Latest news with #Anfield
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool Poised to Finalise Wirtz Signing
Report: Liverpool Poised to Announce Florian Wirtz Deal Today Strategic Statement from Anfield Liverpool's expected announcement of Florian Wirtz today isn't just the club's biggest-ever transfer—it's a mission statement. As reported by ESPN, the Reds are set to complete a deal worth up to £116 million (€136m) for the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, with an initial £100m payment and a further £16m in performance-related add-ons. Advertisement This would eclipse the club's previous record spend on Virgil van Dijk and also overtake the fee Chelsea paid for Moisés Caicedo in 2023. More than that, it sends a clear message: Liverpool are no longer just rebuilding, they're reshaping their identity in the post-Klopp era. A New Era with Purposeful Planning Florian Wirtz could potentially be announced today according to the ESPN report. The timing isn't coincidental—it allows Liverpool to dominate the narrative going into pre-season. Photo: IMAGO According to ESPN, 'senior Anfield figures' believe Wirtz could have the same 'transformational' impact as Van Dijk and Alisson Becker, whose arrivals in 2018 elevated the club into serial contenders. But unlike those signings, which were seen as final pieces in a puzzle, Wirtz represents a starting point—one that could define the Arne Slot era. Wirtz and Frimpong Reunited Wirtz becomes Liverpool's second signing of the summer, following the £29.5m capture of former Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong. That familiarity could prove essential, especially with a new manager and evolving tactical demands. Advertisement Slot's system calls for technically astute players who can operate between the lines and maintain high-intensity transitions. Wirtz fits that mould. His role in Leverkusen's Bundesliga triumph and Germany's Euro 2024 squad has showcased his intelligence, spatial awareness, and versatility. This isn't simply a player with potential—it's a player who's already shown he can be central to a title-winning project. Kerkez Deal Highlights Recruitment Shift As ESPN also noted, Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, worth around €45 million (£38m). At just 21, he represents the same forward-thinking approach: invest in high-upside talent before they become unattainable. Our View – EPL Index Analysis As Liverpool fans, it's hard not to feel something stirring again. The signing of Florian Wirtz—if confirmed today—marks more than just a headline moment. It's a realignment with our best selves. The Liverpool that dared to win, to out-think, and to outplay. Advertisement Wirtz isn't just a wonderkid. He's a ready-made playmaker who can carry games, link midfield to attack, and thrive under pressure. Beating clubs like Bayern, City, and Madrid to his signature speaks volumes. It shows the badge still means something. It shows ambition. Linking up again with Frimpong adds familiarity and fluidity. Those two could become the spine of Slot's Liverpool—built for speed, smart in transitions, and fearless in attack. And with Kerkez almost done, there's a genuine sense that the club are assembling a squad for the next five years, not just the next season. These moves feel deliberate, not desperate. If Wirtz signs today, it's not just business done—it's Liverpool reborn. And fans should feel optimistic, because the building blocks of a new dynasty might just be falling into place.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool lose star midfielder due to BIZARRE twist
Liverpool are planning to be fit and raring to go for the start of their title defence in August. Transfer moves are being completed over these next few months and in July, the players will reconvene for a pre-season tour of Japan before building up their training for the new season. Advertisement New tactical blueprints will have been created by Arne Slot over the summer and he will be desperately hoping that he has a full squad of players to choose from when August rolls around. However, one player has been confirmed to be unavailable for the start of the season already and it's nothing to do with their fitness. A bizarre part of the Premier League rolls prohibits his participation. © IMAGO Ryan Gravenberch to miss the season opener On Wednesday June 19, the date that every football fan has in their diary rolled around - it was Premier League fixture release day, allowing fans to theorise how difficult their team's chances of winning the title might be, depending on a tough start, a tough run-in or strategic fixture choices. Advertisement In our own world, the fact that you would play a rival at home or away first makes an enormous difference as to whether the team will have enough momentum to come away with a win. First up for the reigning Champions is Bournemouth, who will be visiting Anfield on Friday 15th August, which should ordinarily be a straightforward start. The Cherries will be missing Dean Huijsen, and supposedly Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi from their defensive ranks due to transfers. However, Gravenberch will be absent from the Reds, despite his long-term commitment to the side. Of course, you will be asking, 'how can this be?'. Well, it's because he got a red card during our last game of the season against Crystal Palace, and while yellow cards don't carry over, red ones do. Advertisement The challenge he put in was deemed 'a professional last man foul' which might otherwise be known as 'denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity' (DOGSO) which is a one match ban according to the FA as supposed to 'serious foul play' or 'violent conduct' which incur more serious suspensions. You might also now be thinking, 'can't he serve it during the Community Shield?', and the answer to that is sadly no, he can't. Had there have been an FA Cup game to be played prior to the season, then potentially this could've avoided it, but the powers that be have decided that this can't happen. As such, he will be missing the Bournemouth game indefinitely and Slot will have to plan for his absence accordingly. Although we have been aware that he would be missing the opening game of the season for some time; the specific opponent was unknown, however. Now we know the damage. Generally speaking this shouldn't be a problem. While the Dutchman was incredibly impressive last season, the squad has more than enough to cover him. But it just goes to show, one error to try and make sure the team didn't finish the season with a loss, has left us a man-short to start off with again.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
