Liverpool’s senior players have begun to return and a week’s training and preparation is around the corner. Meantime, there’s news on the future.
Anfield Road End expansion updates
Documents have been revealed regarding the club’s expansion of the Anfield Road end of the stadium, with Insider Media reporting their findings.
The capacity will increase by just over 7,000 seats, taking the total at that end of the ground to around 16,000 and the total Anfield capacity to beyond 61,000.
With regards to the actual detail, it’s largely as expected: a two-tier stand, red brick construction and a central glazed section. It will be built, of course, to match the new Main Stand, with the exterior built first around the current stand to allow works to continue during the season and leave the stadium in full use.
The full planning application should be submitted during 2020, with an estimated completion date of 2022.
Local residents have already been invited to the next stage of the public consultation process next week.
Lallana’s summer options emerge
Adam Lallana looks almost certain to depart the Reds at the end of the season, with his contract expiring and game time at a premium.
Early Friday morning brought news of the teams most interested in him, with ex-Reds boss Brendan Rodgers at the head of the queue with Leicester City.
At least three other Premier League teams are said to be keen on signing the No. 20, including Spurs and Arsenal.
It looks as though he’ll almost be able to have his pick of the teams in and around the European spots to join, which is a nod to his influence and ability at his peak—though that was at least three years ago now, with injuries consistently disrupting his involvement since.
In the meantime, he’ll still be trying to be playing as much as possible as the Reds continue to push for more trophies.
Decision-making at the top of the game
It’s not always only about the on-pitch news; today sees the focus at the higher end of the spectrum.
- Liverpool co-owner Tom Werner has called for sensible ruling regarding Premier League clubs’ transfers after Brexit
- Premier League clubs may be one step closer to safe standing after positive trials outside the top flight
- And investigations into Liverpool “spying” on Man City have been dropped by the FA
Trophies the reward but finances a bonus
We are all in it for the glory – but the players get their expenses paid too, and then a bit more!
For the fans, seeing that Premier League trophy lofted by those in Red will be the end of 30 years of frustration and the parties will go on for a while afterward.
The players who have achieved it, though, will bank a cool £4 million between them as well as getting hold of those winners’ medals, with a sliding scale on appearances deciding how much each player gets.
It’s estimated that key performers would earn around £150,000 each for this bonus.
Jurgen Klopp would also get a hefty bonus, per his contract terms with the club.
Nice little earners for a job (almost!) well done!
Quickfire LFC news
- Critchley has revealed more about his post-match conversation with Klopp after the FA Cup replay win (LFC)
- Mo Salah is already back in the gym at Melwood and says he’s “back from the holiday” he “didn’t go on” (TIA)
- Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix says in Liverpool, his team have been handed the Champions League‘s toughest side (Goal)
- And Moyesey says the Reds are the new Man United – because they are now the team everyone wants to beat (Sky Sports)
Around the Prem
- Chelsea want Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana to replace the world’s most expensive stopper, Kepa, because this is what happens when you panic buy (Goal)
- Man United have opted against signing Lautaro Martinez from Inter for £94m, probably as they expect Odion Ighalo to be every bit as good (Times)
- And Barcelona want to pay nearly £100m to take Adama Traore back ‘home’ from Wolves, because their transfer policy hasn’t given us enough laughs over the last two years (Mail)
Stupid celebration of the week
You probably read, or saw, about the Newcastle fan who got so excited at a late goal for his team that he just had to drop his pants. He’s now being investigated by the police for indecent exposure. Keep it put away!
Tweet of the day
Jurgen sets a new Premier League record…and we’ve still got several months to go to improve it even further!
? BOSS ?
Jürgen Klopp has been named as the @premierleague's Manager of the Month for January – setting a new record for most wins (5) in a single season! ??? pic.twitter.com/orzj152nMo
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 7, 2020
What we’re reading
An interview with Dan Ashworth on the Athletic, about Brighton, homegrown players and England.
And ex-Reds goalkeeper Chris Kirkland talks about social media, why it’s awful and why ‘trolls’ should be given prison sentences, on BBC Sport.
Worth watching tonight
Roma vs. Bologna is the pick of the action, 7:45pm on Premier Sports 1.
Fan Comments