Fabrizio Romano – The Empire of The Kop https://www.empireofthekop.com Blog about Liverpool F.C. (LFC) and the Kop from true supporters for supporters worldwide. Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:22:53 +0100 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9 95610221 Fabrizio Romano just dropped Jamal Musiala news amid serious Liverpool interest https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/romano-drops-musiala-news-amid-liverpool-interest/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/romano-drops-musiala-news-amid-liverpool-interest/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:26:32 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253170 Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that multiple top outfits are keeping a close eye on Jamal Musiala ahead of the summer. The talented Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has been linked with English outfits like Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. “For Jamal Musiala, guys, we are back there with many rumours – in this case coming from […]

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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that multiple top outfits are keeping a close eye on Jamal Musiala ahead of the summer.

The talented Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has been linked with English outfits like Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.

“For Jamal Musiala, guys, we are back there with many rumours – in this case coming from England,” the Italian spoke on his YouTube channel.

“If you remember, it was in October/November we heard strong rumours about Liverpool and I told you guys always the same position as I tell you today, we heard rumours now about Manchester City, about Chelsea… the reality is that all the top clubs in the world, even from Spain, love Jamal Musiala.

“But this is very easy, very normal. Many top clubs are following, appreciating, monitoring one of the best players in the world in Jamal Musiala.

“Manchester City are big fans of the player, but it’s the same for Chelsea, same for the clubs in Spain, same for people in Liverpool. Many top clubs following the situation of Musiala because he’s a special talent and he’s out of contract in 2026.”

The Bavarian outfit is understood to be particularly keen to keep hold of the 21-year-old, of course, with talks set to take place over his future in the coming months.

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READ MORE: ‘Final negotiations’: Next Liverpool manager closing in on Anfield move; agent bought apartment

READ MORE: ‘I’m told’: Fabrizio Romano now reacts to reports Liverpool are scouting £51.4m centre-half

What do the stats say about Jamal Musiala?

What on earth don’t they say?

Compared to fellow attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe, the former Chelsea academy star is ranking as one hell of a young talent.

The German has 19 goal contributions in 36 games this term – (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Musiala ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons, is reliable in his passing game (ranking in the 95th percentile) and contributes with a significant goal threat (89th percentile for non-penalty xG), according to FBref.

Don’t get us wrong – there’s plenty there left to develop, but my word what a footballer you’d be getting if Bayern were forced into selling.

Not that we can see that situation coming to light without the player and his entourage forcing a move.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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‘I’m told’: Fabrizio Romano now reacts to reports Liverpool are scouting £51.4m centre-half https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/romano-reacts-reports-liverpool-scouting-51m-centre-half/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/romano-reacts-reports-liverpool-scouting-51m-centre-half/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:19:37 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253157 Fabrizio Romano has noted it’s difficult to determine who Liverpool are specifically scouting over in Frankfurt. The Merseysiders dispatched scouts to monitor the situation over in Hesse. £42.8-51.4m valued defender Willian Pacho is thought to be a potential subject of interest for English top-flight sides. The Metro reported that the Reds and Arsenal have made […]

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Fabrizio Romano has noted it’s difficult to determine who Liverpool are specifically scouting over in Frankfurt.

The Merseysiders dispatched scouts to monitor the situation over in Hesse. £42.8-51.4m valued defender Willian Pacho is thought to be a potential subject of interest for English top-flight sides.

The Metro reported that the Reds and Arsenal have made inquiries over the centre-half’s future.

“I spoke yesterday about how they have been monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt, but it’s not really about specific players. It’s normal for top clubs like this to send their scouts to monitor entire teams, but it’s too early to report on anything more than that,” the CaughtOffside columnist wrote in his Daily Briefing.

“So, although there have also been stories about Liverpool enquiring about Eintracht’s talented Ecuador defender Willian Pacho, along with Arsenal, I have no concrete updates about specific clubs.

“It’s true that Pacho has a price tag of around €50-60m and it looks like an open race for his signature this summer. I’m told nothing is at concrete or advanced stages with English clubs.”

Jurgen Klopp’s men are understood to be keen on the idea of bolstering their backline this summer. This will sharpen into focus should the German’s replacement opt for a back-three formation.

