Latest news with #ErikTenHag
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florian Wirtz Reveals how Arne Slot Convinced him to Join Liverpool
Florian Wirtz: 'Liverpool Is the Place I Want to Be' Liverpool have landed one of Europe's most sought-after young stars in Florian Wirtz, prising the German playmaker from Bayer Leverkusen in a move that speaks volumes about their ambition under Arne Slot. With a Premier League title already under his belt in his first season, Slot is clearly shaping the squad in his image, and Wirtz is a marquee addition designed to elevate that vision. Advertisement The 22-year-old arrives from a resurgent Leverkusen side now led by Erik ten Hag, and his signing marks another strategic success for Liverpool's recruitment team. Alongside Jeremie Frimpong, another Leverkusen alumnus, Wirtz adds flair, versatility and Bundesliga-bred sharpness to a squad aiming to retain domestic dominance and challenge in Europe. Why Liverpool Felt Like the Right Move 'I feel very happy and very proud,' Wirtz told 'Finally it's done and I am really happy.' The attacking midfielder had several offers on the table and could have remained in Germany. But after discussions with Liverpool's hierarchy, including Slot and Richard Hughes, the choice became clearer. Advertisement 'I just thought that it was the right point in my career to make the next step and of course I wanted to get to a club that is from the top three in the world,' he explained. 'I was really convinced by the people here, by the idea, and everything what the club offers me was really good.' Crucially, Wirtz's admiration for Liverpool wasn't born in a boardroom, but on the pitch. The catalyst may well have been his humbling experience against Liverpool at Anfield last November. 'It was really hard, we lost 4-0 and we had to run so much and lost almost every duel. I just wanted to be part of this team.' Slot's Vision Helped Seal the Deal One of the decisive factors behind Wirtz's move was the clarity with which Arne Slot outlined his role in the team. 'He already showed me some scenes of how we want to play and how I could fit in the team. He was just telling me that I'm a player he really wants to have in his team.' Advertisement That level of preparation and personal attention from a manager who's already delivered silverware impressed Wirtz. It also reinforced his belief that he could grow not only tactically but physically in the Premier League. Photo: IMAGO 'I will improve my own personal level and physical levels because I think everyone knows that in Liverpool the players are machines – really strong and really physical,' he said. 'But I see this also as an opportunity for me to get better.' What Wirtz Brings to Liverpool Wirtz describes himself as a creative force who relishes the challenge of unlocking defences. 'The people say I'm a creative player, and I hope I can bring this creativity to the team and also the joy on the pitch. I try to make assists, goals and run for the team to defend.' Advertisement His friendship with Frimpong is an added bonus, both from a tactical and social perspective. Having played together at Leverkusen for years, their chemistry on and off the pitch could add an extra layer of fluency to Liverpool's attacking transitions. 'He's a really good player, a really good person, a really funny guy,' Wirtz said of Frimpong. 'Of course he wanted me to join as well… it was maybe a small part that convinced me in the end.' Looking Ahead to New Challenges Stepping out of the Bundesliga was never going to be a decision made lightly. But for Wirtz, the draw of Anfield, the Premier League and the potential for European glory proved irresistible. Advertisement 'I would like to win everything every year!' he said. 'Last season they won the Premier League so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League. I'm really ambitious.' He's also conscious of the buzz among fans. 'I saw it also on Instagram or everywhere else, that they are wanting me to come. I would say thank you for the support. I'm really looking forward to play in front of them and achieve together big things.' Liverpool have made a statement with this transfer. In Wirtz, they have not only secured a supremely talented playmaker but also a player with the hunger to succeed, the self-awareness to improve and the mindset to thrive in English football.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Juventus Make £25m Move for Man Utd Winger
