We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, following the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Sporting CP in New York.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Klopp ends talk of possible move for Fernandes
The boss full of praise for the Portuguese, though.
- Klopp declares Clyne injury will not “influence” Liverpool’s plans
Should the Reds sign another right-back?
- Anfield Road expansion will be bigger than originally planned
Chief executive Peter Moore provides a positive update.
- Klopp keen to move on from Champions League success
The manager wants to write a “new chapter”.
- Liverpool quartet hilariously play LFC Hip-Hop Quiz 2019
Gomez, VVD, Ox or Brewster: who comes out on top?
- 5 talking points from Liverpool 2-2 Sporting CP
Full-back cover, Gini in attack & more.
- The striker who scored 5 goals in 2 games on Liverpool’s US tour
Who’s the ruthless goalscorer in question?
Heaton Linked With Reds Move
Simon Mignolet produced a howler against Sporting, allowing Bruno Fernandes’ long-range effort to squeeze past him rather embarrassingly, putting the Portuguese side 1-0 up.
The Belgian’s Liverpool future is still in doubt, with some claiming he is open to leaving and others stating he will likely remain as Alisson‘s backup.
Now, the Daily Mail are reporting that the Reds are interested in signing Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
The 33-year-old has been a stalwart for the Clarets over the last six years, also winning three caps for England during that time.
He would be a solid second-choice ‘keeper to bring in, but any potential move will depend on what happens with Mignolet.
It’s a move that would make sense if Mignolet does push for a move away.
Ox Tackling Calf Problem
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been one of the most vibrant figures during pre-season, producing the dynamic performances that were on show before his cruciate ligament injury in 2017/18.
The 25-year-old was seen limping slightly during Thursday’s clash with Sporting and Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Oxlade-Chamberlain is battling a calf issue.
“He has been a bit unlucky with a calf problem,” said Klopp.
“It is not a tear but something he has it from time to time when the intensity gets too high for him.”
“He had to get through the first 20 minutes (against Sporting) when he was really involved and then he felt it.
“Then he was not part of the game anymore, which is not too cool for the others if there is someone on and off. Apart from that he has made all the sessions, which is unbelievably important. That is very positive.”
It still has to be a case of handling Oxlade-Chamberlain intelligently this season, with an overuse of him potentially disastrous in the long-term.
Matip Positive After “Intense” US Tour
Joel Matip has taken his 2018/19 form into pre-season, arguably making himself favourite to start alongside Virgil van Dijk this season, ahead of Joe Gomez.
Although Liverpool failed to win in three attempts during the tour of America, the Cameroonian is still in positive spirits.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, Matip said improvements are required before the Reds host Norwich on August 9, but they are getting better all the time:
“It was an intense period with good opponents and we worked hard to get a better fitness level and to get back in the mood.
“We still have a lot of work to do and we are working hard. I’m looking forward and we are confident.
“We know it’s a long way to go and we still have a lot to improve, but we’re on a good way.”
Opinion will be split on who starts out of Matip and Gomez moving forward, but the former has to be pole position currently.
Reds Apply to Trademark the Name “Liverpool”
Liverpool FC have submitted an application to the Intellectual Property Office to trademark the name “Liverpool”.
That’s according to BusinessLive, who claim the move is to “protect the club and supporters from ‘inauthentic products’.”
The club have stated that it is “only in the context of football products and services”, promising that any revenue generated will be channelled back in and reinvested on transfers and improving Anfield.
Chelsea and Southampton have successfully adopted the approach in the past.
A report in the Liverpool Echo says that Liverpool would then be able “to take legal action against organisations selling products or services suggesting they are official LFC products because they feature the word ‘Liverpool.”
It’s all a bit wordy, but you get the gist!
Match of the Day Under Threat
Match of the Day has been a footballing institution in England for over half a century, with Saturday nights often spent watching highlights from earlier in the day.
Now, the legendary BBC show is reportedly under threat, with the Daily Mail claiming that Sky are planning on putting free three-minute Premier League highlights on YouTube straight after games finish this season.
Should the move go through, Match of the Day’s viewing figures would likely take a hit, possibly threatening its future.
The report does state that Sky believe “fans who watch highlights on their smart phones represent a different demographic to the traditional Match of the Day audience”, which is a fair point.
While the show has its critics, certainly in terms of the analysis from some pundits, it would be a shame to see it go.
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