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READ MORE: ‘Not too surprised’: Fabrizio Romano drops intriguing morning Liverpool manager news

READ MORE: ‘Conversations took place’: Fabrizio Romano drops concerning morning next Liverpool manager update

What do the stats say about Pacho?

The 22-year-old centre-half is, it’s worth noting from the off, a left-sided option in the backline.

It’s something we very much crave given the lack of cover for Virgil van Dijk in the Liverpool back four.

Willian Pacho of Frankfurt – (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

The Ecuadorian boasts some pretty impressive defensive metrics for Frankfurt, registering in the 80s of percentiles for tackles, interceptions, blocks and clearances, according to FBref.

One major point of concern we have is Pacho’s passing ability, with his average pass completion rate per 90 of 84.4% putting him in the 39th percentile amongst his positional peers in Europe.

Van Dijk, by contrast, is in the 92nd percentile for pass completion (91.8% per 90).

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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‘Not too surprised’: Fabrizio Romano drops intriguing morning Liverpool manager news https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/fabrizio-romano-surprise-next-liverpool-manager-contender/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/18/fabrizio-romano-surprise-next-liverpool-manager-contender/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:41:33 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253155 Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Gian Piero Gasperini is currently not in the running for the Liverpool manager’s job. The 66-year-old earned surprise links following Atalanta’s impressive 3-0 win over the Reds in the Europa League. “Gian Piero Gasperini will have raised some eyebrows yesterday when he addressed rumours about him being in contention for […]

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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Gian Piero Gasperini is currently not in the running for the Liverpool manager’s job.

The 66-year-old earned surprise links following Atalanta’s impressive 3-0 win over the Reds in the Europa League.

“Gian Piero Gasperini will have raised some eyebrows yesterday when he addressed rumours about him being in contention for the Liverpool job. He spoke at his press conference ahead of the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final with the Reds, saying: ‘Of course I am happy with links to Liverpool job to replace Klopp but my focus is on the game’,” the Guardian reporter told CaughtOffside.

“For sure, Gasperini has done a fantastic job at Atalanta in recent times so I’m not too surprised that, after beating Liverpool in such a convincing way with that 3-0 win at Anfield last week, there is some media speculation about him possibly replacing Klopp, but there’s nothing more to it than that.

“I can say that there’s nothing at all between Gasperini and Liverpool from what I know. I think these are links just generated by Atalanta’s super game vs Liverpool at Anfield, that’s it. As for other clubs, again there will always be links, but for now I see him staying at Atalanta.”

The Merseysiders face the Serie A outfit in Bergamo tonight, with a reaction required after a dismal 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

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READ MORE: ‘Conversations took place’: Fabrizio Romano drops concerning morning next Liverpool manager update

READ MORE: Strong theory now emerging about Xabi Alonso following Liverpool manager snub

The contenders for the Liverpool job

As things currently stand, Ruben Amorim appears to remain the frontrunner to succeed Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool post.

Whilst Gasperini’s set-up in Merseyside most certainly deserves plaudits, we’d be surprised if the Italian entered Richard Hughes’ considerations based on one result.

Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta – (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Far more likely are the options of Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann. However, that is, of course, only an eventuality should the former Braga coach remain in Lisbon.

In the meantime, we’d be surprised if Gasperini’s performances didn’t bring him into consideration at other top outfits.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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‘Conversations took place’: Fabrizio Romano drops concerning morning next Liverpool manager update https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/17/romano-concerning-morning-liverpool-manager-update/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/17/romano-concerning-morning-liverpool-manager-update/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:51:26 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253124 Fabrizio Romano has confirmed once again that Bayern Munich have pinned down Julian Nagelsmann as the frontrunner to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer. This comes amid some links to the soon-to-be-vacant Liverpool manager role, with Jurgen Klopp calling time on an illustrious career at Anfield. “I want to confirm once again that Julian Nagelsmann is […]

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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed once again that Bayern Munich have pinned down Julian Nagelsmann as the frontrunner to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer.

This comes amid some links to the soon-to-be-vacant Liverpool manager role, with Jurgen Klopp calling time on an illustrious career at Anfield.

