Liverpool FC Thread #156 :- We Are Liverpool

[NI KI]

Alex Telles lined up, Harry Wilson eyed by coaching legend and other Liverpool transfer rumours rated

The World Cup may have begun, but that doesn't stop the gossip which swirls around Liverpool.

Here are the latest transfer rumours from across the world.



Alex Telles

Who? Porto left back who played in the Portuguese champions' 5-0 defeat to Liverpool in February.

Where? Le Parisien in France (and replicated, handily, in Teamtalk). They claim both the Reds and Chelsea are eyeing the Brazilian, who supposedly has a £35million release clause. With Alberto Moreno having just a year left on his deal, it is suggested the 25-year-old could head to Anfield as his replacement.

What? £35m would be a lot for back-up for Andy Robertson, who enjoyed a stunning season. Quite how French outlets know the inner workings of a Portuguese club's Brazilian star is also a mystery.



Harry Wilson

Who? Liverpool's talented young Welsh winger, who is looking to make a proper impact on the first team.

Where? The Yorkshire Post, who believe the 21-year-old is being eyed by Leeds on loan, with the Championship club set to be taken over by Argentine coaching legend Marcelo Bielsa.

What? A decision will have to be made on Wilson's future soon after a superb half-season at Hull.



Thibaut Courtois

Who? Chelsea's Belgian goalkeeper, who is seemingly stalling on signing a new deal with a year left on his contract.

Where? Sky Sports - or their Transfer Talk podcast, specifically. Merseyside reporter Vinny O'Connor wondered whether the Reds would be interested bringing Courtois to Anfield. "Chelsea are looking to get a fee for him before he is out of contract," he said. If Alisson going to Real Madrid, would Liverpool look at Courtois? It’s whether Chelsea would look to do business with Liverpool.”

What? It would be some coup from Liverpool, who need a goalkeeper, but suggestions are Courtois would not want to play for another English club.

[NI KI]

There are still deals for Liverpool to pursue while the World Cup is ongoing in Russia

And so it begins.

Russia got the World Cup underway with a 5-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia and you can finally sit back, relax and enjoy some stress-free football.

Indeed, unless you're an avid England supporter or have adopted Mohamed Salah's Egypt, the World Cup represents a chance to forget about your allegiances and enjoy the footy.

And we can surely put transfers out of our minds for a little while, because the Liverpool can't get them done right now anyway. Right?

Wrong.

Michael Edwards and his team won't get chance to relax with a beer and enjoy the football, because they'll be busy working around the clock to ensure Jurgen Klopp's squad is ready for the visit of West Ham on August 11.

And the following players are free to negotiate while the World Cup is underway..

Christian Pulisic



The USA missed out on the World Cup for the first time in over 30 years after losing to Trinidad & Tobago in October of last year.

Bad news for the Americans, but good news for Jurgen Klopp if he fancies another attempt to buy Christian Pulisic.

Klopp made a bid for Pulisic back in 2016, but Dortmund rejected Liverpool's £11m offer for the young attacker. Even so, he's a player the Reds boss knows very well and he'll have no doubt kept tabs on the attacker's progress.

Pulisic has gone from strength-to-strength with the Bundesliga club since the Reds' 2016 bid, and his price-tag has sky-rocketed. It's now believed that Dortmund would want a fee of around £50m for the 19-year-old after a season in which he scored five goals and chipped in with seven assists in 42 appearances.

Liverpool have money to spend after selling Philippe Coutinho in January and the Pennsylvania-born forward is a player that the Reds could turn to after a deal to sign Nabil Fekir fell through last week.

Klopp is in need of reinforcements in the forward positions, although Xherdan Shaqiri might make more sense as a back-up option for the Reds.

Moses Simon



Nigerian forward Moses Simon is another player who Liverpool are considering as they look to strengthen their forward line.

Simon scored six goals for Belgian side Gent last season but suffered heartbreak when he was ruled out of Nigeria's World Cup campaign.

Nigeria's loss could be Liverpool's gain should the Reds want to follow up interest with a bid for the £10m forward.

The 22-year-old would jump at the chance to move to Anfield and a deal could cheer him up while his nation bids for glory in Russia.

