We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Monday, following the Reds’ Community Shield defeat to Man City.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Adrian confirmed as Liverpool’s third signing of the summer
A shrewd purchase by the Reds.
- Henderson backs Klopp’s judgement over quiet summer at Anfield
“He knows better than everyone else”.
- Adrian squad number confirmed as Klopp praises “perfect solution”
Find out which number the Spaniard has taken.
- Mignolet’s six years at Liverpool end with €7 million exit
The Belgian has been a good servant.
- The media on Liverpool’s Community Shield defeat
“Minor disappointment” but Reds are “leading challengers” to City.
Adrian On Past Liverpool Interest
Adrian has become Liverpool’s third signing of the summer, completing a free transfer from West Ham and joining on a two-year deal.
In an interview with LiverpoolFC.com, the 32-year-old admits the Reds showed interest in him in the past, and also touched upon his style of play as a goalkeeper:
“To be fair, there was interest years ago, but the real interest was in the last few days.
“We spoke every day with my agent and we had other options to move, because I finished with West Ham as a free agent last season. Finally, the last call was yesterday was to go to London to do all the stuff. Obviously I’m really happy to be here.
“[My style of play is] Spanish style! The Spanish style is in good form because we have very good ‘keepers. We mentioned Pepe Reina; David de Gea is in great form and we can see many good ‘keepers doing well around the world in all the leagues.
“I like to help the team from the back. Obviously we need to save goals but now the modern ‘keeper has to be very complete.
“I am still learning at my age, still learning and improving, but I think I have a great level to show and keep showing in the Premier League.”
Adrian also described the relationship between goalkeepers as “special”, due to often training away from fellow teammates and providing “healthy” competition for one another.
He looks set to be a shrewd acquisition, both on and off the pitch.
Klopp Thinks Outside the Box Once More
Liverpool “have received a motivational speech from a German surfer about managing stress and dealing with panic as part of their preparations for the new season”, according to the Times‘ Paul Joyce.
Sebastian Steudtner met up with Jurgen Klopp‘s squad in Evian last week, where Liverpool were taking part in a pre-season training camp.
He led a session that focused on breathing techniques and holding your breath, with the Reds players reportedly impressed by the German.
Described by Joyce as “the latest example of Klopp utilising marginal gains to try and give his squad an additional edge”, it is an interesting move by the Liverpool manager.
Klopp has shown in the recruitment of his backroom staff that he will do anything to get even a slight edge over his rivals, bringing in the likes of Mona Nemmer as head of nutrition and throw-in expert Thomas Gronnemark.
Kent Move Possible After Key Leeds Departure
Ryan Kent has been linked with a permanent move away this summer, but main suitors Rangers and Leeds appeared short of the cash to tempt the Reds.
That might have all changed for the Championship club now, as one of their key attackers from last season’s push for promotion appears on the verge of an exit.
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that Kemar Roofe could leave after Leeds‘ first game of the season at the weekend, and local journalist Phil Hay confirmed on Monday that he had passed a medical at Anderlecht.
That £7 million move leaves a space in the team and money in the bank to make a move for Kent—now much will ride on how much Liverpool demand for the 22-year-old.
Reds Linked With Tokoz Move
Liverpool could make a late move for Dorukhan Tokoz this summer, according to TRT Spor journalist Firat Gunayer, via Sport Witness.
The Besiktas midfielder may be allowed to leave the Turkish giants, in order to generate funds for them in what remains of the summer transfer window.
Watford have reportedly shown an interest in the past, with other Premier League clubs also rumoured to be keen, along with Udinese.
It is Liverpool who could make a late bid, however, although only a sizeable offer will be accepted by Besiktas.
Is it a load of rubbish, or is there legs in the story? Only time will tell.
Robertson Backs Another Title Challenge
Liverpool may have lost on penalties to Man City, but there were positives to take from the game, not least the way in which the Reds outplayed their rivals.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com after the match, Andy Robertson was in typically bullish spirits, backing his side to be in the Premier League title reckoning again:
“Whether we won or whether we lost today, we weren’t going to look too much into it. That was my opinion anyway because it’s a one-off game.
“We know the season did come down to that game at the Etihad really, but it’s over 38 games and that’s what it will come down to again.
“We know we are a good team and we know we are here to stay. We need to prove that again.
“The other teams that were quite a bit behind us last season will pose a better threat than they did last season and Man City will definitely be here to stay.
“So it will be an interesting league but it’s one where we can definitely compete in.”
Another rollercoaster ride gets underway on Friday night, as Liverpool host Norwich at Anfield.
Fahey Named LFC Women’s Vice-Captain
Niamh Fahey has been named Liverpool FC Women’s new vice-captain, the club have confirmed.
The 31-year-old will be deputy to Sophie Bradley-Auckland, who will carry on her role as captain from last season.
Fahey won Liverpool’s Professional Footballers Association’s Community Champion Award in her first year at Anfield in 2018/19 – the club she grew up supporting.
Capable of thriving both in midfield and defence, she will continue to be an important figure in the Women’s Super League this season.
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