Latest news with #MichaelEdwards
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Klopp Praises Wirtz as Liverpool Make Statement with Record Signing
Klopp Reflects as Liverpool Invest Big in Florian Wirtz New Era, Familiar Ambition at Anfield The summer of 2025 has already delivered a statement of intent at Anfield. Liverpool, now managed by Arne Slot, have secured the signing of Florian Wirtz in a deal worth £100 million plus £16 million in add-ons, a record fee for a British club. The move, completed ahead of a number of Europe's elite, has captured attention not just for the player involved, but for what it symbolises: Liverpool's continued evolution without Jürgen Klopp. Advertisement For many, it felt like a new chapter written in the same bold ink. Wirtz, 22, has been Germany's outstanding player for the past two seasons. His signature was hotly contested, with Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real Madrid among the interested parties. Liverpool's ability to complete the deal speaks volumes about their standing under the guidance of Slot and the club's recruitment structure led by Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes. Klopp on Wirtz: Praise and Perspective With such a high-profile signing, scrutiny inevitably follows, especially when past remarks are unearthed. Jürgen Klopp, now watching events unfold from the sidelines, once said he would walk away from a club that paid £100m for a player. That statement has been referenced widely since Wirtz's arrival. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement But the former Liverpool manager has clarified his position and thrown his support behind the move. 'We all agree that we are talking about a great player here,' Klopp told German publication Welt. 'I know that I once said that I'm out if we pay £100m for a player. But the world is changing. That's just the way the market is.' It's a measured response from a coach who always balanced idealism with realism. Markets shift, values rise, and clubs must adapt to remain competitive. Klopp's words are not a retraction, but a reflection of modern football's demands, and Liverpool's place in it. Midfield Shaped for the Future What remains to be seen is where exactly Slot will deploy Wirtz. Klopp himself acknowledged the tactical uncertainty but left little doubt over the player's talent. Advertisement 'I don't know for which position Arne has planned for Florian exactly. He is an outstanding player who can give something big to any club.' Photo IMAGO Wirtz offers versatility across attacking midfield and forward roles. With Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott already competing for time, Slot will need to manage rotation and role definition carefully. Yet it's precisely this depth, and competition, that elevates a squad from contenders to champions. Wirtz Transfer Highlights Market Realities Liverpool's investment in Wirtz is about more than numbers. It is a message of intent: that they are still a force among Europe's elite. After years of carefully calibrated business under Klopp, this move feels like both continuity and change, building on past success while adapting to new realities. Advertisement 'Whether he will make the reigning English champions even better, however, remains to be seen,' Klopp concluded. His comment isn't laced with doubt, but with the wisdom of someone who knows football's unpredictability better than most. What is clear is that Liverpool now have a player capable of shaping matches at the highest level. Whether that leads to another title, or just a reinvention of their attacking identity, only time will tell.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Strengthen Goalkeeper Ranks with Sixth Signing This Summer
Liverpool Add Experience with Sixth Summer Signing Strategic Moves in Goalkeeping Overhaul Liverpool's summer rebuild continues apace, and the club's sixth summer signing has quietly captured headlines, not for the name, but for the thinking behind it. As reported by both The Times and BBC, Freddie Woodman is set to join Liverpool on a free transfer following his departure from Preston North End. Advertisement Though the Reds may be reigning Premier League champions, their actions in the market suggest no intention of standing still. Woodman, 28, will not arrive with the fanfare of a marquee forward or high-profile defender, but his acquisition underlines a clear objective from Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes, and Arne Slot: depth, balance, and readiness. Photo IMAGO 'Liverpool are set to sign Freddie Woodman on a free transfer. The 28-year-old has agreed a contract with the Reds to bolster the goalkeeping ranks upon the expiry of his previous deal with Preston North End,' the club confirmed on their official website. Experience Over Youth in No 3 Role Woodman's arrival adds seasoned depth to the squad and answers the immediate question of who fills the void left by multiple goalkeeper exits. Giorgi Mamardashvili's previously agreed move sees him take over from Caoimhin Kelleher as Alisson Becker's No 2. Kelleher, sold to Brentford, leaves a legacy of reliability and calm under pressure. Advertisement Meanwhile, Viteslav Jaros has gone to Ajax on loan, and Harvey Davies to Crawley Town. Armin Pecsi, the 20-year-old Hungarian signed from Puskás Akadémia earlier this month, was initially thought to be in line for the third spot. But Liverpool clearly felt more experience was needed behind Mamardashvili and Alisson. Photo: IMAGO Woodman brings exactly that. A product of Newcastle United's academy and a former England youth international, he has made 278 senior club appearances, primarily with Swansea and Preston in the Championship. He has weathered pressure, managed expectation, and matured in competitive environments. Importance of Homegrown Quota Beyond pitch presence, there's a technical advantage to this deal. 'Importantly, Woodman meets the criteria for an association trained player, which is three years playing for a club in England between 15 and 21 years of age,' reported The Times' Paul Joyce. Advertisement That distinction is significant. It means Woodman does not occupy one of Liverpool's 17 non-homegrown slots on their UEFA squad list, giving the club greater flexibility in other areas of recruitment. With European competition on the horizon, those list decisions matter just as much as transfer fees. Woodman's Quiet but Valuable Role This move is unlikely to generate mass excitement among supporters, particularly with marquee pursuits ongoing, such as Marc Guehi at centre-half, and a new starting striker if Darwin Núñez completes his expected move to Napoli. Still, the Woodman signing reflects the quiet value of preparation. Behind every successful campaign is a squad built not only for quality, but for resilience. In Woodman, Liverpool have secured a calm, experienced presence who strengthens their structure and contributes to squad harmony without compromise.