Either that, or Liverpool could wait until Xherdan Shaqiri returns from the World Cup.

Mario Gotze



Okay, so this isn't a deal that you'd expect Liverpool to pursue. Nor is Mario Gotze any longer a player who fans would like to see move to Anfield.

But don't forget, the German attacker was once one of Europe's most sought-after men when he scored the winner for his country in the last World Cup final against Argentina back in 2014.

And having rejected the Reds in favour of a move back to Dortmund in 2016, he's now desperate to link up with Jurgen Klopp once again.

"I decided to leave Bayern and Jurgen Klopp was interested in getting me to Liverpool," he said recently.

"And I was also interested in working with him again. [The desire to play for him] still exists. He is a world-class coach and that's why it's always an option.

"I decided to join Borussia Dortmund, but it was not a decision against Liverpool or Jurgen Klopp."

That boat appears to have now sailed - but with Dortmund reportedly keen to sell, a deal looks fairly straightforward should Klopp decide he can help the World Cup outcast return to form at Anfield.

[NI KI]

Daniel Sturridge



It's not just incomings that the Reds will be looking to work on while the World Cup takes place.

In fact, it might represent a good chance for Liverpool to offload some of the unwanted members of the squad.

Chief among them is likely to be Daniel Sturridge, who spent the second half of the season on loan at West Brom.

Sturridge moved to the Midlands in the hope of helping rescue the Baggies from the drop and secure a place in England's World Cup squad. He managed neither.

And now Sturridge's five-year spell at Anfield is likely to come to an end. If the Reds could get Sturridge off the books before the World Cup it's one less thing to worry about when the market picks up in July.

Divock Origi



Belgian forward Divock Origi is in a similar boat to Daniel Sturridge, having spent a season on loan at Wolfsburg in the hopes of impressing Liverpool and returning to Anfield an improved player.

In reality, it was a disappointing campaign and Origi's return of just seven goals saw him not only throw his Liverpool future into further doubt, but also miss out on a place at the World Cup.

At just 23, Origi still has time on his side and the Reds can still expect to fetch a decent return on the £10m invested in Origi back in 2014, ironically after an impressive showing at the World Cup.

Rhian Brewster



Liverpool will hope to have Rhian Brewster's future tied up - one way or the other - by the time the Liverpool players return to training in July.

Brewster has yet to sign a professional contract with the Reds, and the teenager could instead choose to move away from Anfield this summer, with several Bundesliga clubs keen.

Liverpool are serious about keeping him, though, and are still hoping that Brewster agrees terms at Anfield, with Klopp earmarking a place in his first team squad should the forward stay put.

In fact, the Reds even cancelled a planned pre-season friendly with Borussia Monchengladbach after taking exception to the German club's pursuit of Brewster.

Liverpool triggered the final year of his scholarship deal, which means he is unable to speak to other clubs, despite not having signed professional terms at Anfield.

And with other deals on the backburner with the World Cup ongoing, now could be a chance to work out Brewster's next move - whether that's at Anfield or elsewhere.

[NI KI]

[NI KI]

Happy birthday, boss.

[NI KI]

The transfer window is not just about buying players, but selling them too.

The summer arrivals of Fabinho and Naby Keita have been balanced - in part - by the departure of Emre Can.

And while losing the German for nothing, with the midfielder's contract now expired, is not considered a good piece of business, it is a rare misstep under Jurgen Klopp.

If Liverpool have gained a reputation for buying well, then they also deserve credit for their work in securing good deals for outgoing talent.

Here is a rundown of every player the Reds have sold under Klopp - free transfers excluded - and an assessment of whether Liverpool were proven right to do so.



Sergi Canos (£4.5million, Norwich, summer 2016)

How has he done? After a brief spell with Norwich, the Spaniard returned to Brentford in January, where he has developed into a good Championship player. Still just 21, he is a regular feature out wide for the Bees and continues to improve.

Do Liverpool regret it? Perhaps in the future, but even then, he would never have been handed the first team exposure needed to improve. He's a solid hand but the Reds have Harry Wilson, amongst others, who have operated at a similar level. Although he's impressed in West London, Anfield might be a step too far.