“I want to confirm once again that Julian Nagelsmann is the frontrunner for the Bayern Munich job, ahead of Roberto de Zerbi and Ralf Rangnick, who are two alternatives. What will be important now, in the next few days, will be for Bayern to understand what will happen between Nagelsmann and the German national team,” the CaughtOffside columnist wrote in his exclusive Daily Briefing.

“My understanding is that the German federation want to keep Nagelsmann until 2026, and they have already prepared a new contract proposal for him. They want him to commit to the national team. Nagelsmann himself wants to decide his future before the Euros this summer, and he knows now that Bayern’s interest is strong and concrete.

“Bayern have an idea of what they want their project to be with Nagelsmann, and now it’s about entering into the crucial stages of the conversation. Conversations took place with his agents in recent weeks, he’s the big favourite for the job.”

The German tactician will enjoy a well-deserved sabbatical after a nine-year stint that will have at least delivered one league title and a Champions League trophy back into the Reds’ hands.

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READ MORE: Strong theory now emerging about Xabi Alonso following Liverpool manager snub

READ MORE: ‘We’re hearing’: Fabrizio Romano weighs in on Unai Emery links to Liverpool

Ruben Amorim in the lead to replace Jurgen Klopp?

Despite Ruben Amorim’s concerning comments to the press, it very much appears as if he’s leading the race to replace Jurgen Klopp.

The Portuguese head coach has rightly won plaudits for his style of football and transforming Sporting Lisbon into a regular competitor for the league title in the Primeira Liga.

Julian Nagelsmann will lead Germany out at the Euros – (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Should, God forbid, the former Benfica star opt to continue his cycle in Portugal, of course, that leaves Liverpool with one hell of a problem to tackle.

Even more so if another promising candidate in Nagelsmann is snapped up by Bayern Munich this summer.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Strong theory now emerging about Xabi Alonso following Liverpool manager snub https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/17/strong-theory-xabi-alonso-after-liverpool-manager-snub/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/17/strong-theory-xabi-alonso-after-liverpool-manager-snub/#respond Wed, 17 Apr 2024 08:34:02 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253120 It wasn’t meant to be for Liverpool and beloved former midfielder Xabi Alonso. The ex-Spanish international footballer opted to stay put with Bayer Leverkusen after the Reds came calling looking for a Jurgen Klopp successor. Fabrizio Romano has since pointed to the 42-year-old’s ‘really special’ link to Real Madrid as one of several indications that […]

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It wasn’t meant to be for Liverpool and beloved former midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The ex-Spanish international footballer opted to stay put with Bayer Leverkusen after the Reds came calling looking for a Jurgen Klopp successor.

Fabrizio Romano has since pointed to the 42-year-old’s ‘really special’ link to Real Madrid as one of several indications that he’ll one day be reunited with Los Blancos.

“Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has been very clear, telling the Spanish press that he 100% expects Xabi Alonso to become Real Madrid manager one day. Carro was very strong in his statement, saying he has no doubts that Alonso will be Real Madrid manager in the future,” the Italian journalist informed CaughtOffside.

“Carro knows that Alonso is super attracted to a future with Real Madrid – this is the reality, as Alonso still loves all his former clubs, such as Bayern and Liverpool, but the feeling with Real Madrid, as a Spanish guy, is really special.

“You might also remember that when I told you about Alonso rejecting Bayern and Liverpool to stay at Leverkusen this summer, I told you that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is a big fan of Alonso – this is an important point. Perez is a big fan of Alonso as a person, and as a manager. He also believes he has the perfect style for Real Madrid and that his skills as a coach are fantastic.

“Perez is a super big fan of Alonso and this is why the feeling is that one day he will become Real Madrid manager.”

Leverkusen have since been crowned Bundesliga champions following a 5-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen.

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READ MORE: ‘We’re hearing’: Fabrizio Romano weighs in on Unai Emery links to Liverpool

READ MORE: Journalist hearing Liverpool about to move to ‘next stage of talks’ with managerial candidate

Will Xabi Alonso manage Liverpool one day?

It’s looking increasingly likely that Real Madrid will be the first of the former outfits to benefit from Alonso’s skillset.

