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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'No wonder Real Madrid are delighted' – Liverpool chief reacts to Trent Alexander-Arnold exit
In the last couple of months, there has been a lot of reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold swapping Liverpool for Real Madrid. The defender joined Los Blancos at the start of this month for a fee of €10m, and he has already played three times for his new club at the Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold, who has since revealed his reasoning behind making the move, has attracted strong criticism from Liverpool supporters, but the president of the Premier League champions has not joined in on this. Liverpool president gives thoughts on Trent departure Speaking to Liverpool Echo (via Diario AS), Tom Werner gave his thoughts on the matter, explaining that he does not hold the decision against Alexander-Arnold. Advertisement 'We respect the fact that Trent wanted to move on. I recently told someone this story. I saw Trent on the final weekend of the season with Billy Hogan (Liverpool CEO) and I just wanted him to know personally that as a club, we are grateful to him for his contributions. He showed me a photo from when he was seven years old and he was in the quarry. I have a lot of affection for everything he has done. Now it's time for him to move on and for us to look for his replacement.' Image via Emilee Chinn – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images Werner also reacted to the fans' frustrations with Alexander-Arnold choosing to run down his contract before joining Real Madrid. Advertisement 'I understand the feelings of the Liverpool fans and their disappointment. We are disappointed too, but that is overshadowed by the wonderful memories I have of him. I will never forget that corner he took against Barcelona. It was a masterpiece. As a football fan, seeing his assists, his passes… No wonder Real Madrid are delighted!' It has been a mixed start to life at Real Madrid for Alexander-Arnold, who has started a new chapter in his career. For €10m, it is certainly a very good piece of business for Los Blancos, who will hope that he continues his Liverpool form with them.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How Liverpool's Transfer Windows Have Evolved Over the Past Decade
Liverpool Transfers: Lessons from History and the Arne Slot Era Liverpool's transfer strategy is once again in the spotlight as the club looks to build upon Arne Slot's historic debut Premier League title. On the Daily Red podcast from Anfield Index, host Dave Hendrick provided a searing retrospective on Liverpool's transfer history, offering deep insight into the missteps of the past and the importance of getting recruitment right in the present. Transfer Decisions and Financial Planning Hendrick opened the show with a timely reminder: 'The Reds are Premier League champions.' He noted that Milos Kerkez has been confirmed as a new signing and explained that, 'the Kerkez deal, the Wirtz deal, the Mamardashvili deal and the Frimpong deal will all be on the 24/25 ledger.' He added that July 1st would mark the beginning of a new financial year, which could open the door for moves for players like Alexander Isak or Gonçalo Inácio. Advertisement Importantly, Hendrick framed these timings within the club's compliance with profit and sustainability rules. 'It's good for us to split it because it means that we don't have too much of a financial hit in one year.' He acknowledged that Liverpool have held back on certain deals such as Jarell Quansah's exit or potential moves involving Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, likely for similar accounting reasons. Past Mistakes and Transfer Tragedies Hendrick didn't hold back as he analysed the transfer failures of the past. Referring to Graeme Souness' reign, he said, 'the biggest mistake was probably selling Peter Beardsley… he was still one of the best players in the league four years after this.' He revisited the infamous summer of 2014 under Brendan Rodgers, describing it as 'an atrocity… borderline war crime.' Reflecting on the post-Suárez spending spree, Hendrick recalled, 'Brendan Rodgers spent 24 million pounds on Adam Lallana,' despite the club already having Philippe Coutinho. 'We had Mamadou Sakho… and Rodgers insisted we spend 20 million on Dejan 'the pebble' Lovren,' he added with scorn. Advertisement But the most scathing remark was reserved for one signing in particular: 'We signed Ricky [expletive] Lambert to replace Luis Suárez… people actually tried to pretend it was something that was going to work.' It was, according to Hendrick, 'the biggest catastrophe of that summer.' Slot's Approach and Future Strategy While Hendrick didn't directly critique Arne Slot's transfer activity, his breakdown made clear how much damage poor recruitment has caused in the past. The emphasis on strategic, financially timed acquisitions in the current window stands in stark contrast to the rash decisions of previous regimes. Liverpool's recent successes in the market under Michael Edwards and later Julian Ward appear to be the benchmark. As Hendrick observed, 'We've been really good in the transfer market for the majority of the last ten years.' With Arne Slot now leading the team and the club in a strong position both on the pitch and in the balance sheet, the lessons from history are more relevant than ever. Avoiding past pitfalls—like buying for the sake of it or caving to public pressure—is vital. And as Liverpool continues their rebuild, Hendrick's insight provides a compelling reminder: smart transfers win titles, but poor ones can cost you years.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Medical Next Week' – Liverpool Set to Sign Midfielder
