Liverpool
Richard Hughes closing in on £40m Liverpool deal
Richard Hughes may be closing in on a £40m deal after the events of this week.
The Liverpool sporting director hasn’t really set the world alight since his arrival at the club. Hughes failed to address the glaring midfield problems last summer.
Meanwhile, he’s also failed to tie down the likes of Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold to long-term deals, much to the dismay of the club’s supporters.
All three of them will be free to leave Anfield for pastures new at the end of the season if Hughes doesn’t find a way to extend their deals.
And that’s not the only thing he has to worry about this summer. There are going to be massive changes at the club, including as Anfield Watch exclusively revealed a major overhaul in Liverpool’s attack.
But there is some good news. After the events of last week, Hughes might be closer to making a big sale this summer.
Richard Hughes one step closer to £40m transfer deal
In the January transfer window reports emerged that Liverpool were open to selling Harvey Elliott. At the time those reports claimed that the fee Liverpool wanted for Elliott was £40m.
Nobody made a bid for Elliott back then but things have been different for the 21-year-old since.
After his winner against Paris Saint Germain, he now has three goals in his las three Champions League games. And he’s averaging 0.88 goal contributions per 90 for Liverpool in all competitions, only Cody Gakpo and Salah average more for the Reds.
All those numbers plus the hype from scoring the winner against PSG will be music to Hughes’ ears.
At the end of the day, as impressive as Elliott has been when he has played, the fact that he has spent such little time on the pitch shows Arne Slot doesn’t really fancy the midfielder.
Out of Liverpool’s first team players only Federico Chiesa and Tyler Morton have played fewer minutes than Elliott this season. He’s spent just 517 minutes on the pitch and with his 22nd birthday on the horizon these are not the kind of minutes he should be aspiring towards.
Elliott will know his value too and he will understand he might have to move on in order to fulfil his potential.
There’s clearly an exciting talent there. A talent who has on more than one occasion delivered for Liverpool.
But there is just no room for him in this Liverpool team. Elliott simply doesn’t suit Slot’s system and that has been made abundantly clear.
At the same time, he has got a high value. Hughes will be pitching that to prospective buyers. He’ll be showing Elliott’s winner against PSG, the data that highlights his productivity.
Somewhere else Elliott can absolutely be a success and that is why Hughes should be confident that if Elliott continues to make his mark when he does get on the pitch, he will be able to sell him for the price that he wants.
That PSG winner just means Hughes is closing in on his desired £40m deal and that’s a sale that could be of huge benefit to Liverpool’s plans to overhaul the squad this summer.
Liverpool confirmed team news v Newcastle United as Alisson dropped but Mo Salah starts
Arne Slot has named his Liverpool team for today’s Carabao Cup final.
Standing in Newcastle United’s way of a first major domestic trophy since 1955 are Liverpool as they look to kick off the Arne Slot era with a trophy in the Dutchman’s first season in charge of the club. Having been knocked out of the Champions League in midweek, the Reds know this is their only chance of a cup honour this season before their expectant crowning as Premier League champions.
These two sides have played each other twice this season, with an entertaining 3-3 draw at St James’ Park back in December setting the stage for what could be an enthralling encounter at Wembley. The last meeting between the sides came just last month, as Liverpool ran-out comfortable 2-0 victors at Anfield against a Newcastle United side minus the talents of Alexander Isak who watched on from the stands.
At Wembley, though, Isak will play up-front as Howe names an unchanged team from their win against West Ham on Monday night with Nick Pope playing in goal. The Reds, meanwhile, will also have their talisman, Mohamed Salah, on the pitch from the off this afternoon.
Salah scored twice during that draw at St James’ Park and grabbed an assist at Anfield last month. As expected, Slot has picked Jarell Quansah with the Three Lions man set to play at right-back with both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley sidelined through injury.
The major decision Slot has taken, though, has seen him pick Caoimhin Kelleher in goal with Alisson dropping to the bench.
Liverpool team to play Newcastle United
Caoimhin Kelleher, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Andrew Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch, Jarell Quansah.
Slot’s Newcastle United preview
On Friday, Slot was asked if this match was bigger for Newcastle United as they aim to end a seven decade wait for a trophy: “I don’t go along with it [being bigger for Newcastle].” Slot replied.
“If you reach a final, it is always a big moment for them and also for us. We have two cups but you cannot take it for granted in this country. We don’t play a final every year.
“I said it two days ago, in this part of the season – in England – it is almost impossible to have everyone fit. We have two or three injuries and that is minimum you can expect after four months of non-stop football. So it is big compliment for us and Newcastle to have so many fit. Trent and Gordon are big players for both clubs but there are a lot of quality players for both.”