Martin Skrtel (£5.5million, Fenerbahce, summer 2016)

How has he done? After a decent first season with Fenerbahce, appearing in all but three league games as the Istanbul club finished third, the Slovakian struggled with fitness and consistency in 2017/18. His side did squeeze into the Champions League with a second-placed finish, however.

Do Liverpool regret it? Not at all. For all the criticism Liverpool's back line – before the arrival of Virgil van Dijk, at least – Skrtel needed a move away from Anfield after a difficult time under Jurgen Klopp.



Jordon Ibe (£15million, Bournemouth, summer 2016)

How has he done? Better than how he began life at Bournemouth, for sure. The winger started just 13 games in his debut campaign and was criticised by Eddie Howe after an FA Cup defeat to Milwall, with the Cherries boss saying he was 'disappointed' with his output. But he looked sharper this season, registering eight assists and scoring two goals.

Do Liverpool regret it? Even with his recent upturn in fortunes, no. Ibe is developing at Bournemouth but doesn't look like becoming the player he could have.



Joe Allen (£13million, Stoke, summer 2016)

How has he done? He has established himself at Stoke and already has managed more goals in 77 appearances (10) than he scored in 132 games for Liverpool (7). A mainstay in the Potters' midfield, although the Welshman faces his first season in the Championship since 2011 after relegation.

Do Liverpool regret it? There are occasions – fleeting ones – where his composure on the ball could be an asset. But as Liverpool's play has moved up a level under Klopp, it is hard to imagine how Allen would have a telling impact, even during the injury crisis towards the end of the campaign.

Brad Smith (£6million, Bournemouth, summer 2016)

How has he done? Not great. After 11 appearances in his first season – with three starts in the Premier League – the Australian has made just three outings in this campaign, none of them in the league. It has been a year interrupted with injury, too.

Do Liverpool regret it? No. The left back situation is stronger than it has been in a while at Anfield, and Smith would struggle to break through.

[NI KI]

Christian Benteke (£32million, Crystal Palace, summer 2016)

How has he done? So so. A quietly excellent season in his first at Selhurst Park saw him notch 15 league goals, including two in the win at Anfield, which remains Liverpool's last home defeat in the Premier League. But the Belgian failed to score for Palace until December 16 in 2017/18, notched just three all season, and was ridiculed for his penalty exploits.

Do Liverpool regret it? On last year's form, perhaps. On this year's form, definitely not. Still, his unsuitability under Klopp was evident, even as the lauded 'Plan B'. Given the decent fee the Reds received, there can be few regrets.

Luis Alberto (£6million, Lazio, summer 2016)

How has he done? Better than most. The Spanish midfielder has flourished at Lazio and become one of Serie A's breakout stars, assisting 16 goals in 34 league games; he finished this campaign as the league's leading assist-maker.

Do Liverpool regret it? A classic example of a good player in the wrong set-up. With more time on the ball in the slower Italian league, Alberto flourishes. He wouldn't be able to produce what he does in the Premier League, and playing the high intensity Klopp demands.

Tiago Ilori (£3.75million, Reading, winter 2017)

How has he done? He almost gained promotion with Reading in 2016/17, only to see Huddersfield pip them on penalties in the play-offs. The most recent campaign was more difficult, with the Royals just about surviving and the Portuguese centre-back only becoming a mainstay in the side from January onwards.

Do Liverpool regret it? Not at all. He isn't good enough for Liverpool.



Andre Wisdom (£4.5million, Derby, summer 2017)

How has he done? After a nomadic existence in what seemed a perennial state of being loaned, he earned himself a permanent deal with Derby in 2017. He has had spells both in and out of the team as the Rams pushed for promotion, only to fall to Fulham in the play-offs.

Do Liverpool regret it? Wisdom is 25 and his potential could only go unfulfilled so long. The defender would not fit into the current set-up, with Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold offering an embarrassment of riches at right back.

Lucas Leiva (£5million, Lazio, summer 2017)

How has he done? He's a goalscoring machine. To a degree. The Brazilian scored four goals in an impressive debut campaign, and was named the club's Player of the Year. Acting as the shield to the back four, he has thrived with the new challenge, and almost brought his side Champions League qualification.

