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 know I said I was taking a break from transfer news and rumors to focus on other subjects in the Republic of Liverpool, but there has been a few stories springing up from the cracks to confuse and amuse the Anfield faithful. I saw the Gerrard signal over Los Angeles and I knew once again the American Gerrard was needed to save the world… from bad transfer rumors! The international break can be boring, and someone had to give us Reds something good to read. That someone is me. So put on your red spandex and jump in the Gerrard mobile for the latest surprise edition of the American Gerrard!
Keeping Faith with the Keeper
Our last game – that terrible one against Aston Villa – is one we all would prefer to forget. When a team lets in seven goals it is human nature to seek a scapegoat. Many fans were quick to point the finger at (and suggest the boot to) backup goal keeper Adrian. Rumors swirled the last week, linking us with any and every keeper that could be available. Technically we are still able sign free agents or players from the domestic lower leagues. When word spread first choice goal keeper Alisson would be sidelined for six weeks, the rumor mills exploded!
First came the Jack Butland rumors. Once thought of as one of the best keepers in England, injuries and relegation have messed that up. Butland’s current club Stoke are believed to be open to selling Butland in order to get his high wages off their bill. He only has one year left on his contract, and as such could be available on the cheap. Additionally, Liverpool have reached the maximum amount of foreign talent allowed registered within their squad, and can only sign players from England (which Butland is). After Alisson suffered a different injury last season which him out for a number of games, Liverpool moved to sign Andy Lonergan on a one-year contract. Liverpool could look to repeat the trick by signing Butland as another experienced backup. Could Butland prove he is still one of the best, with a back line like Liverpool’s in front of him?
Sorry to get your hopes up, but this one is not happening. Every Liverpool fan should know Klopp is not going to just give up on Adrian. He is not that type of manager. Every Liverpool fan should also know Liverpool is not going to just panic buy another keeper. We are not that type of club (Ed. – at least not anymore… ::looks at Balotelli::) and we have got a few up-and-coming talents in our youth system. I would also like to add that Butland may not be as great an option as people want to believe. Butland has yet to feature this season for Stoke in the Championship (not even Premier League). His last appearance for Stoke came last season in a 5-0 to Leeds.
Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Croatian international and former Monaco keeper Danijel Subasic, who is currently a free agent.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool will not look to sign any new goalkeepers. One major reason siting they have already registered their Champions League roster and will be unable to add any additional players for the Group stages. Looks like we are stuck with Adrian for a little while longer.
When Harry met Swansea
Swansea City are one of many Championship sides believed to be trying to sign Harry Wilson on loan before the domestic window closes on 16 October. I reported a few weeks ago that Burnley had supposedly pulled out of a move for Wilson after deeming Liverpool’s asking price too high. Derby County and Nottingham Forest are believed to be Wilson’s other suitors.
Harry Wilson enjoyed a successful loan spell at Derby in the 2018- 2019 season. During his time there he scored against Manchester United and knocked them out of the League Cup.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have turned down Swansea’s initial offer to sign Wilson on loan. It is believed Liverpool were originally only accepting permanent offers for Wilson during the transfer window, but will now entertain loan bids to ensure Wilson continues his development by playing first team football regularly.
At this time I am not certain why Liverpool have turned down Swansea’s rumored loan offer, but my instinct tells me Liverpool probably want a purchase agreement included in loan deals to ensure the team loaning him buys him at the end of the loan.
No Room for Nat
The Hartlepool Mail is claiming Swansea, Reading, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City are interested in buying Nat Phillips. Liverpool were initially belived to be seeking a loan move for Phillips, however a sale is apparently not off the table as well. Phillips has a year left on his contract and Liverpool may look to sell him before his starts to devalue.
Nat Phillips featured 22 times for VfB Stuttgart last season on loan, helping them achieve promotion to the Bundesliga. It was believed he may return there, but with Liverpool demanding only sales and no loans this summer, Stuttgart were priced out of a permanent move for Phillips.
Barca Still Want Wijnaldum
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are still interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. Barcelona believe they can tempt Liverpool into a cheap sale in January, assuming Wijnaldum does not sign an extension. Barcelona failed in their attempted to sign Wijnaldum this summer. There are plenty of theories on why that did not happen in a past article.
I believe Gini and Liverpool are both playing a wait-and-see game as far as who will compromise their demands in regards to Gini signing a new contract. Liverpool might decide they do not need Gini with the signing of Thiago and progression of Curtis Jones (Ed. – and Keita) . Klopp may decide he does not want to prevent Gini from one last big contract and the opportunity to sign for Barcelona.
Wijnaldum will be entering the final six months of his contract during the winter transfer window, which will allow him to negotiate with clubs outside of England. If they wait until the summer, Barca could move to sign Gini on a free transfer upon the expiration of his Liverpool contract.
Champions League Travel Advantage
Liverpool’s opponents in the group stage for the Champions League were announced a few weeks ago and some fans felt our group might be a bit tough. I on the other hand came across some interesting information comparing the overall travel distances for each time competing in the Champions League group stages.
Liverpool will be facing Ajax, Atalanta, and Midtjylland. When you look at the combined overall distance Liverpool will have to travel from England to face each of their three opponents in their away matches, Liverpool have the third least distance to travel of all teams in the competition. In total Liverpool will only have to travel around 1900 miles for their Champions League group stage trips, while teams like Man City and Chelsea will travel over 1000 miles more. Chelsea’s schedule includes an eight-hour flight to Krasdonar. Liverpool’s furthest trip will be just under four hours.
This season will see hectic schedules and fewer time between matches due to the world wide pandemic. Liverpool’s shorter distances in the Champion’s league will be a welcome comfort during uncomfortable times.
I’m Jordan Gerrard, and as always, I thank you for reading.
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