It’s the end of the week and Liverpool are preparing to take on Brighton at Anfield—here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumours on Friday.
Main Headlines
- Watch Klopp’s pre-Brighton press conference in full here
- Klopp sets Lovren return date & discusses rotation vs. Brighton
- Major development in Origi talks as Liverpool seek permanent deal
- Long future predicted for evergreen vice-captain Milner
- Klopp explains formation change that has boosted Mane’s influence
Besiktas ‘Confirm’ Karius Loan
Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius is expected to complete a two-year loan move to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas this weekend.
The 25-year-old has seen his first-team prospects diminish following the arrival of Alisson, and with no deal materialising for Simon Mignolet he is set to be the ‘keeper to move on instead.
Besiktas, however, looked to have jumped the gun with their announcement on Friday afternoon, changing their Twitter header photo to include the Reds’ No. 1:
Whether this was a genuine error from the club or the work of hackers, however, remains to be seen.
But either way, confirmation of Karius’ switch to Istanbul is imminent.
Klopp Relaxed About Mane’s New Deal
Liverpool supporters are desperate to see Sadio Mane sign a new contract, especially after his blistering start to the season.
Although some have expressed concern about the Senegalese not extending his Anfield stay yet, Jurgen Klopp is typically laid-back about it.
“It’s not that his contract ends tomorrow,” Klopp told reporters.
“[The players] are all in a good age group. That’s all positive, right?”
It feels like a case of when rather than if Mane signs on the dotted line, with the 26-year-old such an integral player moving forward.
Gerrard Hails “Magnificent” Ejaria
Steven Gerrard‘s Rangers side beat FC Ufa 1-0 in their Europa League playoff first leg on Thursday night, putting them in pole position to reach the group stage.
Liverpool’s on-loan midfielder Ovie Ejaria was particularly impressive, with the 20-year-old playing all 90 minutes at Ibrox.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Gerrard was full of superlatives for the silky youngster:
“I thought he was magnificent and I think that is his strongest 90 minutes that he has given us so far.
“I think we have seen a lot of flashes and a lot of halves, some good performances, but I think that’s his first real excellent performance that he’s announced against a good team.
“I thought he was excellent from start to finish.”
Markovic Still Expected to Leave
There is still a week of the transfer window remaining in many of Europe’s top leagues, allowing a little bit of time for players to leave Liverpool.
Lazar Markovic is one of those who has no future under Klopp and his exit from Anfield should still be sealed before the deadline.
That’s according to the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce, who took to Twitter to say:
“Liverpool still expect Lazar Markovic to leave the club in the next week. [He is] out of contract next summer.”
Markovic desperately needs to reignite his stuttering career, having not played for Liverpool since May 2015 and been sent out on loan to Fenerbahce, Sporting Lisbon, Hull City and Anderlecht.
Liverpool FC Women’s WSL Opener on TV
Liverpool FC Women face the opening game of their Women’s Super League campaign on September 9, with the Reds travelling to Meadow Park to face Arsenal.
Initially pencilled in as a 2pm kickoff (BST), the match will now begin at 12.30pm in order to be shown live on television.
You will be able to watch events unfold on the BBC Red Button.
Hughes Positive About Ings
Danny Ings has made a promising start to life as a Southampton player, following his loan move from the Reds earlier this month.
Saints manager Mark Hughes has made a point of not putting too much pressure on the striker, however, given his injury record in recent years.
“Danny is just looking to have a strong, solid season with plenty of games. If he has that kind of season we know he can score goals,” Hughes said.
“But we don’t want to place too many targets too soon as he is still coming back from a long time out. We have to be a little patient with him.
“He has the potential to score goals.”
Southampton are next in action on Saturday, when they take on Leicester City.
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