SPORTS DIGEST: Madrid move could be coming at the right time for Scotland skipper Robertson
Scotland fans may have been surprised last week to read that Andy Robertson had emerged as a target for Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side are reportedly confident of getting a deal done for the left-back, 31, who won his second Premier League title with Liverpool last season. While it may be disappointing for Scots to see the national team skipper move abroad, it's in fact a move that could make perfect sense for all parties. Liverpool are expected to complete a £45m deal for Bournemouth 's Milos Kerkez, who they hope will be Robertson's long-term successor at left-back. The Scot's contract at Anfield is also up after the coming season. 'I'm not getting any younger,' he recently said when asked about his future on Merseyside. 'I can't change my age, but I've got a lot to give. We've had good discussions, me and the club, but what the future holds, I'm not sure.' A move to Diego Simeone's side would pretty much guarantee Robertson regular first-team football in both La Liga and the Champions League, which would be good news for the Tartan Army, considering the former Queen's Park and Dundee United man would likely be playing second fiddle to Kerkez should he remain at Anfield. An £8m signing from Hull City in 2017, Robertson has won it all at Liverpool; two league titles, the Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups. What a signing he's been. But all good things come to an end and the time feels right for him to move on. Some Reds fans felt his performances dipped slightly last season and that's natural; he's perhaps past his prime but still has plenty to offer at club and international level. He still made 45 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, while also increasing his Scotland cap total to 84, third on the all-time list behind Jim Leighton (91) and Kenny Dalglish (102). A move to Madrid could prove ideal for Robertson as he looks to prolong his career at the highest level and chase down that caps record. Askou faces tough challenge at Motherwell Motherwell deserve credit for thinking outside the box once again when it comes to their managerial position. The Steelmen club last week appointed Jens Berthel Askou as their new boss to replace the departed Michael Wimmer. The Dane has previously managed in his homeland, as well as the Faroe Islands and Sweden, with his most recent post being assistant boss at FC Copenhagen. Given Askou's unheralded status and that his last job as a manager ended around a year ago at IFK Goteburg, his appointment doesn't come without risk. Just a quick glance at the Fir Park outgoings so far this summer will only serve to underline that fact. The club confirmed earlier this week that Harry Paton, Steve Seddon, Davor Zdravkovski and Moses Ebiye were the latest to leave following the expiry of their contracts. That quartet had a combined 107 appearances last season. That news follows on from the previous departures of defenders Shane Blaney and Dan Casey, as well as Ross Callachan and Mark Ferrie. 10 loan players have also returned to their parent clubs after spells in Lanarkshire. What's more, the future of club captain Lennon Miller is still up in the air amid interest from several big sides. The departures leave a lot of minutes to be filled. So far, the only arrivals have been former Dundee defender Jordan McGhee and Austrian midfielder Lukas Fadinger from SCR Altach. Youth development is always going to be key at a club like Motherwell and Askou is perhaps going to have to rely on younger players, especially in the early going. The Dane's previous experience in this regard should prove vital. 'I've given 25 or 26 under-19 players their first game in my five-and-a-half years as a head coach,' he said this week. 'I know what it's like and I love seeing young people develop and thrive.' Askou will take charge for the first time in just a few weeks, as the Steelmen get their Premier Sports Cup campaign underway against Clyde on July 12. It certainly sounds like the club's young players will get opportunities early on as the new manager looks to get off to a good start. It's perhaps not surprising to see a clear-out at Fir Park given another bottom-half finish, but rebuilding is always hard, particularly for a manager who is just in the door. In Askou, the Steelmen hope they have the right man for the challenges ahead. Bannigan's departure is latest blow for Jags It's never boring at Partick Thistle but while talking points are plentiful at Firhill this summer, reasons to be cheerful are not. It's been a whirlwind month or so for the Jags since their campaign ended with defeat to Livingston in the Premiership play-off semi-final. The club appeared to botch the appointment of a permanent manager, alienating Brian Graham - who has now left for Falkirk - by speaking to external candidates before offering their goal centurion the job. After he rejected it, the club turned to his previous co-interim boss Mark Wilson. There has also been verbal sparring between the board and fan ownership group The Jags Foundation, all the while sporting director Ian Baraclough is recovering from serious injuries sustained in an accident on holiday, and the club are awaiting the outcome of an SFA charge relating to fan trouble during their play-off win over Ayr United. But the playing squad is currently the biggest issue at Firhill, and the