Liverpool will kick off their Premier League season against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon
Liverpool have a nearly full squad to brag about when they visit Stamford Bridge for their Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
After a week of transfer tensions off the pitch, the Reds face the Londoners in a game that is expected to have plenty of backlash following this week’s Moises Caicedo transfer drama. And while neither team will have the Ecuadorian on their roster Sunday afternoon, the Reds may have some returning faces in their ranks for their trip to the capital.
Earlier this week, coach Jurgen Klopp received a boost from midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic who returned to full training after the pair were sidelined for a long time with multiple injuries which ruled them out of the last weeks of the season.
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Though it remains to be seen whether Sunday’s fling in west London came too soon for the duo. Meanwhile, young defender Conor Bradley will miss Sunday’s opening game after missing the Reds’ last three pre-season fixtures with an injury.
However, the Reds will also have a full attacking department to boast about at Stamford Bridge, leaving the Liverpool boss with a selection headache.
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Adrian, Caoimhin Kelleher
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Bobby Clark
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak
Unknowns: Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic
More new…….
Lavia continues to be the top target, and a third offer for the talented young Belgian, who Southampton values at £50 million, is anticipated soon.
The 19-year-old must be in place before the Premier League season begins, but Liverpool faces a tight deadline given that the trip to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea is only 10 days away.
More news……
Roméo Lavia’s alternative has been found and contacted by Liverpool amid a $60 million message.
Liverpool transfer news: The Reds are exploring alternatives amidst their latest offer for Roméo Lavia. They are also said to be retaining interest in a $60 million term option.
With less than two weeks left to go into the new season, time is running out for Liverpool if they are to sort out their squad in time for Chelsea.
With the confirmation of Fabinho’s departure and the continuation of Brazil’s Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia, the Reds’ need for new midfielders has once again grown, and it’s not the only position needing reinforcements.
Jürgen Klopp will also know his side could use a new defensive addition, but with the unexpected departure of two of his senior operators in the center of the park, attention has shifted back to midfield.
Roméo Lavia looks like the most likely option to join before the start of the new season, although Liverpool are stalling the Southampton lad’s approach. Looks like alternatives are being sought if he fails to land it.
And despite the obvious need for midfielders and defenders, the Reds continue to be associated with a particular attacking option.
Romeo Lavia (Southampton) and Andre (Fluminense)
According to Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy, Liverpool have made an improved offer for Roméo Lavia but have also identified Fluminense midfielder André as a possible alternative.
The new offer for Lavia is said to be closer to Southampton’s asking price, but still below the initial $51m (£40m/€47m) excluding surcharges. The Reds would consider other options if they feel the Saints’ valuation remains overstated, including Andre’s. His club has been officially contacted by Liverpool.
Liverpool.com says: With less than two weeks left to start the season, Liverpool really need to go one step further and find a replacement for Fabinho. You can understand why the club think the fee is excessive, but at the same time they need to strike a deal for Lavia.
As for André, it would be a surprise if Liverpool signed a player straight from South America, and more so as an alternative to Lavia. Having lost Fabinho and Henderson, he should definitely be considered as another option alongside the teenager. Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
Liverpool remain interested in Federico Chiesa, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Paisley Gates).
According to the Italian outlet, Juventus are ready to sack the 25-year-old if given an “indispensable” offer, while Liverpool are “vigilant” about the situation. A recent Corriere dello Sport report suggested Juventus would seek compensation of around $60m (£47m/€55m).
Says Liverpool.com: While it’s clear Liverpool have higher priorities to address, the links to Chiesa continue to emerge. Simply put, it’s an arrangement that makes virtually no sense on any level. The Italy international has a poor injury record, Liverpool are already well-placed up front and there’s virtually no chance the Reds will spend $60m after first sorting out their midfield and defensive needs. If Juventus want to get rid of them, they will have to look elsewhere.
