We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Monday, following the Reds’ 1-1 draw away to Man United.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Lallana eager to provide more “big moments”
A big contribution at Old Trafford.
- Klopp hails Liverpool’s subs vs. Man United
Keita brought “little details” to the team.
- Genk suffer setback in preparations for Liverpool visit
A rare off-day for the Belgians.
- Ejaria’s fine first impression & Awoniyi’s nightmare full debut
How Liverpool’s loanees fared at the weekend.
Reds Set for Extended Club World Cup Duties
Liverpool are already taking part in the Club World Cup in Qatar in December, but that may not be the end of their duties in the competition.
According to the New York Times, the Reds are likely to be in the inaugural expanded version in the summer of 2021.
China is expected to host the tournament, which will see 24 teams take part, eight of which will be from Europe.
Held every four years, the teams in question will be made up of the last four winners of the Champions League and the Europa League, one of which is Liverpool.
The format will see the 24 teams split into eight groups of three, with the winner from each one making it into the quarter-finals.
Given Liverpool’s expected new kit deal with Nike and the expansion into the Far East, it is likely this would not be the Reds’ only trip to China in the coming years.
Liverpool Could Rival United for Maddison
A below-par Liverpool may only have managed a draw with United on Sunday, but even on an off-day, they had more possession and attempts on goal than their rivals.
That’s the gulf in quality that exists between the two these days.
The Athletic‘s David Ornstein claims the two sides could now battle to sign Leicester‘s James Maddison, saying “there is a sense” that the Reds will rival United for the 22-year-old’s signature.
Maddison scored at Anfield earlier this month and is enjoying an excellent start to the season for in-form Leicester, netting twice and adding two assists in eight Premier League appearances.
He would be a good addition to Liverpool’s midfield, bringing guile and youth, but there is no guarantee that he feature regularly.
Hoever Out to “Represent Liverpool” at U17 World Cup
Ki-Jana Hoever is one of the most exciting players to emerge from Liverpool’s academy in years, scoring his first Reds goal against MK Dons last month.
The teenage Dutchman is off on international duty for the time being, however, representing the Netherlands at the Under-17 World Cup.
The tournament gets underway in Brazil on Saturday, and speaking to the club’s official website, Hoever said he wants to make Liverpool look good with his performances, as well as himself:
“I don’t only go there for myself.
“I’m going to show everyone, but I’m more going to win it with the team and to represent Liverpool and make a statement again.
“I will try everything to win it with the boys.”
Hoever will hope to feature prominently in the Netherlands’ opener against Japan on Sunday night.
Genk Referee Confirmed
Liverpool return to Champions League action on Wednesday evening, taking on Genk in their Group E clash.
The Reds have found out who the referee will be for the trip to Belgium—fear not, Martin Atkinson is nowhere to be seen!
Slovenian official Slavko Vincic will take charge of the contest, as Jurgen Klopp‘s side look for a first away win in Europe since April.
Vincic has refereed one Liverpool game in the past—a 1-1 draw with Sion in 2015, which was Brendan Rodgers’ final match as Reds manager at Anfield.
Bearne Signs First Professional Deal
Jack Bearne has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool, the club have confirmed.
The forward turned 18 last month and is a part of Barry Lewtas‘ under-18s setup, making two substitute appearances this season, prior to picking up an ankle injury.
Bearne scored four goals and provided two assists in 19 games in 2018/19, also scoring a penalty in the shootout win over Man City in the FA Youth Cup final.
The youngster joins the likes of Jake Cain, Leighton Clarkson, Paul Glatzel, Rhys Williams, Abdi Sharif, Morgan Boyes and Hoever in signing a maiden professional deal this year.
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