Whether the opportunity then later arises to take over Liverpool is difficult to determine and dependent entirely on the success of Jurgen Klopp’s successor. Potentially even the man after that!

Bayer Leverkusen are ‘Neverkusen’ no more – (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

If it all works out with Amorim, should the Portuguese head coach say ‘yes’ to the role, of course, the heartbreak will be quickly forgotten.

Dean Jones’ latest update on the matter at least suggests talks could progress quickly.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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‘We’re hearing’: Fabrizio Romano weighs in on Unai Emery links to Liverpool https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/17/fabrizio-romano-on-unai-emery-links-liverpool-manager/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/17/fabrizio-romano-on-unai-emery-links-liverpool-manager/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2024 08:13:57 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253114 Unai Emery’s impressive job at Aston Villa is understandably earning him both plaudits and links to bigger jobs in football. Not many jobs come bigger than Liverpool Football Club ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure this summer. Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed, however, that the Spaniard remains fully focused on the task at hand with […]

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Unai Emery’s impressive job at Aston Villa is understandably earning him both plaudits and links to bigger jobs in football.

Not many jobs come bigger than Liverpool Football Club ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure this summer.

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed, however, that the Spaniard remains fully focused on the task at hand with the Villans.

“We’re hearing a lot at the moment about some fantastic managers who could be on the move this summer as big clubs like Liverpool, Bayern and Barcelona could be looking for new head coaches, but one name we’re not hearing much about is Unai Emery,” the CaughtOffside columnist shared in his Daily Briefing.

“Emery has done a hugely impressive job at Aston Villa, and I’m aware some media pundits have been discussing and debating if he should be someone Liverpool are looking at to replace Jurgen Klopp. So why aren’t we seeing Emery linked with some of the top jobs available this summer?

“My understanding is that this is because Emery is fully focused on Aston Villa. Emery with Monchi, Damian Vidagany, are all together focusing on Villa’s European campaign this season and of course on a Champions League spot for next season. Nothing is concrete at this stage with other jobs; there’s interest for sure in Emery but he’s focusing on Villa now.”

The 52-year-old is on course to potentially deliver Villa fans their first piece of silverware since 1996.

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READ MORE: Journalist hearing Liverpool about to move to ‘next stage of talks’ with managerial candidate

READ MORE: What Bellingham is now saying about pre-Real Madrid ‘conversations’; likely with Liverpool

Unai Emery shouldn’t be the next Liverpool manager

First and foremost, let us say that we’re appreciative of Emery’s talents as a coach and what he’s accomplished thus far in the West Midlands.

That said, the jump up to the impending vacancy at Anfield is a pretty steep one for any manager.

Unai Emery of Aston Villa – (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Let us put it this way: We’d have been taking a gamble on Xabi Alonso and the same applies for Liverpool-linked Ruben Amorim.

It’s absolutely no slight on Unai Emery but we don’t think he’d be the right fit for the job.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano: ‘Interest emerging’ in Liverpool maestro, fate could ‘depend on new manager’ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/15/romano-carvalho-liverpool-future-latest/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/15/romano-carvalho-liverpool-future-latest/#respond Mon, 15 Apr 2024 11:44:40 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=253016 According to Fabrizio Romano, the future of one Liverpool youngster could be contingent on the identity of the club’s next manager. Fabio Carvalho has been unable to establish himself at Anfield since his transfer from Fulham two years ago, although he’s currently enjoying a fruitful loan spell at Hull City, which may yet see him […]

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According to Fabrizio Romano, the future of one Liverpool youngster could be contingent on the identity of the club’s next manager.

Fabio Carvalho has been unable to establish himself at Anfield since his transfer from Fulham two years ago, although he’s currently enjoying a fruitful loan spell at Hull City, which may yet see him force a way into the reckoning at his parent club.

In his latest Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, the Italian claimed that the 21-year-old is attracting growing interest due to his form at the MKM Stadium, although nothing concrete is likely to materialise in the near future.

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Romano wrote: “After some fine form on loan at Hull City, there is some interest emerging in Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho. At the moment it’s just interest in terms of calling to ask for the situation, not a negotiation with Liverpool so it’s too early to discuss a potential formula of the deal or similar.