What Isaac Did on His Way to Wembley Speaks Volumes – A Sure Sign Liverpool Will Bring the Trophy Home!
The atmosphere is electric, the stakes are high, and Liverpool fans around the world are filled with hope. But one special moment before the big game has already sent a powerful message – Liverpool is destined for glory!
What Isaac Did
Young Isaac, a passionate Reds supporter, was on his way to Wembley when he started singing the iconic anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” His voice, full of passion and belief, echoed through the streets, turning heads and drawing smiles from fellow supporters. It wasn’t just a song; it was a declaration of faith, a battle cry, and a reminder that Liverpool never walks alone.
For many, Isaac’s act may seem simple, but for true Liverpool fans, it means everything. The anthem has been a symbol of resilience and triumph for decades, carrying the team and its supporters through the toughest times. Every great Liverpool victory has been preceded by the chorus of this legendary song, sung with unshakable faith.
Isaac’s spontaneous chant is more than just a show of support; it’s a sign. A sign that the spirit of Liverpool is alive and strong, that belief is unwavering, and that the trophy is heading to Anfield. If history has taught us anything, it’s that when the fans believe, the players deliver.
So as Liverpool steps onto the Wembley pitch, they do so with the voices of millions behind them – and with Isaac’s heartfelt song leading the way. The Reds are ready, destiny is calling, and the trophy is coming home!
Liverpool
8 players to miss Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United after latest manager updates
8 players to miss Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United after latest manager updates.
Liverpool vs Newcastle United team news ahead of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Liverpool go in pursuit of Carabao Cup glory as they face Newcastle United at Wembley.
Arne Slot has the chance to win a trophy in his first season at Reds boss. The Premier League is likely to be heading to Anfield as Liverpool sit 15 points clear at the summit of the table. But supporters would relish getting their hands on another piece of silverware.
They head to the capital as defending champions, having earned a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over Chelsea last year. Newcastle, meanwhile, are hoping to win a trophy for the first time since 1955. The Magpies have been up-and-down in terms of results this season and suffered a 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield last month but are still plenty dangerous.
It means that an intriguing showpiece affair is in store. Ahead of the encounter, he’s the team news for both sides.
The right-back is currently on the comeback from a hamstring issue that has kept him out for around three weeks. Bradley has been omitted from Northern Ireland’s squad for the international break later this month, which is a telling sign he’s still not ready for action.
8 players to miss Liverpool’s Carabao Cup
Joe Gomez – out
The versatile defender is still very much working his way back from hamstring surgery he underwent last month. There is hope that Gomez can be back for the season’s finale.
Tyler Morton – out
The midfielder has played three times on the road to Wembley. But he will not be involved at the national stadium as he recovers from a shoulder operation.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – out
The Liverpool vice-captain fell awkwardly on his ankle against PSG and could not continue. Slot has admitted Alexander-Arnold will not feature and has to watch from the Wembley stands for successive seasons.
Ibrahima Konate – set to feature
The centre-back was forced off in extra-time against PSG. Slot was hopeful that Konate only had cramp given how much energy he expended and he was back in training on Friday.
Newcastle team news
Anthony Gordon – out
The former Everton winger, who was a boyhood Liverpool fan, will miss out as he serves the second of a three-match suspension.
Lewis Hall – out
The left-back has been highly impressed for the Magpies this term. But after their loss at Anfield last month, Hall sustained an ankle problem and has had surgery.
Sven Botman – out
The key centre-half has had a frustrating time with injuries lately. Botman recovered from a 10-month ACL absence but has had to have surgery for a fresh knee complaint.
Jamall Lascelles – out
Last season Liverpool went into the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea amid a frightening injury crisis.
Manager Jurgen Klopp had no choice but to turn to several first-team novices for the Wembley showdown.
Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, James McConnell, Bobby Clark and Jayden Danns were among the Liverpool academy stars who got on the pitch at Wembley.
Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas meanwhile were among the unused substitutes. Top performers like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah were among those sidelined with injury.
But that didn’t hold back the Reds with Virgil van Dijk’s extra-time winner granting Klopp’s side the victory.
History is threatening to repeat itself this season with Liverpool facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of the final on Sunday against Newcastle. Trent Alexander-Arnold is out yet again while Ibrahima Konate is a doubt.
Both were injured during the midweek Champions League elimination to Paris Saint-Germain at Wembley. And while French centre-back Konate could end up coming back into contention, Trent will need to be replaced.
