We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, following the Reds’ UEFA Super Cup win over Chelsea.
Roma Want Lovren Loan Move
Dejan Lovren has felt increasingly like leaving Liverpool this week, following strong rumours linking him with a move to Italy.
Roma have emerged as the favourites to snap up the centre-back, and according to Sky Sports, the Serie A side are hoping to agree a loan deal.
This would include an option to buy based on appearances for the club.
Lovren has fallen to fourth choice in Liverpool’s centre-back pecking order, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all now superior options.
In many ways, the 30-year-old deserves credit for wanting a new challenge, rather than sitting on the substitutes’ bench and taking his wages.
Van Dijk Nominated for UEFA Award
How do you know you’re incredible at football? You get nominated for awards alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
That’s exactly what has happened to Van Dijk, who is in contention to win UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, with the winner named on August 29.
The Dutchman enjoyed an imperious 2018/19 season and his influence was a huge reason for Liverpool’s Champions League triumph.
He also remains the bookies’ favourite to win the Ballon d’Or later this year—were he to win it, he would become the first defender to win the prestigious honour since Fabio Cannavaro back in 2006.
Alisson (fourth), Sadio Mane (fifth) and Mohamed Salah (sixth) make up the top six, showing just what a remarkable year it’s been for Jurgen Klopp‘s side.
Sturridge Close to Trabzonspor Move
Daniel Sturridge may not be a Liverpool player anymore, but we still love him and we want to know where’s off to next.
According to Goal, the striker is on the verge of joining Trabzonspor, having travelled to Turkey on Wednesday.
Sturridge is set to be offered a two-year deal worth £2.8 million per season—around £50,000 a week—with the free agent moving imminently.
As many as 13 clubs were reported to be interested in the ex-Reds marksman, but it looks as though he has chosen his next destination.
Still only 29, Sturridge should be at the peak of his powers, but injuries have been cruel to him.
Reds Pair Could Feature Against Southampton
First-team opportunities have been hard to come by for Xherdan Shaqiri and Adam Lallana‘s so far this season, with others preferred.
Liverpool’s efforts in Turkey could change that this weekend, however, as the Reds travel to Southampton.
Speaking during a Q&A for The Athletic, James Pearce has said that the duo will “certainly come into consideration,” suggesting Klopp will make changes to his personnel.
Rotation makes complete sense, but this will be the ultimate test of Liverpool’s squad depth, with many critical of a lack of new signings in the summer transfer window.
It could be a great opportunity for Shaqiri and Lallana to prove their worth.
No New Injuries for Saints
Liverpool fitness levels will be tested to the limit on Saturday when they head to Southampton, having battled through 120 minutes and penalties against Chelsea.
Saints may, therefore, feel that they can cause an upset because of the Reds’ midweek commitments.
Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that his side are in a healthy state leading into the match, admitting they have trained less in order to give their all at St Mary’s on Saturday:
“We tried to put push the [Burnley] game away at the beginning of the week, cancelled the day off, tried to analyse and work in our minds that from Tuesday on we can focus on the new game.
“The challenge is big enough so it’s useful to take all the energy we have and focus on this game.
“So far we have not [got any injury problems]. We have worked very hard in the last two days.
“Today we had a lighter session, they were a little bit tired today because we have worked hard but no injuries so far.”
Such is Man City‘s relentless form, the thought of Liverpool dropping points is grim, but they will have to play well to earn a victory.
LFC Women’s Continental Cup Fixtures Announced
Liverpool FC Women will play in the Continental Cup this season and their group stage fixtures have been confirmed.
Vicky Jepson’s side begin their campaign with a home clash with Sheffield United at Prenton Park on September 22 (12pm), before travelling to Coventry United on October 20 (2pm).
Two more away matches follow, against Aston Villa (November 2, 7.30pm) and Blackburn Rovers (November 21, 7.45pm) and the group stage ends at home to Durham (December 11, 6.30pm).
The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarter-finals.