“Liverpool won’t decide now, it will depend on new manager, there are many things to sort before discussing Fabio’s future but his performances are appreciated by many clubs.”

READ MORE: (Video) Klopp: “Why should we win the league” after Palace performance

READ MORE: (Video) Richard Keys and Andy Gray disagree over Liverpool’s title hopes after damaging defeat

Carvalho’s goal against QPR at the weekend was his third in four games and his eighth in 16 matches since joining Hull on loan, a refreshing contrast to the abortive spell that he endured at RB Leipzig earlier in the season, where most of his 15 appearances were token outings off the bench (Transfermarkt).

His rich vein of form contrasts with the untimely wastefulness of Liverpool’s current forwards, whose finishing has deserted them at the worst possible time of the season.

There’s no guarantee that the 21-year-old would come back to Anfield and shoot the lights out, but he’s doing everything in his power to fight for a long-term future at his parent club.

As Romano stated, a lot could depend on who’s appointed to replace Jurgen Klopp, and whether they see Carvalho as an integral part of their plans on Merseyside.

For now, all the youngster can do is maintain his excellent form for Hull. If he fires them into the play-offs and subsequently promotion to the Premier League, he may be impossible to ignore for the next Liverpool manager.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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‘From what I’m told…’ – Fabrizio Romano provides Liverpool fans with reassuring Mo Salah update https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/10/romano-salah-liverpool-future-latest/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:30:43 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252731 Fabrizio Romano has moved to quell any fears among Liverpool fans that Mo Salah will leave for Saudi Arabia in the summer. Earlier this week, Graeme Bailey reported for HITC that the 31-year-old was the Pro League’s main target for the upcoming transfer window, and that Michael Edwards is prepared to sanction the Egyptian’s exit. […]

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Fabrizio Romano has moved to quell any fears among Liverpool fans that Mo Salah will leave for Saudi Arabia in the summer.

Earlier this week, Graeme Bailey reported for HITC that the 31-year-old was the Pro League’s main target for the upcoming transfer window, and that Michael Edwards is prepared to sanction the Egyptian’s exit.

However, in his latest Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Romano insisted that the Reds’ number 11 is quite content on Merseyside, and that nothing is currently brewing in relation to the rumoured interest from the Middle East.

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The Italian stated: “I know there’s talk again about Saudi clubs coming in for the Egypt international, but despite some speculation to the contrary, I’m not aware of imminent proposals and I’m told nothing is happening now/April in general.

“Interest in Salah from Saudi remains strong but it’s not time for proposals, not even for talks from what I’m told. He’s also really happy at Liverpool and being super professional, so there was never any issue, even in the final days of the summer transfer window when they received a big offer from Saudi.”

READ MORE: ‘This is significant…’ – Fabrizio Romano drops morning update on Liverpool’s Amorim pursuit

READ MORE: Liverpool in line for triple injury boost ahead of upcoming fixture as return date mooted

With Salah now into the final 15 months of his current Liverpool contract and Jurgen Klopp departing in a few weeks’ time, it seemed inevitable that speculation over his future would surface once more, especially after Al-Ittihad’s unsuccessful £150m bid for him last year.

Considering that he’ll be 33 by the time his existing deal concludes, and that he’s the Reds’ highest earner on £350,000 per week (Capology), there may be a pragmatic argument that cashing in on him before June 2025 would be the sensible option, particularly if a nine-figure offer comes our way.

However, we’re not talking about any ordinary player here. This is a man whose goalscoring exploits are incredibly consistent and who, even when having a quiet game for the most part, is capable of conjuring up a match-winning moment at any time.

Romano also outlined that Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose contract is also up next summer, are merely biding their time for clarity on the managerial situation before making a decision on their future. Once Klopp’s successor is named, that could be the prompt for that duo to assess whether they want to be a fixture of the new project at Anfield.