Trent needs to be replaced, admits Slot
“Trent is indeed not available. He will not be there at the final,” head coach Arne Slot told a pre-match press conference.
“But he’s still to be assessed for how long it’s going to take. We do expect him back before the end of the season.”
This time however Bradley won’t be able to start in his absence as the Northern Irishman has a hamstring injury of his own to contend with.
And while Arne Slot has several options at his disposal for Wembley, it looks like another Anfield wonderkid is set for an unexpected start.
Quansah, 22, has been on the fringes this season and has a preferred position of centre-back. However, given the Reds’ pressing needs ahead of Sunday, it looks like the recent England call-up will get the nod with fellow defender Joe Gomez ALSO out injured.
Is Quansah the most dependable option?
“Centre-back Jarell Quansah saw out the remainder of Tuesday’s tie in Alexander-Arnold’s place,” writes James Pearce in the Athletic.
“The 22-year-old also started December’s Premier League draw with Newcastle at right-back and has featured in the position from the bench in recent weeks in Gomez and Bradley’s absence.”
Quansah looks the most dependable option among several contenders including Wataru Endo and, perhaps surprisingly, Curtis Jones.
Liverpool
Arne Slot sends message to Virgil Van Dijk as Liverpool star ‘close’ to joining European giant following contract rejection
Virgil van Dijk has reportedly received a highly lucrative contract offer from a massive club.
Virgil van Dijk has ‘chosen to embark on a new challenge’ amid his contract situation at Liverpool, according to stunning reports.
Van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season and will become a free agent as things stand.
He has still yet to put pen to paper on a new Liverpool deal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah in the same situation.
Naturally, the Liverpool trio have been the subject of intense transfer speculation.
Rumours continue to swirl as their existing contracts run down.
And a report in Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Van Dijk has ‘made the decision not to renew his contract with Liverpool’ and has ‘chosen to embark on a new challenge’ in the shape of a move to Bayern Munich.
Per the report, he has received a ‘very attractive offer’ from Bayern, who are among the clubs keeping tabs on his situation.
The German side have presented him with a ‘highly lucrative contract’ and sources close to the player assure that the 33-year-old is ‘very close to giving a definitive yes’.
Van Dijk leaving Anfield would be a huge blow to Liverpool and Arne Slot, who stressed he would love the star defender to still be at the club next season.
“The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season,” he said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup final. “All the rest, these talks about contracts, that is not what I do here.”
Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday and speaking after the game, Van Dijk admitted he had ‘no idea’ what the future holds.
“I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment,” he said. “Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment. It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There’s just… I keep saying the same thing. Listen, there are ten games to go, and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it.
“I don’t even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes, but that is about it. At the moment, I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”
Liverpool
I heard Arne Slot’s joke during Liverpool press conference before Carabao Cup final – it said everything
Liverpool face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
It was a quip that Jurgen Klopp made fairly regularly. And Arne Slot deployed a similar tactic.
“We play Newcastle in two days, people know?” joked the Liverpool head coach to those present at the AXA Training Centre.
Indeed, the Reds do face the Magpies. And it is not a regular fixture. It is in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. The national stadium will be sold out and the first piece of silverware this season is up for grabs.
Given what is on the line, many might have expected Slot’s pre-match press conference to have more magnitude. But, in truth, it felt like a normal Premier League game this season. There were no faces who you rarely or have never spotted in the media room. There have been Dutch journalists before matches to quiz Slot on occasion. They did not make the excursion for his maiden cup final since leaving his homeland for Merseyside.
It was telling that there was not a raft of hands up all waiting to get an insight into Slot’s thoughts – during the broadcast section, at least – two days before the showpiece affair. The Liverpool head coach had already spoken to the press pack twice twice this week and conducted a plethora of interviews with other outlets. A lot has been said.
Granted, Liverpool head to Wembley against the backdrop of exiting the Champions League. But the Reds did not suffer a thrashing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and went out in the best possible manner, with penalties the deciding factor.
No-one thinks that a kneejerk reaction is needed from the loss. There are few who feel Slot requires drastically altering his starting XI from the PSG loss. In earlier rounds of the Carabao Cup, there was an intrigue around fringe players such as Federico Chiesa and some of the youngsters including Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha. But with a trophy on the line, Liverpool will go as strong as they can.
At the beginning of the press conference, the subject of Virgil van Dijk was raised by Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor against the backdrop of the Liverpool captain’s comments that he had still not signed a new deal and anyone who said otherwise was lying. That question was pertinent given Van Dijk’s update and Slot would have been expecting it.
