for added cover at centre back with Joe Gomez reported to be on the transfer list and the likes of Joel Matip and Sepp van den Berg leaving the club last summer. One name who has been linked with a potential incoming transfer is Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie.

The 22-year-old featured against the Reds on Tuesday night as Arne Slot’s side enjoyed a 4-0 Champions League win. However, the Ecuador international left Anfield with his head held high following a strong individual performance.


Hincapie plays left back and centre back

A capable and versatile defender, Hincapie usually plays in a hybrid role on the left of Xabi Alonso’s preferred back three. However he is also adept at playing as a conventional centre-back in a two-man partnership as well as at left-back.

Signing Hincapie could give sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Slot a big boost in defence as they build a squad geared towards long-term success. And Hincapie as well as his B04 teammates got a peak behind the curtain this week with a visit to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre.

On Wednesday morning following the game, Leverkusen’s official social media channels posted images of the Leverkusen squad training at Liverpool’s base.

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WIRTZ, TAH AND FRIMPONG ALL LINKED

No doubt the connection with Xabi Alonso helped gain the German champions some time on the grass and Liverpool supporters were enthused by the sight of some of Leverkusen’s top stars on their home turf.

The likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah have also been linked with a move to Liverpool but perhaps it is Hincapie who will provide the strongest long-term asset in a position the Reds need to strengthen.

Hincapie is under contract at Leverkusen until 2027 and comes with an estimated €50 million transfer fee attached.

The Leverkusen lads will have familiarised themselves with their surroundings on Merseyside and maybe next season Hincapie will be back, this time in a Liverpool training kit rather than Leverkusen’s one.




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