departure of a club legend has added to fans' concerns. After making more than 400 appearances over 15 years, Stuart Bannigan joined Championship rivals Ayr this week. Thistle had been keen to hold on to the midfielder, but they couldn't agree on an extension, the veteran instead signing a one-year deal with Scott Brown's side. At 32 years old, Bannigan clearly still has plenty to offer. He was a near-constant as his side once again came close to promotion and won the club's player of the month award three times in a row from November to January last season. Supporters were understandably unhappy at the news, particularly coming in the wake of Graham's departure. It leaves the team with a huge gap to fill in terms of experience and leadership. Fans were also angered that official word from the club came almost an hour after Ayr had announced Bannigan's signing. With a pair of fans' favourites now gone, on top of the other issues in Maryhill, it adds to the suspicion that it could be a long season for the Firhill faithful. End of Accies' problems... or just the beginning? When it comes to lower league drama, Hamilton are still miles ahead of Partick Thistle. On Thursday, Accies confirmed their move to Broadwood Stadium for the next two years. It has come at a cost, they admitted, and in amongst some bold words about fighting for the future, there was also an apology to their supporters. And quite right, too. The embattled Lanarkshire club have been mired in financial and ownership difficulties, and were demoted from the Championship last month after incurring a 15-point deduction for breaching multiple SPFL rules. Amid the turbulence, Accies opted to leave New Douglas Park due to a dispute over stadium ownership. Their request to play their home games at Broadwood in Cumbernauld was passed by the SPFL with a two-year lease - and the option of a third year if necessary - agreed with North Lanarkshire Council. 'This relocation has not been undertaken lightly,' read a statement confirming the move. 'As part of our agreement, the club was required to commit to paying a full year of rental, operational, and security costs upfront, a significant financial obligation that has had immediate consequences for our liquidity. 'We understand the emotional impact this temporary move may have. We apologise to our loyal supporters for the inconvenience, but we promise this: we will fight for our future.' Without the supporters, they will have no future so let's hope they can somehow get the fans back onside.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Wirtz to Liverpool announcement IMMINENT, Chelsea ‘lead Gittens race', Napoli ‘want Nunez'
More on Liverpool Liverpool are reportedly keen on adding Marc Guehi to their defensive options. The Times have claimed that while Jarell Quansah is not being pushed out of the door at Anfield, they have his replacement in mind. Guehi is one of the Premier League's top defenders outside of the top six and has long been linked with an exit from Selhurst Park.
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Liverpool join the race to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to replace one of their star defenders heading closer towards the exit
Liverpool are showing an interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as it appears his England team-mate Jarell Quansah is heading for the Anfield exit door. Quansah, who broke through in Jurgen Klopp 's final season but struggled to back it up in the following campaign, is high on Bayer Leverkusen's shopping list to replace the outgoing Jonathan Tah. Tah joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer and the German side are keen on Quansah. They hold good relations with Liverpool and the English champions unofficially owe them a favour after signing both Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz this summer. Guehi is one contender Liverpool could sign to replace him and the England star is heading into his last year under contract at Selhurst Park. Last season, the Eagles were after as much as £65million to sell their captain as Newcastle had a number of bids turned down. Their bargaining power is somewhat weaker now but he would still command a fair fee, and they are in talks to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande for as much as £40m — a player Liverpool have scouted in the past. Jarrad Branthwaite has also been considered by the Anfield hierarchy but signing a player from city rivals Everton would be tricky. The Reds want a defender with Ibrahima Konate's future still not solved and the Frenchman is entering the final year of his Anfield deal, though the two parties are in talks over an extension with Real Madrid lurking in the background and keen on him. Joe Gomez is also still at Liverpool and Arne Slot likes his leadership qualities though he missed a chunk of last season through injury. There was mass interest to sign him and he nearly departed last summer. In both cases of Quansah and Gomez, Liverpool are not pushing them to the exit door. Wirtz jetted into England on Thursday and will complete his medical tests on Friday ahead of being officially unveiled as a Liverpool player for a club-record £100m which could rise to £116m. They have already signed his good mate Frimpong — the pair were on holiday together this week — for £29.5m and they are close to signing Hungary and Bournemouth left back Milos Kerkez for around £40m. Liverpool also want a striker if they can afford it. Newcastle's Alexander Isak is the dream though he would command an even bigger fee than what they are paying for Wirtz. Eintracht Frankfurt's France striker Hugo Ekitike is another they like. Andy Robertson is mulling over a potential move to Atletico Madrid. Sources in Spain say the capital club are confident but there is no done deal yet either at a personal or club-to-club level. Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa are also likely to leave this summer. Harvey Elliott is likely to have reduced game time with the arrival of Wirtz and could also be sold if a big offer comes in.