Do Liverpool regret it? Holding on to a lead, with 10 minutes to go? Perhaps. Arguably one of the few players whose name would still belong on a match day squad. He had to leave for the good of his career, of course, but there are moments when his presence would be welcome.



Kevin Stewart (£8million, Hull, summer 2017)

How has he done? It hasn't been a good season for the midfielder. The Tigers have seen a change in manager – with Leonid Slutsky being replaced by Nigel Adkins – and that's resulted in him playing just five times since the turn of the year.

Do Liverpool regret it? No. Especially after the deal effectively saw Andy Robertson head to Anfield for little expenditure.

Mamadou Sakho (£26million, Crystal Palace, summer 2017)

How has he done? After a very successful loan spell in 2017, Sakho's permanent move to Palace was initially interrupted with injury. But once fully fit, he became a pivotal part of the Eagles' defence as they recovered from a nightmare start to be steered towards relative comfort and safety.

Do Liverpool regret it? There are occasions when Sakho would seem a good option, even as fourth choice, but it would only serve to inhibit the progress of Joe Gomez.



Philippe Coutinho (£142million, Barcelona, winter 2018)

How has he done? He undoubtedly stepped up a notch towards the end of the season with Barca, after a slow start. He scored six goals in his final five games of the La Liga campaign and secured a league and cup double. He will do well at Camp Nou.

Do Liverpool regret it? Tough to say. While the Reds have adapted to life without Coutinho – some would argue they have flourished in his absence – there is still a question of what damage Liverpool could have done with him in midfield. The balance might be better without him, but the devastation would be increased with him.

Cameron Brannagan (£200,000, Oxford, winter 2018)

How has he done? The young midfielder began his Oxford career fighting for fitness, but became an ever-present after making his debut.

Do Liverpool regret it? Not right now. He is a talented youngster but one who needed to move on to develop further.

[NI KI]

Alisson Becker

Who? Who else? The Roma goalkeeper who has been interesting Liverpool for a good while now. We can't stop talking about him.

Where? Everywhere! But mainly in Italy and Spain now. Sky Italia are reporting that the Brazil number one has now agreed terms with Real Madrid. All that remains is for the Spanish giants and Roma to agree a fee, which could be easier said than done. Real Madrid are said to have made an offer of 55m Euros, but Roma want 80m and Madrid could turn to Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois as an alternative.

And back in England, The Times are reporting that Real have given up on David De Gea and are intensifying efforts to sign Alisson.

That leaves Liverpool out in the cold, though the Reds did inform Alisson's agent not to expect a bid earlier this year.

What? There's so much smoke that there must be some fire in this one. Real Madrid now look increasingly like favourites to sign Alisson.

Lucas Paqueta



Who? No, us neither. But a quick look on Wikipedia informs us that Lucas Paqueta is a 20-year-old Brazilian midfielder playing for Flamengo in his homeland.

Where? It all started with a tweet from journalist Andersinho Marques of Premium Sport in Italy. He simply stated that the Reds are interested in Paqueta, who has scored 11 goals in 68 games already for his club.

What? It's tough to say. Liverpool have scouts all over the world and if this lad is a talent, chances are that Michael Edwards and his team know about it. And don't forget, the last time Liverpool signed a young Brazilian goalscoring midfielder from his homeland, it turned out well. Lucas Leiva spent 10 years at Anfield.

Dries Mertens



Who? Dries Mertens, the Belgium international winger who scored 18 goals for Napoli in Serie A last season.

Where? The Mirror, where writer Jake Polden claims that the Reds are one of a number of Premier League clubs who were hoping to activate a £24m release clause in the player's contract. The only catch is that the clause reportedly expired last night... meaning the Reds, or anyone else for that matter, should have already made their move if they were serious about signing Mertens.

What? Sounds like paper talk to us. Mertens is clearly a very talented player but if he was really available for as little as £24m in today's market, then one of Europe's big clubs should have already signed him up.

[BTGH]

All the rumours about players coming and going are so tiresome. Nobody actually knows nuts about what's happening.

[NI KI]

Originally Posted by BTGH

All the rumours about players coming and going are so tiresome. Nobody actually knows nuts about what's happening.

I think only Klopp and the recruitment team knows...