The American Gerrard- Transfer News and Rumors
“The name’s Gerrard, Jordan Gerrard,” also known as “The American Gerrard!” You know about the Welsh Pirlo, you’ve seen the Egyptian Messi, but you never knew about the American Gerrard! When the American Scouser needed a transfer expert, I was there to smash it in from long range with an absolute belter. What a hit son, what a hit!
I have returned, fresh off the set of my fictional imaginary Liverpool movie. If you missed my hilarious Liverpool movie casting article that got published last week, I suggest you check it out. This week our Liverpool squad will do something no other Liverpool side has done in 30 years: Jordan Henderson will lift the trophy. Unfortunately I was unable to ascertain the details on whether his injury will prevent him from indulging in the fast-foot shuffle, but we will all keep our fingers crossed.
A lot of people are concerned that an empty Anfield due to Covid-19 sours the occasion. Will it be too quiet? Will fake crowd noise ruin it? Here is my plan: we all have to really time it right, but we all watch on tv and whenever we need to shout or cheer – no matter where we are – we just do it, incredibly loud. Now I am no scientist, but I think there are enough of us that if we scream loud enough, the sound will carry all the way from our homes to Anfield. Ok… maybe not from me over in California (that may be a bit too far), but I think the East coast fans have a good shot of the sound waves getting carried over the Atlantic. Hope the neighbors ain’t nappin….
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Not Victorious With Victor
RAI Sport Journalist Ciro Venerato claims Jurgen Klopp has told Liverpool’s transfer team to prioritize signing 21 year old Lille Forward Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian attacker has scored 18 goals this season for Lille. Ciro Venerato states Liverpool are now favorites to sign Osimhen, with the player impressed with Klopp’s interest.
At the same time, contradicting reports say Napoli Manager Gennaro Gattuso has taken a wage cut to facilitate a move to Napoli for Osimhen, with the fee believed to be £74 million. Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has confirmed Osimhen has spoken to him about a potential move and dealing with racism in Italy. According to fresh reports this morning Osimhen has passed a medical with Napoli awaiting confirmation of an official move. This looks done and dusted. L’Equipe claim Lille have reached agreement with Osimhen replacement paying £25 million for Gent Striker Jonathan David.
Young Red Wants Out
According to The Athletic‘s James Pearce, Liverpool’s 19 year old Algerian fullback Yasser Larouci may be on the move this summer. Larouci has one year left on his contract at Liverpool. The club tried to offer Larouci a new contract recently but he apparently made clear his interests to move elsewhere to seek more regular first team opportunities. Liverpool are respecting the player’s wishes and will entertain any fair bids for the player.
Newly-promoted Leeds United as well as potential promotion candidate Brentford are interested in Larouci. Back in April, Bleacher Report claimed Liverpool could be interested in Leeds English Midfielder Kalvin Phillips. Liverpool may look to use Larouci as part of deal to sign Phillips. TransferMarkt lists Larouci’s value at just under £2 million. Personally, I do not see Liverpool signing Kalvin Phillips, he’s a decent player but Leeds is his boyhood club and I don’t see him leaving them when they have just returned to the Premier League.
The Thiagonater
Thiago Alcantara rumors are like the bad guy from a cheesy horror movie: they just do not want to die. I am calling the Thiago Rumors the Thiagonater… similar to the Terminator, this story keeps coming no matter how many times respected journalists kill it. BILD in Germany are reporting Klopp has ordered LFC to sign Thiago: supposedly the Reds have offered £25 million.
According to VarskySports, the Reds are preparing an offer of £18 million plus £13 million in performance-based add-ons. VarskySports also state an agreement with the player has already been reached with a four year contract on offer. Over the last few weeks I have dismissed a lot of the rumors linking us with Thiago – though the fact this rumor will not go away is making me start to take it a bit more serious. Leeds just got promoted – does that mean Milner is leaving? And there is still no news on Gini’s new contract… I am still doubtful over a transfer for Thiago, but I am not completely ruling it out anymore. I will let you know as soon as I hear more.
Go! Diego! Go!
Marca claim Liverpool and Manchester City are prepared for a transfer tug-of-war over Brazilian defender Diego Carlos from Sevilla. The 27-year-old defender who can play both center back and fullback has a £68 million release clause. Reports around Europe are also link the talented player with Bayern and Real Madrid.
Carlos has has an impressive debut season in La Liga after a meager £13.5 million move from Nantes last year. The only story that seems to keep coming out of Anfield and Jurgen Klopp is that Liverpool do not have money to spend this summer, which makes me feel like this story is going nowhere. I would be very surprised if Liverpool spent more then £40 million on any one player in the current market.
Football Without Origi is…Something?
Despite several crucial moments of heroism for Liverpool, many fans think it may be time for Divock Origi to move on. These fans will probably be disappointed when they hear Origi’s recent interview with Belgium news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws. When asked about his future and a potential new adventure at a different club, Origi assured fans he is happy playing as Liverpool’s super sub. (Ed: fun fact – Origi just became Liverpool’s most EVER substituted player. Super sub indeed!)
Origi has previously stated his appreciation for playing under manager Jurgen Klopp. Origi believes even without regular first team football he improves on a regular basis being part of this team. Liverpool gave Origi a new four-year contract last year demonstrating Klopp’s faith in the inconsistent forward.
MoneyBall
The Blood Red Podcast interviewed Billy Beane this week. He’s the man behind Moneyball, the inspiration for FSG and Michael Edward’s successful transfer policy. Billy Beane shared some insight into Liverpool’s potential transfer activity this summer. He was complimentary to Liverpool’s recent investment in smart youth buys like Sepp van den Berg. He believes if Liverpool spend in the transfer window this summer it will be smart buys for the right price based on objective decision.
I’m Jordan Gerrard, and as always I thank you for reading.