We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Tuesday, as the Reds’ opening pre-season clash edges closer.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Shaqiri set to be out injured for “a while”
Another pre-season setback for Liverpool.
- Lewis sets target for Liverpool role after pre-season call
The left-back is part of the squad at Melwood.
- Alonso’s first step into management and plans for after Klopp
Could Xabi be Klopp’s long-term successor?
- QUIZ: Name every Liverpool player to feature last pre-season?
If you get 100%, fair play!
- The lowdown on Liverpool target Harvey Elliott
The ‘quiet’ teenager with ‘arrogant’ footballing ability.
Liverpool “Optimistic” Over Origi Deal
Divock Origi has ensured he will forever go down as a Liverpool hero, following his match-winning displays in 2018/19.
Not only did he score the Champions League-clinching goal against Tottenham, but crucial further strikes were recorded in wins over Everton, Newcastle and Barcelona.
Having looked certain to leave Anfield last summer, Origi is now set to sign a new deal, according to ESPN‘s Melissa Reddy.
Liverpool are thought to be “optimistic” about the Belgian extending his stay, with just a year remaining on his current deal.
Origi could battle with Rhian Brewster to be Roberto Firmino‘s deputy in 2019/20.
Elliott Will Join First Team
Harvey Elliott is on the verge of becoming Liverpool’s second signing of the summer, following Sepp van den Berg‘s arrival from PEC Zwolle.
The 16-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s outstanding young talents and the Reds have fought off competition from Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG to sign him.
Despite his tender years, the Premier League‘s youngest-ever player will go straight into training with Liverpool’s first-team squad, according to the Liverpool Echo.
There are “no immediate plans” to send the boyhood Red into the academy in Kirkby, with the club feeling Elliott will profit more from playing alongside senior figures.
A versatile forward with outstanding natural ability, his arrival should be confirmed in the near future.
Moreno Completes Villarreal Move
Alberto Moreno is no longer a Liverpool player, having run down his contract at Anfield.
The Spaniard was linked with a host of clubs this summer, including Barcelona, Aston Villa and Marseille, but Villarreal is his next destination.
The 27-year-old completed his medical on Tuesday, prior to signing a five-year deal with the Liga outfit.
Liverpool are believed to have offered Moreno a contract extension, but he turned it down in search of more regular first-team football.
He became the Reds’ second-choice left-back by some distance following the rise of Andy Robertson, eventually falling below the required standard.
LFC Women Confirm New Signing
Liverpool FC Women have announced the signing of Jade Bailey from Chelsea.
The 23-year-old spent three years with the Blues, also playing for Reading FC Women on loan last season, but she has traded London for Merseyside.
Manager Vicky Jepson has spoken of her delight at the move, with Bailey’s experience and quality hopefully proving key:
“We wanted a young, talented individual to add quality and depth to our midfield.
“She’s got a great background coming through at Arsenal and going to Chelsea. She’s had a good education and now she needs to showcase to the Women’s Super League what she’s about.
“As a club we’re very much looking forward to supporting her on that journey.
“She’s young but also has quite a lot of experience playing under great managers and with great players, so she’ll bring that to our squad having been around winning teams and winning environments.”
LFC Women’s first game of the new Women’s Super League season is on September 7/8, with Tranmere’s Prenton Park hosting their clash with Reading.
Youngster Seals Reds Move
Northern Irish youngster Conor Bradley has completed his move to Liverpool on Tuesday.
A deal has long been in place for the midfielder to join from Dungannon Swifts, signing a two-year scholarship deal.
The speedy winger will join up with Barry Lewtas‘ under-18s ahead of the new season.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph about the move last month, the Northern Irishman couldn’t hide his excitement:
“I can’t wait for it. It will be a great opportunity.
“I’m not too nervous about it yet because I’ve been over so many times before and I’m living with the same family I’ve always stayed with.
“But then maybe the nerves will hit me a bit when I’m actually there.
“I don’t like to think about it all too much yet. It’s a bit overwhelming that I’m going to join the club that I support but hopefully I can take it all in my stride.”
The likes of Abdi Sharif, Leighton Clarkson and Jake Cain could all move up to the under-23s this summer, leaving a gap in Lewtas’ midfield.
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