We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Monday, as the Reds head to Marbella to prepare for next week’s clash with Bayern Munich.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Liverpool confirm 31-man squad for Marbella training – including Ox
A nice positive piece of news to start the week.
- Carra gets it right on how critics are harsh on “unbelievable” Liverpool
“To talk about nerves and stuff like that is unfair.”
- PL urged to become “Netflix of football” in move which fans might love
A potentially interesting idea.
- Gini shows mentality Liverpool need after overcoming illness & injury
A heroic effort by our influential midfielder.
- Klopp’s praise for Keita suggests there’s a big role to come
The Guinean excelled against Bournemouth.
- Trent short but sweet on impact of the Anfield atmosphere
“We needed this.”
- How Liverpool’s loanees performed over the past week
The great story of Awoniyi’s revenge & Grabara’s perfect league debut.
Liverpool Put Off by De Ligt’s Agent?
According to the Mirror, Liverpool and their five rivals at the top of the Premier League have all been keeping tabs on Ajax captain Matthijs De Ligt.
The young centre-back is arguably seen as the most exciting young player in world football, having recently won the prestigious European Golden Boy award over the likes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kylian Mbappe.
There is an issue regarding the situation, however, with the six clubs all reluctant to talk to Ajax because De Ligt is represented by controversial agent Mino Raiola.
Liverpool have had no major issues with Raiola in the past, unlike a number of their rivals, but they still appear unsure about doing business with him.
This might not be one to read too much into, although the prospect of signing De Ligt is a mouthwatering one.
Gini Demands Consistency
Gini Wijnaldum was superb in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday, scoring a beautiful individual goal and standing out in midfield, despite illness.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, the Dutchman says the Reds must remain focused, adding that table-toppers Man City were always going to be a formidable competitor:
“We must make sure we respond every game, not just one game.
“It is difficult [competing with City] but we already knew from the beginning that it would be difficult.
“We have to control our results and performances. We have to give everything in every game and in the end see where we are.
“You could see at the beginning of the season we have improved. We just have to keep it going.”
The trip to Man United in Liverpool’s next Premier League game on February 24 is particularly key—winning at Old Trafford for the first time since 2013/14 would be a significant moment in the season.
Rangers “Keep Asking” for Kent Deal
Ryan Kent‘s loan spell at Rangers has been a roaring success, with Harry Wilson arguably the only Liverpool loanee outperforming him this season.
Ex-Red Gary McAllister, Steven Gerrard‘s assistant at Ibrox, has told the Daily Record that the Scottish giants “keep asking” the Reds regarding a permanent deal for the 22-year-old:
“The fact is, Ryan’s still a Liverpool player so it’s a decision for Liverpool, isn’t it?
“Will he be here next season? It would be nice because we’ve seen the benefits of having him here but he’s Liverpool’s player.
“We keep asking the question but it’s up to them. They’re very much aware of what he’s doing up here.”
Kent played all 90 minutes of Rangers’ 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup on Saturday, with a replay required to separate the two sides.
James “Looking Forward” to Liverpool Test
Liverpool take on Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash a week on Tuesday (February 19), in arguably the tie of the round.
James Rodriguez could be a key creative presence for the Bundesliga champions and he admits he is relishing the prospect of facing the Reds.
“I’m very much looking forward to facing Liverpool,” Rodriguez told Bild.
“You can’t make mistakes in these games, but I think we can cause Liverpool problems. We have a team that’s good enough to go through if it goes well.”
It is a sign of Liverpool’s enormous progress under Jurgen Klopp that they are probably narrow favourites to progress against a true European powerhouse.
With Virgil van Dijk suspended and a number of injury problems at the back, though, they will have to perform expertly to keep out a star-studded Bayern team.
Reds ‘Keen on’ Leeds Youngster
The Mirror claim that Klopp is interested in bringing Leeds youngster Jack Clarke to Anfield in the summer.
Liverpool’s manager has reportedly sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old winger in action, during a debut campaign that has seen him thrive for the Championship promotion hopefuls.
Clarke will be on the Reds’ radar regardless of whether or not Leeds return to the Premier League.
The youngster was stretchered off after feeling unwell during Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Middlesbrough, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side equalising in the 11th minute of stoppage time.
Could a potential deal for Clarke see James Milner go the other way, returning to his boyhood club in the process?
Seán Cox Charity Match Launched
The launch of the charity match in aid of the Seán Cox Rehabilitation Trust took place on Monday, with Liverpool and Republic of Ireland legends present at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
The game takes place on Friday, April 12 (7.45pm GMT) and will feature the likes of Robbie Fowler, Ian Rush and John Aldridge.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com about the occasion, LFC ambassador Rush highlighted its importance, as Cox continues to recover from life-threatening injuries:
“This game is so important to everyone playing in it, we want the best for Seán and his family and that means raising money playing this game to support his ongoing rehabilitation.
“Dublin is a special place to play when you’re a Red but playing in honour of Seán will make this a very special night and I hope our supporters will continue the incredible support they’ve already shown and turn up for Sean on April 12.”
Along with Fowler and Rush, Sander Westerveld, Jerzy Dudek, Glen Johnson, Patrik Berger, Vladimir Smicer, Salif Diao and Djibril Cisse have all been confirmed for the Liverpool Legends.
Aldridge, Jason McAteer, Robbie Keane and Phil Babb will represent both sides, while Kevin Kilbane, Ian Harte, Lee Carsley and Liam Lawrence turn out for Ireland, managed by Mick McCarthy.
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