Sancho ‘prefers’ Reds move & 2020/21 start date confirmed – Liverpool FC Roundup

July 29, 2020
This Is Anfield

Liverpool are in the news today with transfer rumours, kit leaks, the new season start dates and more. Normal Wednesday, then!

New season countdown is on

One month – that’s it. That’s how long the Reds have between right now and the new campaign officially kicking off.

The players are now starting their close season, but it’ll be an extremely short one with the Community Shield now set for 29 August, against either Arsenal or Chelsea.

It’s highly likely that Jurgen Klopp will be using the game as one of his friendlies, essentially, so don’t be surprised to see different players to a potential strongest XI, depending on their workload in the build-up to the game.

The Wembley fixture could have fans in attendance, that’s yet to be decided, and the Premier League season will kick off two weeks after the Community Shield.

And we’ll be defending champions, of course!

Sancho prefers Anfield, obviously

Unless you live under a rock, you’ll probably be aware that Jadon Sancho is wanted by Manchester United this summer, and that he carries an almighty price tag of close to £100m, if not more.

English media have recently reported that United are alternately close to agreeing a deal, haven’t made a bid, will only pay £80m or will wait until next summer to make their move – but German news today offers a different angle.

Kicker say that Sancho, in fact, prefers a move to Liverpool over Manchester United, as he’d have a greater chance of winning trophies with us.

Probably true. But United might well make a run deep into the latter stages of the League Cup, Jadon. Wait a year and then we’ll bid for you!

So much to look forward to

It has been one hell of a year…and everything points to next season’s side being just as amazing, just as enjoyable, just as capable of winning major trophies.

Alisson loves everything about the club and explains how special it is to be part of Liverpool
German media are claiming Bayern have dropped the asking price for Thiago Alcantara, which is now much closer to the Reds’ valuation
And the new Nike kit has been accidentally released by a retailer, days before the big launch

Quickfire LFC news

Here’s a brilliant photo diary of Liverpool’s 2019/20 season (TIA)

The U23s will be playing TNS in a friendly ahead of the new season (OBC Advertizer)

Virgil loves trophies, clean sheets and Naby Keita, who he says is “world class” (LFC)

In contrast to most reports, the Reds have absolutely no interest in Thiago and are intent on sealing a new deal for Gini Wijnaldum (ESPN)

Around the Prem

Phil Coutinho has the choice of Leicester, Arsenal or Spurs and honestly, the thought of him being deployed 90 yards from goal under Mourinho is just depressing (Sport)

West Ham will continue their push toward the Championship by signing another player from the second tier – Ebe Eze from QPR. In seriousness, he and Bowen are both better than plenty of other ‘top’ signings they’ve made (Guardian)

David Silva could be set for the surprise move to Italian side Lazio, because obviously they need a replacement for Liverpool-bound Joaquin Correa – remember that rumour (AS)

And Palace will “consider” a move for Ryan Fraser, which about sums them up. He’s free, better than what they’ve got, they’re about to lose Zaha and he’s not 30 years old like the rest of their team. But they’ll just muse over it for now (Telegraph)

Stupid owner of the day

Bournemouth‘s owner says his club belongs at the highest level and he’ll be committed to getting them back there. Possibly the supporters might feel this is an approach and interest in proceedings which might have been better-served six or 12 months ago.

Tweet of the day

Firmino holding the trophy means it’s time for a friendly reminder –

Goals & Assists in the Champions League since 17/18:

Firmino: 28
Ronaldo: 28
Messi: 28

No other PL #9 touches his CL pedigree. pic.twitter.com/92s9T9SvD0

— Tommy (@Tommy___77) July 25, 2020