We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, as focus turns to Sunday’s crucial Premier League final-day visit of Wolves.
Salah Fit for Wolves Clash
Mohamed Salah has been passed fit for the clash with Wolves on Sunday, according to the Evening Standard‘s David Lynch.
Liverpool are looking to end their Premier League campaign in glory, with victory over their opponents and dropped points by Man City at Brighton clinching a first league crown since 1990.
Salah’s return is a major boost, after the Egyptian missed the stunning win over Barcelona because of the concussion he suffered at Newcastle.
He will also no doubt have one eye on the Champions League final against Tottenham, following the heartache that came his way against Real Madrid last year.
Klopp to Sign New Deal?
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, writing for Calciomercato, Jurgen Klopp will sign a new five-year deal as Liverpool manager.
The German has reportedly turned down the advances of Serie A giants Juventus and pledge his long-term future to the Reds.
Klopp is focused on finishing the season in memorable fashion, but he is claimed to be set to agree the new deal once 2018/19 comes to a close.
Liverpool couldn’t be in better hands, as the 51-year-old showed by reaching a third European final in his time in the Anfield hot-seat.
He is perfect for the Reds, though Klopp has previously intimated he would leave after seven years.
De Ligt to “England or Spain”
Matthijs de Ligt was left heartbroken on Wednesday night, as Ajax crashed out of the Champions League in the dying seconds at the hands of Spurs.
The 19-year-old will almost certainly leave the Dutch side this summer, with many of Europe’s top clubs eyeing up a deal.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar admitted De Ligt’s time at Ajax is nearing its conclusion, with the Premier League or La Liga his next destination:
“I think these will be De Ligt’s final games with Ajax, but I hope he goes out on a high.
“He’s been here since he was a child and will end up at a big club. I think he’ll go to England or Spain.”
The Independent claim that Barcelona are “highly confident” of signing the reigning Golden Boy winner, however, with a £60 million move being mooted, which seems low considering his ability.
There was a time when someone of De Ligt’s potential and value would be out of Liverpool’s reach, but why wouldn’t any player want to join the Reds currently?
Vertonghen Injury Scare for Spurs
According to Brussels-based newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, Jan Vertonghen could miss the Champions League final through injury, with the Telegraph also corroborating the news.
The Spurs centre-back played his part in Mauricio Pochettino’s incredible fightback on Wednesday, but he may have played his final game of the season.
Vertonghen was seen leaving the Johan Cruyff Arena on crutches and with a protective boot on, having suffered suspected ankle ligament damage.
The 32-year-old has three weeks to recover, so it is too early to confirm whether or not he is definitely out.
Origi Had “Complete Confidence” in Decision
Divock Origi chose to stay at Liverpool last summer despite offers from elsewhere, and that decision is now paying off after an influential run of form.
In an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, the 24-year-old says it was a decision he knew was right, as he looks ahead to a Champions League final:
“I made that decision with complete confidence. An emotional decision. Head down, work hard and believe in myself.
“I knew there would be many opinions—which is also normal and which I respect, but in the end I know that when I enjoy myself, everything comes up.
“I just put the team first and you see it. We’re in that final, man!”
Origi has three goals in his last two appearances, all of which have been priceless moments in Liverpool’s season.
Seán Cox “Lifted” by Barca Win
Liverpool’s unforgettable win over Barcelona will stay with Reds supporters forever, as they produced one of the greatest turnarounds in European history.
Someone who enjoyed watching the action unfold was stricken fan Seán Cox, who continues to recover after being attacked by Roma fans last April.
His brother, Martin, says the result was met with great joy by Seán, going to show the power that football can, and always will, have.
“Seán watched the match on his iPad in hospital and he was absolutely thrilled with the result,” he explained.
“Liverpool is both our passion and he was clearly lifted by the result.”
Kirkby Redevelopment “On Track”
Liverpool have confirmed that their new training ground in Kirkby is “on track to meet its expected completion date in summer 2020.”
The last piece of the structural frame for the main building has been installed, in what is seen as a “significant milestone.”
The impressive new base will see the senior squad and underage groups train at the same facility, making it easier to monitor all players and create an even greater team spirit at the club.
Melwood will be missed, but this is an another exciting step in the right direction.