Liverpool Closing in on Deal to Sign Blackpool Wonderkid Liverpool's summer of high-calibre investment continues with a long-term focus, as Football Insider reveals the club have agreed a six-figure deal for Blackpool midfielder Gabriel Schluter. The 16-year-old is set to undergo his medical next week, according to transfer insider Pete O'Rourke, as the Reds beat competition from Fulham and Stockport to the teenager's signature. Advertisement This marks another proactive youth acquisition following a string of major arrivals. The likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Freddie Woodman have already been added to Arne Slot's title-winning squad, with Schluter potentially making it six new faces at the AXA Training Centre this summer. A product of Blackpool's youth system, Schluter has impressed internally and externally. His senior debut came in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy against Liverpool U21s, where he scored in the penalty shootout following a goalless draw. He also earned the Players' Player of the Year award at Blackpool's academy night in 2024, underlining his reputation as one to watch. Slot's Blueprint for Sustainable Success While Slot is inheriting a title-winning squad from Jurgen Klopp, he is clearly reshaping it with youth and versatility in mind. The reported capture of Schluter is consistent with a long-term philosophy that balances marquee names with youth prospects capable of breaking through. Advertisement At just 16, Schluter will be viewed as a project rather than a player for immediate impact. However, his early senior exposure and physical maturity for his age indicate potential that Liverpool's recruitment team are confident in. As Football Insider notes, 'Arne Slot's men have secured a medical for the 16-year-old next week.' Competition for his signature was serious. According to Football League World, 'Stockport and fellow Premier League side Fulham were understood to have kept a watching brief on the Blackpool star.' Beating Premier League rivals to emerging talent always adds extra gloss for supporters. Spotlight on Striker Situation While Schluter represents future promise, Liverpool's current intrigue lies in who may lead the line next season. Speculation continues around Darwin Nunez's future, with reports linking him to Napoli. If the Uruguayan departs, alternatives are being lined up. Advertisement Hugo Ekitike remains on the radar. As Christian Falk explained to CaughtOffside, 'Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United still have him on their radar. Liverpool could make a move once they have sold Darwin Nunez.' However, Eintracht Frankfurt's €100m valuation is a sticking point. With Alexander Isak also admired at Anfield, the question becomes one of strategy rather than desire. If Liverpool are willing to pay £85.4m for Ekitike, then 'is breaching the £100m mark for Isak too much of a swing?' Future-Proofing in Full Flow This combination of elite talent acquisition and sharp-eyed youth recruitment reinforces Liverpool's post-Klopp evolution. Gabriel Schluter's imminent arrival is not headline-grabbing like Florian Wirtz, but it typifies the foresight of a club aiming for sustained success. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis This feels like another smart play from Liverpool. Arne Slot has already shown he can mix youth with experience and win big, and the addition of Gabriel Schluter is the sort of deal that made the club's recruitment team famous under Michael Edwards. Advertisement It's particularly satisfying to snatch a top talent away from Fulham, who've been smart operators in the youth market themselves. The fact Schluter scored against our U21s and still got picked up shows we had eyes on him even before that. There's a sense he fits our modern midfield mould — aggressive, technical and mentally sharp. On the Ekitike front, fans are split. Some see him as the new Sadio Mane in terms of flair and movement, others worry about price and end product. But there's one thing that's becoming clear — if Nunez goes, we're not stepping back. We're ready to go big again. Whether that's Isak, Ekitike or someone out of the blue, the ambition remains sky high. Slot clearly has backing. The summer of 2025 is looking like a transformational one, and we're absolutely here for it.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool defender closer to agreement over new deal