The Market Online
5 days ago
- Business
- The Market Online
Black Swan Graphene secures distribution in India
Black Swan Graphene (TSXV:SWAN) signed a non-exclusive distribution and sales agreement with METCO Resources, a top supplier of specialty materials and polymers in India Black Swan is pursuing large-scale production of patented high-performance graphene products for strategic industries Black Swan Graphene stock has given back 20.19 per cent year-over-year Black Swan Graphene (TSXV:SWAN) signed a non-exclusive distribution and sales agreement with METCO Resources, a top supplier of specialty materials and polymers in India. Black Swan will provide its graphene-enhanced masterbatches (GEM) for numerous polymer applications. The product is designed to enhance the weight, processing and conductivity of materials for a wide variety of industrial clients, seamlessly integrating into existing supply chains while potentially reducing additive costs. METCO Resources, for its part, will distribute and promote Black Swan's graphene nanoplatelets and GEM masterbatch products to customers in India's industrial, packaging, automotive and construction industries. According to Friday's news release, the agreement 'marks a significant step in expanding Black Swan's global footprint and accelerating the adoption of graphene-based solutions in one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.' The global graphene market hit US$570.3 million in 2024 and is expected to surpass US$5.1 billion by 2032, posting a staggering compound annual growth rate of 31.8 per cent. Leadership insights 'This partnership with METCO aligns with our strategy to collaborate with experienced regional players who understand the local market needs and have strong technical and commercial capabilities,' Michael Edwards, Black Swan Graphene's chief operating officer, said in a statement. 'India is a rapidly growing market for advanced materials, and we are excited to introduce our graphene-enhanced solutions to a broader audience through this collaboration .' 'We are proud to partner with Black Swan, a recognized innovator in advanced materials,' added Jitendra Mehta, managing director of METCO. 'Their graphene-enhanced masterbatches offer tremendous potential to improve performance and sustainability in polymer applications. Our team is eager to bring these next-generation materials to Indian manufacturers seeking to gain a competitive edge.' About Black Swan Graphene Black Swan Graphene is pursuing large-scale production of patented high-performance graphene products for strategic industries. The company has launched seven products since 2024, all of which are currently being tested by numerous international clients. Black Swan Graphene stock (TSXV:SWAN) last traded at C$0.83. The stock has given back 20.19 per cent year-over-year. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this graphene stock on the Black Swan Graphene Inc. Bullboard and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Liverpool one step closer to signing DREAM midfielder after €150m FSG move
FSG's proposed new takeover at another club could take Liverpool a step closer to signing a dream midfielder for Arne Slot's side. Ever since Michael Edwards has returned to work for Liverpool again, it has become obvious that FSG want to establish the multi-club system for Liverpool. Shop the LFC Store The new LFC x Air Max range 🔥 Nike x Air Max LFC x Nike Air Max Advertisement Buy Now LFC Retro Shirts LFC Retro Shirts Buy Now Home Jersey LFC Kits Buy Now LFC Nike Training LFC Nike Training Buy Now Edwards' new role is a giveaway. He's the Director of Football Operations not just for Liverpool but for FSG, working directly for the club's owners. Edwards admitted that one of the reasons why he came back was because of FSG's desire to buy another club. It's now been over a year but nothing has materialised so far. FSG exploded a move for Bordeaux but were ultimately priced out, due to the club's high costs for renting their own stadium. Malaga CF has also been considered but again nothing has materialised. Instead it looks like Getafe CF could be the winner in the race. Advertisement The Times has confirmed that FSG are considering a takeover at Getafe, with the La Liga side currently being on the market and catching Liverpool's attention. This deal could be worth €150m according to the latest reports in Spain. Have a multi-club system in place - with a team like Getafe could benefit the Reds in multiple ways but most notably it's through recruitment. Liverpool have a brilliant scouting department with some of the best minds in the game. But sometimes, Liverpool aren't always able to recruit the best young players because they do not offer a pathway into playing regular minutes at first team level. Advertisement With their purchase of Getafe, FSG would be able to provide a pathway and invest in talent who are more long-term and don't quite have the ability to play for Liverpool in that moment but could do so in the future. At Getafe they'll undoubtedly make a number of changes. However, one player could stay because he's simply perfect for Liverpool. His name is Christantus Uche and he's one of the best young midfielders in La Liga. Uche stands at 1.90 metres and he's only turned 22-years-old in May so he's actually younger than Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah in the current Liverpool squad. Impressively last season he made the most goal contributions for Getafe (13), so he knows how to make an impact in front of the opposition's box. Advertisement A brilliant technical player, the Nigeria is really good at using his body to beat players and draw fouls. He's a dream player to have for any coach because of his versatility. Uche can play as no.10, as a box-to-box midfielder and potentially even as a striker - which is where he started his career. That was when he was still playing amateur football - only three years ago. Which just goes to show how raw and yet how impressive of a talent he is. Already a number of top European and Premier League clubs are looking at him. However, if FSG takeover, they will be in no rush to sell. Because they'll know in Uche they will have an asset who could play for Liverpool in the long-term future.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