But to delve deeper into Van Dijk’s contractual situation or that of Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose respective deals also expire in the summer, could be left for another day. The subject of who’ll play at right-back against Newcastle was the main subject given Alexander-Arnold’s injury and, in particular, Jarell Quansah’s progress and how he will be able to adapt was more relevant. The concern of fatigue having played 120 minutes against the French side, was also expectedly played down.
After the PSG loss, much has been discussed about a potential revamp that will be needed in the summer transfer window. There are question marks around several players futures and their positions. Darwin Nunez missed in the shootout as his struggles continued and Diogo Jota’s form remains stuttering. Before a cup final, though, it did not feel entirely appropriate to explore such topics.
In truth, such a subdued press conference underlines that Liverpool are back at the very pinnacle. Wembley can rightfully be given the moniker Anfield South as it’s the fourth time in as many seasons that Kopites journey to the national stadium. There is significantly less pressure on the Reds to win compared to Newcastle, who have not claimed a piece of silverware since 1955. Still, Slot believes a victory will mean just as much to the Reds even though the Premier League title is their priority.
He said: “A final in this country is always special because there are so many strong teams in this country and this league. If you reach a final, it’s always a big moment for them but also for us because, in the end although we have two cups in this country, you can never take a final for granted. We don’t play every single season, every final so it’s definitely special for them and also for us.”
Liverpool face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. The Reds have received a major boost ahead of it, too.
Liverpool will attempt to secure their first trophy of the Arne Slot era this weekend as they face Newcastle United at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. The Reds are huge favourites at this stage.
They’d be favourites anyway, of course, but Newcastle are missing a few players for this one. Lewis Hall is out at left-back, while Anthony Gordon is suspended for it.
Essentially, their first-choice left flank is missing. Liverpool don’t really have any excuses but to win this one.
Not that Slot’s squad is flawless. Trent Alexander-Arnold, for instance, will miss the final.
He went off injured against Paris Saint-Germain and will not return for Sunday. It could well be a while before we see him again, in fact – if at all.
There are other concerns, too. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez have both been missing for a little while now. That should mean Jarell Quansah starts at right-back but things aren’t that simple.
Ibrahima Konate also went off against PSG and without Gomez, Quansah is also in line to fill-in at centre-back. But it appears Slot has gotten a little reprieve there.
Ibrahima Konate is back
Konate has returned to training on Friday and is in line to face Newcastle. Now, it’s unclear just yet whether he’s fit enough to start the final but Slot will be able to make that decision, at least.
The alternative here was Wataru Endo at centre-back and Quansah at right-back. It’s a setup that just about works but is far from ideal when you’re up against Alexander Isak, arguably the most in-form forward in the country.
However, we all saw last year how that doesn’t necessarily work out. Chelsea should have been favourites to beat a severely weakened Liverpool team but failed to do so as the Reds delivered Jurgen Klopp’s final silverware.
But maybe that can be all Liverpool need in order to avoid complacency here. Konate’s availability puts them in an incredibly strong position.
Now they’ve just got to get the job done.
Isaac Kearney’s Unforgettable Surprise: A Special Dinner to Remember!
Some surprises create memories that last a lifetime, and young Isaac Kearney experienced one of those magical moments yesterday!
Isaac and his beautiful younger sister were in for a treat when their dad took them out for a special dinner at a wonderful restaurant. 
A Night of Pure Delight
From the moment they arrived, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and excitement. The restaurant, known for its delightful ambiance and delicious meals, rolled out the red carpet for the Kearney family. The owner personally welcomed them, ensuring they felt extra special.
Isaac’s face lit up as he took in the surprise—this wasn’t just any dinner; it was a well-planned, heartwarming experience designed just for them. His little sister, equally thrilled, couldn’t contain her excitement as they settled in for what would be an unforgettable evening.
A Feast Fit for a King
The family was treated to a lavish spread of mouthwatering dishes, handpicked by the restaurant’s chef. From savory starters to a delicious main course and irresistible desserts, every bite was a delight. Watching Isaac and his sister enjoy their meals with wide-eyed wonder was a sight to behold!
A Moment to Cherish
But beyond the food, it was the joy and laughter that made the night so special. The thoughtful gesture from the restaurant’s owner turned an ordinary evening into a magical one. Isaac’s reaction? Pure happiness! His dad couldn’t have asked for a better way to see his kids so full of joy.
Isaac Kearney’s Unforgettable Surprise video below
This special dinner was more than just a meal—it was a beautiful moment of love, appreciation, and unforgettable memories.
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