We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Monday, as the Reds’ return to pre-season fast approaches.
Today’s Main Headlines
- AC Milan approach Lovren’s agent
Likelihood of a move increased over the weekend.
- Liverpool confirm deal as Grujic stays in the Bundesliga
The midfielder will return to Anfield in 2020/21.
- Guardiola on why every player and manager fears Anfield
Fascinating quotes from the Man City boss.
- Stam’s cynical take on new signing Van den Berg
The ex-PEC Zwolle boss has his say.
- Eye-catching stories behind the Liverpool U23s’ top 10 goals
Not a great season, but some wonderful strikes.
Keita Back in Liverpool for Treatment
Naby Keita has continued to be dogged by injury at the Africa Cup of Nations, with thigh and shin issues picked up against Nigeria last week.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Guinea press officer Mamadou Camara confirmed that the midfielder has returned to Liverpool to have his thigh assessed, but should reunite with his international team-mates in the coming days:
“Yes, he has gone for a medical consultation [at Liverpool], as you know he was the victim of a lot of heavy challenges in the game against Nigeria.
“So he consulted with medical staff over there and they asked him to come back for two days so he has gone for two days and he is coming back the day after tomorrow.
“The idea is that he is here to play in the last 16 but I don’t think we can say he will 100 percent.”
Guinea have reached the AFCON last 16 by virtue of being one of the best third-placed teams, and captain Keita will be desperate to feature upon his return.
English Interest in Grabara
Marko Grujic‘s return to Hertha Berlin on loan has been confirmed, but what about Kamil Grabara‘s future?
Providing an update on the situation, Goal‘s Neil Jones claims he is wanted by clubs in England this summer.
A move to the Championship would be ideal for the 20-year-old, mirroring the career path of England under-21s ‘keeper Dean Henderson.
The Man United stopper spent last season at Sheffield United, featuring in all 46 matches and helping them earn promotion back to the Premier League.
Grabara was on loan at AGF Aarhus in the second half of 2018/19, and considering the lack of first-team opportunities set to come his way at Liverpool, another move away is logical.
Simon Mignolet or a new signing will be Alisson‘s deputy in 2019/20, while fellow youngster Caoimhin Kelleher looks set to be third choice.
A Big Opportunity for Young Left-Backs
Stephen Warnock knows a thing or two about playing at left-back for Liverpool, making 67 appearances between 2004 and 2007.
With Alberto Moreno no longer at Anfield, he told LiverpoolFC.com that this pre-season is a great chance for Adam Lewis to stake a claim as Andy Robertson‘s deputy, as well as Yasser Larouci:
“When you see one of the first-team players in Moreno leaving the club, Adam has got to look at that now and think, ‘is this an opportunity for me?’
“What Adam has to do is hit the ground running, make the most of pre-season and you have to try and press upon to the manager, so he has a doubt in his mind to think, ‘do I actually need to go and buy another left-back?’.
“Can the likes of Adam and Yasser put a seed in the manager’s mind of positivity towards the way they play?”
It would be a surprise if Jurgen Klopp opted against bringing in a more established replacement for Moreno, but pre-season could be a wonderful opportunity for Lewis and Larouci to prove their worth.
Former Chairman Passes Away
Liverpool have confirmed that former director and chairman Noel White has passed away at the age of 89.
His role as chairman was only brief during the early 1990s, but he served as a director for over 20 years, before leaving in 2006.
White was also one of the five founding architects of the Premier League back in 1992 and was subsequently named Life Vice-President of the Football Association.
In 2013, he was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to football, outlining what a vast influence he had on the game.
We send our best wishes to Noel’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Bogdan’s Goodbye Message
Here’s your casual reminder that up until today, Adam Bogdan was still a registered Liverpool player.
The Hungarian goalkeeper has finally left the club after his contract expired, following a disappointing four-year spell that earned him just six appearances and four separate loan moves.
Bogdan has taken to Instagram to post a classy and heartfelt message to everyone associated with the club, as he moves on to a fresh challenge:
“Four years ago I signed for Liverpool FC, now it’s time to say goodbye.
‘I want to say thank you for the people who supported me, gave me the chance to play for this huge club and who helped me get through hard times.
“I will always feel privileged that I belonged to Liverpool FC, trained and played with such fantastic players.
“I’m sure the club will be successful for a long time coming, because the people working for them are simply amazing.
“I would like to wish YOU the very best for the future! #ynwa”
It’s a nice touch by a player who always conducted himself impressively, but was never good enough to thrive at Liverpool.
All the best, Adam.
LFC Women’s Opening Fixture
The 2019/20 Women’s Super League season begins in September and Liverpool’s opening fixture has been revealed.
First up for the Reds is a home clash with Reading FC Women on September 7/8, with the kickoff time at Prenton Park yet to be confirmed.
Vicky Jepson’s team finished eighth in the WSL last season and reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s FA Cup, and will be looking to improve on that this time around.
Coming straight up against her former club will be Becky Jane, who traded Reading for Liverpool earlier in the summer, following eight years with the Royals.
The full WSL fixtures will be made public on July 10.
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