John Henry's FSG Explore Spanish Market with Getafe Interest
FSG Step into Spain: Liverpool Owners Eye Getafe in Multi-Club Expansion Fresh Move into Europe Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American consortium behind Liverpool Football Club, appear to be firmly pressing ahead with their ambition to create a multi-club empire. As reported by The Times, John Henry's group is now in talks to buy La Liga side Getafe. The Madrid-based club, who finished 13th in Spain's top flight last season, could become the latest building block in FSG's evolving football blueprint. Advertisement 'Reports emerged on Tuesday that the American consortium led by Liverpool's majority shareholder John Henry was in talks to buy Spanish club Getafe.' After years of resisting the trend set by Manchester City's owners, who now control 13 clubs globally under the City Football Group umbrella, FSG have now committed to a new direction, and Michael Edwards, the recently reappointed CEO of Football at FSG, is central to that transformation. Photo IMAGO From Hesitation to Full Commitment 'FSG had previously resisted following the multi-club trend pioneered by Manchester City's owners.' That resistance has now given way to a clear strategy. With interest in Bordeaux collapsing in 2024 over stadium rental issues, Getafe has emerged as the new focal point. Advertisement 'However, they have now embraced that model and are working to build a multi-club model. This has been done with the help of Michael Edwards, FSG's CEO of Football.' The ambition is evident. This is not a short-term grab. FSG are clearly seeking stability and scalability. They are not just buying football clubs, they are investing in infrastructure, identity and long-term influence. Why Getafe? The interest in Getafe is hardly random. Ángel Torres, the long-serving club president, has announced plans to step away by 2027. 'He is determined to secure the club's future by finding a buyer who is not only financially capable but also deeply knowledgeable about football – a bracket that FSG matches.' Advertisement Getafe's infrastructure aspirations may also be playing a key role. Their ongoing Coliseum stadium renovation and the new adjacent Sports City project offer the kind of asset development that FSG, with its American sports pedigree, thrives on. Spanish Strategy with Global Implications This is not just a Spanish play. It is a European step towards building a global footballing portfolio. If Getafe are acquired, expect further moves, possibly in Portugal, South America or North Africa – regions rich in talent and strategic importance. 'Paul Joyce of The Times has now confirmed the news.' 'Fenway Sports Group, the owner of Liverpool, has turned its attention to the La Liga side Getafe as it looks to develop a multi-club model. There has been interest previously in Bordeaux and Malaga, but the Madrid-based Getafe, who finished 13th in the Spanish top flight last season, have now come under consideration.' Advertisement FSG's ability to strategically manoeuvre through European football, while maintaining Liverpool's competitive focus under Arne Slot, will be a compelling watch over the next 12 months. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis There's a growing sense of anticipation among Liverpool fans as FSG's multi-club model finally begins to take shape. The potential acquisition of Getafe shows serious intent. For too long, Liverpool have seemed behind the curve in this space, especially compared to Manchester City's vast network. The excitement here stems from what this could mean for Liverpool's squad development. With a satellite club like Getafe, younger players can be loaned into a competitive league where technical football dominates, while keeping them within a framework controlled by FSG. That could be crucial in nurturing talent without the risk of stagnation. Advertisement There's also intrigue around Michael Edwards. His return signalled change, and this confirms it. If anyone can integrate a multi-club system smartly and ethically, it's Edwards. However, fans will rightly be monitoring how this affects Liverpool. The primary concern remains that Anfield must not suffer from any dilution of focus. FSG must be transparent with supporters, ensuring Liverpool's first team remains the top priority. The infrastructure at Getafe is a bonus – a shiny new stadium, a sports city, and a stable financial platform. But supporters want to know: how will this help Liverpool win titles? Will it reduce reliance on inflated transfer markets? If the answer is yes, this could be transformative. Just like Red Bull with Leipzig and Salzburg, or City Football Group with Girona and Troyes, this could be the start of something powerful – if executed with care and clarity.