We’ll probably see a few reports over the coming weeks suggesting that the Egyptian is halfway out the door already, but this latest update from the reliable Italian journalist should reassure Liverpool fans over the legendary number 11.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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‘This is significant…’ – Fabrizio Romano drops morning update on Liverpool’s Amorim pursuit https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/10/romano-significant-contact-amorim-liverpool/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/10/romano-significant-contact-amorim-liverpool/#comments Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:02:24 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252730 Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool have already taken a ‘significant’ step towards potentially appointing Ruben Amorim as their next manager. The Sporting Lisbon boss is the current frontrunner to take the reins from Jurgen Klopp once the season ends, and there were even claims that a ‘verbal agreement’ had been reached for him to […]

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Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool have already taken a ‘significant’ step towards potentially appointing Ruben Amorim as their next manager.

The Sporting Lisbon boss is the current frontrunner to take the reins from Jurgen Klopp once the season ends, and there were even claims that a ‘verbal agreement’ had been reached for him to take the job, although these were later refuted.

In his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside on Wednesday morning, Romano outlined that Anfield chiefs have been busy behind the scenes in their dealings over the 39-year-old.

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He stated: “Ruben Amorim is the favoured candidate for Liverpool for sure, but we still have to wait and see because Liverpool are discussing this possibility internally, while they have also made contacts with people close to Amorim.

“This is significant because it’s not something they did with Roberto de Zerbi or some of the other names we’ve seen in the media in recent weeks.

“Amorim remains a strong candidate – they are well informed on his contract situation and there will be more discussions over him becoming the new Liverpool manager.”

READ MORE: Liverpool in line for triple injury boost ahead of upcoming fixture as return date mooted

READ MORE: (Video) Mo Salah insists that two of his Liverpool teammates are vastly underrated

There have been numerous managers named in conjunction with the Liverpool job ever since Klopp announced his upcoming departure in January, with the likes of Xabi Alonso and De Zerbi mentioned abundantly.

However, for Romano to indicate that Anfield chiefs have only contacted people close to Amorim suggests that they’re further along the track for him than for anyone else who’d been touted as a prospective candidate in recent weeks.

Even if we’re not quite at the verbal agreement stage yet, despite reports to that effect earlier in the week, it does feel as if progress is being made in the pursuit of the Sporting boss.

We look forward to seeing how the situation develops over the coming days, with the 39-year-old now very much seeming to be the favoured option for Michael Edwards and Liverpool.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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‘My understanding’: What Fabrizio Romano has now heard about Ruben Amorim and Liverpool https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/09/what-romano-now-heard-about-amorim-and-liverpool/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:40:08 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252675 Liverpool are reportedly yet to make their final choice on a manager to replace Jurgen Klopp. Fabrizio Romano confirmed talks with Ruben Amorim for the role in question but called for patience. “My understanding remains that we are not yet at the final stages of the story,” the Italian journalist informed CaughtOffside. “It’s true that contacts […]

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Liverpool are reportedly yet to make their final choice on a manager to replace Jurgen Klopp.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed talks with Ruben Amorim for the role in question but called for patience.

“My understanding remains that we are not yet at the final stages of the story,” the Italian journalist informed CaughtOffside.

“It’s true that contacts are really concrete – talks have taken place and will keep taking place, but we have to be patient and wait for the moment Liverpool make their final choice.”

The Merseysiders are set to re-enter Europa League action this April, facing Atalanta in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at Anfield.

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READ MORE: Next Liverpool manager: Fresh development now ‘expected to happen in April’

READ MORE: What Ruben Amorim has now told Sporting after Liverpool contract offer – report

Portuguese sources all concur on one point

Liverpool’s interest in Amorim is very much real, and whilst a final decision has yet to be reached, there’s been a pretty good indication of the club’s mindset.

With the talk around Roberto De Zerbi reducing to a murmur and alternative candidates, like Julian Nagelsmann, appearing increasingly unlikely, there’s a likely destination for our decision-makers.

Thiago Motta’s Bologna sit in fourth in the Serie A – (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Nothing is ever a guarantee in football, of course, and the emergence of Thiago Motta as a potential candidate could throw a spanner in the works.

