We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Monday, as the UEFA Super Cup clash with Chelsea fast approaches.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Origi on why he is a “different player” now
The Belgian on how that gives him an edge at Liverpool.
- Klopp urges Liverpool to “stay greedy” in pursuit of silverware
Madrid triumph mustn’t be a false dawn.
- Brewster building “volume of football” ahead of first-team role
How much will the youngster feature in 2019/20?
- Liverpool’s previous UEFA Super Cup wins
A hat-trick, beating Bayern & extra-time excellence.
Reds Lower Lovren Asking Price
Reports on Monday had already linked Dejan Lovren with a move to Serie A before the European transfer window closes, and now there’s been another twist.
The Liverpool Echo claim that the Croatian will be able to leave Liverpool for as little as €15 million (£13.9m) with bonuses raising this to €20 million (£18.5m).
This is a far cry from the £25 million that Lovren was valued at earlier in the summer, perhaps hinting at the manner in which the centre-back’s stock has fallen.
He was not involved in Friday’s 4-1 win over Norwich at Anfield, having slipped to fourth in the centre-back pecking order.
It would still arguably be a surprise if Lovren left, considering the depth he adds to Liverpool’s squad, but could Jurgen Klopp already see Ki-Jana Hoever and Sepp van den Berg as better options?
Trent Backs Adrian to Shine
Adrian made an assured debut for Liverpool against Norwich, admittedly coming in far-from-ideal circumstances following Alisson‘s injury.
The 32-year-old looks set for an extended run in the side in the Brazilian’s absence and he has received the backing of numerous team-mates in recent days.
The latest player to laud his new colleague is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who told the Evening Standard he has total faith in Adrian filling the void, also praising his character off the field:
“[His experience] is the main thing, he knows what he is doing. He’s played a load of games, so he knows what it is about.
“Obviously when a ‘keeper has to come off, it’s never too promising, so yes, I think everyone needs to get their head around [the fact] that he probably will be our keeper for the next few weeks.
“And if so, then we have to live with that, embrace that and I’m sure he will learn from us.
“We will be able to make good connections with him and I think a lot of the lads have made bonds with him already because he’s such a good lad off the pitch.”
Adrian would never have expected to become such a key figure straight away, but Liverpool could now be relying on him to produce some big performances for the foreseeable future.
Coventry Join Race for Kane
Herbie Kane enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Doncaster Rovers in 2018/19, proving to be one of League One’s standout performers.
The young midfielder is set for another temporary move from Liverpool this time around, with Portsmouth linked.
The Portsmouth News report that Coventry City are also showing an interest, however, in a tug-of-war for the 20-year-old that also concerns other unnamed clubs.
Whoever manages to acquire Kane’s signature will be getting a talented, hard-working midfielder capable of making a noticeable difference to a League One side.
Football League clubs have until Thursday, September 2 to sign players.
Gomez Sensible; Robbo Assesses Chelsea
It’s been a busy day in terms of Liverpool players speaking to the media.
In an interview with LiverpoolFC.com, Joe Gomez has insisted the Reds still behave like “underdogs” in terms of their approach, saying: “We still see ourselves as a hungry team that hasn’t achieved what we want to achieve yet.”
It’s a sensible outlook, showing that Klopp and his players see the Champions League win as the start of something special, rather than just a one-off success.
Meanwhile, Andy Robertson has also been talking to LFCTV at Melwood, where he outlined what he expects from Chelsea in the Super Cup in midweek.
“They’ve got fantastic youth players that have went out and done it at a very high level,” he explained.
“So they’ll be ready to make the jump and Frank Lampard did a very good job at Derby.”
Both Gomez and Robertson will hope to start in Istanbul on Wednesday, although the former’s unconvincing performance at home to Norwich has led to some calls for Joel Matip to return to the side.
Critchley Hails Young Pair
Neil Critchley is embarking on another season as Liverpool under-23s manager with an exciting campaign expected, not least with new signings Van den Berg and Harvey Elliott involved.
Two players who the Reds will be without are Nat Phillips and George Johnston, who have joined VfB Stuttgart (loan) and Feyenoord (permanent) respectively this summer.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, Critchley described Phillips’ move to Germany as a “fantastic life experience,” as he earns invaluable first-team playing time.
As for Johnston, who himself has made a bold decision, the U23s boss hailed his switch as an “unbelievable opportunity,” kindly adding that “we will continue to support him and watch his progress from afar.”
The U23s fell to a surprise 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Saturday in their Premier League 2 opener, but will be hoping to bounce back away to Chelsea next Monday.
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