Italian Giants Explore Jadon Sancho Transfer Juventus have stepped up their interest in Jadon Sancho, holding initial discussions over a possible move for the Manchester United winger. The Serie A club have sounded out what a potential deal could look like, as they weigh up a formal approach during the summer transfer window. Advertisement Sancho, 24, remains on the fringes at Old Trafford following his public fallout with Erik ten Hag last season, which saw him exiled from the first team and sent out on loan to Borussia Dortmund in January. His time in Germany helped him rediscover some rhythm, but there is currently no pathway for him back into the United setup. Napoli Monitor Situation but Face Financial Hurdles Juventus are not alone in their pursuit. Napoli have also expressed interest in the England international, but any concrete move would likely require Sancho to accept a significant reduction in wages. The forward is currently one of United's top earners, with a salary package that presents a major stumbling block for interested clubs outside the Premier League. Napoli remain in contact with Sancho's representatives, keeping lines open should a compromise over personal terms become viable. However, Juventus are understood to be in a stronger financial position to meet both the player's demands and United's valuation. Manchester United Seek Permanent Solution From United's perspective, the preference is clear: they would rather offload Sancho on a permanent deal than sanction another loan move. The club are believed to be holding out for an offer in the region of £25 million – a fee that reflects both Sancho's age and the diminishing years on his contract, which expires in 2026. Advertisement There is no desire within the United hierarchy to reintegrate Sancho into the first-team squad. Instead, they view this window as a pivotal opportunity to recoup some of their investment, having signed the winger from Dortmund for £73 million in 2021. Player's Future to Be Resolved This Summer As the summer window unfolds, Sancho's future looks increasingly likely to lie away from Old Trafford. Juventus have shown concrete interest and are now in dialogue over financial frameworks and personal terms. United are willing sellers, Juventus are actively exploring the deal, and the player himself is understood to be open to a new challenge. The situation remains fluid, but movement is expected in the coming weeks. With United keen to streamline their squad and Juventus hoping to reinforce their attacking options, Sancho's next destination could well be the Allianz Stadium.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Jadon Sancho at centre of transfer tussle between two European giants as Man United try to cut losses on £73m flop
Jadon Sancho is reportedly being targeted by Italian clubs Juventus and Napoli as the winger looks to end his miserable spell at Manchester United. The 25-year-old joined United for £73million in 2021 after excelling at Borussia Dortmund but just four years later they are looking to cut their losses and have valued him at £25m. Sancho has scored just nine Premier League goals for the Red Devils and never recovered from a public spat with Erik ten Hag, which saw him shipped out on loan back to Dortmund last year. Last season he was loaned Chelsea as his stock at Old Trafford continued to plummet. The England international scored in the Conference League final but otherwise endured a mixed season and the Blues declined to sign him permanently for £25m, even though they had to pay a £5m penalty to send him back to Manchester. The winger is looking for a United exit route and Juventus have now explored a deal, while Napoli remain interested, according to Sky Sports. The 25-year-old's United career never recovered from a public spat with ex-boss Erik Ten Hag Sancho, who has just one year left on his contract, will need to take a substantial pay cut to complete a move to Italy. He had reportedly agreed personal terms with Napoli, but United's asking fee was believed to be too high for the Italian champions. If Sancho were to complete a move to Napoli, he would line up under former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and alongside a host of former Premier League players. Former United midfielder Scott McTominay was named Serie A player of the season while ex-United striker Romelu Lukaku and Billy Gilmour also starred as Napoli won just their second league title in 35 years. Despite his past success in Germany, Dortmund are not keen on offering him a route out of Manchester. Last week Dortmund's sporting director Sebastie Kehl ruled out a move. Italian giants Juventus are also interested in signing Sancho, who is set to leave Old Trafford 'Of course, there's always some kind of contact with Jadon because of the long history we share, but at the moment, Jadon is not a topic for us,' he said. Sancho is reportedly set to be banished from United's pre-season tour to the US if he hasn't found a new club by then. The outcast will be forced to train alone at Carrington when the tour begins in July as Ruben Amorim looks to exert his authority at the club.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayer Leverkusen could complete Jarell Quansah signing in 48 hours