The arrival of Milos Kerkez is going to have a knock-on effect for several Liverpool players. Having paid around £45m to Bournemouth for the left-back, the Reds will plan to utilise the Hungarian as their first-choice in the position for the long term. That will have an impact on Andy Robertson, who has been with the club since 2017, as well as Kostas Tsimikas. The club isn't big enough for three left-backs - and the deposed duo are not short of transfer interest. Advertisement It appears certain that one or both will leave this summer, thereby allowing Kerkez to take his place in the team. But there is another Liverpool left-back to consider here. It's Owen Beck. The 22-year-old enjoyed a productive season out on loan at Blackburn last term - and returns to the club under considerable scrutiny. Owen Beck linked with Rangers The Welshman has got plenty of clubs interested in signing him - a list that reportedly includes Sheffield United and Wrexham. Most recently it was reported that Rangers had plans to add Beck this summer - although it wasn't specified if it was a loan move or a permanent deal. Advertisement But now the picture is becoming a little clearer with the news that the club are talking to the left-back over a new deal. Under contract only until 2026, it would be pointless if the Reds let him out on loan only to lose him for free next summer. But Football Insider now suggests that the club will seek to tie him down to a new contract before sanctioning a loan deal. Liverpool talking to Owen Beck over new deal 'Liverpool have opened talks with defender Owen Beck over a new contract,' the report reads. 'The Reds and will look to tie him down to a new deal before sanctioning a loan move away this summer. Advertisement 'Beck is likely to leave Anfield on loan with the 22-year-old pushed further down the pecking order in Arne Slot's plans following the arrival of Milos Kerkez. 'Rangers, Derby and Wrexham are all interested in loan moves for Beck before the summer window shuts.' © IMAGO Could Beck replace Robbo and Tsimikas? A new contract plus a loan move will protect Liverpool from a transfer fee perspective. If Beck goes on to enjoy a good season at Rangers or elsewhere then Liverpool can formulate a plan for a permanent deal. Alternatively Beck may well have the option of returning to Anfield as a Kerkez back-up. Robertson, 31, will leave next summer when his contract ends if he doesn't get a move away this year. And Tsimikas has rarely convinced in a Liverpool shirt - with the club surely willing to cash in. That would leave a spot free for Beck to challenge Kerkez - and save the Reds plenty of money on a potential left-back replacement.
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Liverpool chief breaks silence on Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid and reveals his disappointment behind the decision
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has revealed what he really thought about Trent Alexander-Arnold 's controversial decision to join Real Madrid. The defender caused uproar among the Reds fan base when he revealed he would be leaving the club for Spain, with it initially looking like he would be departing for free after a 20-year stay at his boyhood club. However, Arne Slot 's side did secure a £10million fee from Madrid for Alexander-Arnold to join them early and therefore play in the Club World Cup. Nevertheless, many Liverpool fans were left incensed by Alexander-Arnold's move, as they believe it was done in bad faith and did not leave the club with sufficient funds to replace him. And now, Werner has conceded that he and other club chiefs shared the disappointment of many fans. The 75-year-old businessman diplomatically thanked Alexander-Arnold for his contributions, but could not completely hide his emotions. 'We do respect the fact that Trent has moved on,' Werner told Liverpool Echo. 'I told someone recently this story about seeing Trent on the last weekend of the season, with Billy [Hogan, chief executive] and I just wanted him to know from me personally we are and were as a club thankful for all his contributions. 'He showed me a picture when he was seven years old, when he was a young kid at the academy, and I have a lot of fondness for all that he has done and so it is time for him to move and time for us to replace him. 'We do wish him well and I understand the emotions of supporters who were disappointed and we were disappointed too but it is overshadowed by my wonderful memories of him.' Werner went on to share a standout memory of Alexander-Arnold in red, and reminisced over his assist to Divock Origi in the 2019 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Alexander-Arnold quickly took a corner to catch Barca's defence napping, which was tapped in by Origi. The goal sealed a historic 4-0 win at Anfield and overturned a three-goal deficit from the first leg. 'I'll never forget that pass he made, the corner he took, for the fourth goal against Barcelona. 'That was just a work of genius and as a football fan, watching some of his assists, the way he would pass the ball 30-plus yards to a specific point and create a goal was wonder Real Madrid are delighted.'