Bayer Leverkusen could reach an agreement with Liverpool to buy Jarell Quansah in the next 48 hours, according to Fabrizio Romano. Both clubs are nearing the end of negotiations, whilst the defender has already said yes to the move to B04. Advertisement It's understood that the final fee will be around £30m, plus £5m in add-ons. The English international is high on the priority list for new head coach Erik ten Hag, as he sets out to put his B04 vision in motion. The central defender will likely slot into the starting XI for Leverkusen, taking the vacant space of Jonathan Tah, who recently moved to Bayern Munich. What's more, this deal for the defender will not be a part of the Florian Wirtz transfer. Instead, they'll both be treated as separate transfers. At this point, both Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen should be well aware of each other's negotiating skills. If the Quansah deal comes to fruition, it will be the third transfer between the two clubs this summer. GGFN | Jamie Allen
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayer Leverkusen loan could be key to unlocking the N'golo Kante in Man United's Toby Collyer
Bayer Leverkusen loan could be key to unlocking the N'golo Kante in Man United's Toby Collyer Heading into the 2024-25 season, one Manchester United academy star tipped for a breakout campaign was Toby Collyer. Back in 2023, just after United lifted the Carabao Cup, then-head coach Erik ten Hag was seen deep in conversation with Kobbie Mainoo. Advertisement Enter 2023–24: Mainoo, despite an early-season injury, went on to fight his way into becoming a dependable first-team regular. His resurgence culminated in a Man of the Match display in United's 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City, earning him FA Cup Player of the Season honours. And so, following that success, it felt like déjà vu when, after that FA Cup final, Ten Hag was again seen chatting with Toby Collyer. Social media buzzed with speculation. Was Ten Hag ready to unearth another gem? Was Collyer about to enjoy his own 'Mainoo season' in 2024-25? Unfortunately, things did not go as planned for the young Red Devil. Collyer's 2024-25 did not go to plan: Ten Hag sacking and injuries United's early struggles in 2024–25 held back his progression. Ten Hag's dismissal also didn't help his case. Advertisement With the Dutch tactician gone, any progression plan laid out for the midfielder seemed to evaporate. Although new head coach Ruben Amorim was expected to implement the midfielder's progression plan, that did not happen immediately. Amorim's task was to steady a faltering United side, and understandably, taking a chance on an unproven player was not a top priority. To complicate matters further, Collyer then endured two separate injuries (a leg injury followed by a knock) that sidelined him for most of the second half of the season. He did manage 12 senior appearances, including a headline-grabbing debut against Liverpool and a goal-saving late cameo against Fulham, but there's little doubt: 2024–25 was not his season. So what now for Collyer? United are set for a squad rebuild this summer. New signings are expected, and several names could make way. Advertisement Collyer may not be one of those to be moved on as he remains highly regarded at Carrington — but is he truly in Amorim's plans? He could be if the former Sporting Lisbon boss is seeking his own N'Golo Kanté. 'He could do two jobs in one, and his ball retention was different class. You don't get midfielders like him anymore,' former Liverpool Women's manager Matt Beard told the MEN when asked about a team that might benefit from Collyer's services. 'He was sort of like (N'Golo) Kanté for Leicester. You need balance in a team. If you had three Kobbie Mainoos, you can't play them all. You need a combination, and Toby will do stuff Mainoo won't. He will break the play up and get the ball to Mainoo.' Advertisement But it's hard to see Amorim viewing it the same way. With pressure mounting for United to return to their best, team selections are bound to be critical. Reports linking Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney with a move only reinforce the sense that Collyer may find it difficult to break into the first team in the short term. And with Amorim admitting recently that, without European football, he doesn't need a large squad, proven talents will likely be favoured over promising prospects. Another season on the bench will not do for Collyer For regular game time, a season-long loan with no obligation to buy could be the best way forward. Advertisement One can only hope Ten Hag is quick to take him to Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutchman saw potential in Collyer and might know just how to unlock it. The familiarity, combined with a move to a side that still employs a 3-4-2-1 system (if Ten Hag persists with it), could be perfect for the 21-year-old. Collyer could thrive in the Bundesliga. Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham have already shown how well English talents adapt to German football. A full season in a familiar system could help Collyer rediscover rhythm, develop further, and return ready to take on the Premier League. If not, he could still be sold for a premium (like Bellingham and Sancho were), funds that INEOS could reinvest to help Amorim build his ideal United squad. Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images Follow us on Bluesky: @