If you’re asking where our money’s on, at this moment, we’d have to go with Sporting’s young coach.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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Next Liverpool manager: Fabrizio Romano drops huge afternoon update on Ruben Amorim https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/07/romano-drops-huge-afternoon-update-on-amorim/ Sun, 07 Apr 2024 14:00:25 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252558 Liverpool could end up saving upwards of €10m (£8.58m) should they look to appoint Ruben Amorim as their next manager. Fabrizio Romano reported on X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon that the Portuguese international has a release clause worth €20m for clubs abroad. However, there is a verbal pact included that would allow the 39-year-old to […]

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Liverpool could end up saving upwards of €10m (£8.58m) should they look to appoint Ruben Amorim as their next manager.

Fabrizio Romano reported on X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon that the Portuguese international has a release clause worth €20m for clubs abroad.

However, there is a verbal pact included that would allow the 39-year-old to depart Sporting Lisbon for potentially as little as €10m ‘in case of top club proposal’.

We don’t think it would be overestimating our abilities to state that Liverpool should, unequivocally, qualify as a ‘top club’.

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READ MORE: ‘Deal agreed’: Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘documents being signed’ ahead of wonderkid transfer – Rival watch

READ MORE: Going viral: What Portuguese insider has now heard about Ruben Amorim and Liverpool

Will Ruben Amorim replace Jurgen Klopp?

You have to imagine the former Braga head coach is near enough the top of the shortlist at this point.

He’s been helped, of course, by the fact of Xabi Alonso’s commitment to Bayer Leverkusen.

Xabi Alonso had been linked with a move to Bayern Munich and Liverpool – (Photo by GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE/AFP via Getty Images)

With a potentially tiny fee standing in the way of Amorim’s switch to Anfield this summer, it remains to be seen whether our data department can find a candidate more intriguing.

If not, the ex-Benfica player is looking the likeliest option to follow in Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps at L4.

What are the odds saying about Amorim?

The odds have since catapulted the Sporting boss to the top of the pile since Alonso’s announcement.

Thiago Motta of Bologna – (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Surprise candidates for the Liverpool job include Thiago Motta and Gary O’Neill. The pair find themselves in fourth and fifth place respectively on Oddschecker’s shortlist.

Perhaps a little surprising is the absence of Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi from the top 10!

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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‘Deal agreed’: Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘documents being signed’ ahead of wonderkid transfer – Rival watch https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/07/romano-confirms-done-deal-as-documents-being-signed/ Sun, 07 Apr 2024 07:43:04 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252542 Liverpool and Manchester City have already been busy ahead of the summer transfer window it seems. Fabrizio Romano now reports on X (formerly Twitter) that the Sky Blues have completed a deal for the signing of USA starlet Cavan Sullivan. 🔵🇺🇸 American wonderkid Cavan Sullivan to Manchester City, here we go! Deal agreed as revealed […]

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Liverpool and Manchester City have already been busy ahead of the summer transfer window it seems.

Fabrizio Romano now reports on X (formerly Twitter) that the Sky Blues have completed a deal for the signing of USA starlet Cavan Sullivan.

Meanwhile, the Reds are reportedly moving closer to securing a successor for Jurgen Klopp. Pedro Sepulveda claimed that negotiations between the Anfield-based outfit and Ruben Amorim are progressing swiftly.

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READ MORE: Going viral: What Portuguese insider has now heard about Ruben Amorim and Liverpool

READ MORE: Sky Sports pundit can barely believe how good Liverpool player has been in 2024

Ruben Amorim to Liverpool a matter of time?

One league win shouldn’t be all we need to push on for a move for Amorim, it should be stressed.

That said, we would imagine Sepulveda’s latest update to revolve around timings and convenience should it appear likely that Sporting wrap up the title sooner than expected.

Ruben Amorim to Liverpool? – (Photo by ANDRE DIAS NOBRE/AFP via Getty Images)

Either way, we can’t discount the 39-year-old’s historical achievements in Portugal, from winning over the fanbase (as a former Benfica player) and securing a first title in 19 years!

There’s a bright future for Amorim in the game and the next step may be a switch to Anfield.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano says it’s gone ‘completely quiet’ on one Liverpool managerial candidate https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/06/romano-gone-quiet-on-liverpool-manager-candidate/ Sat, 06 Apr 2024 07:05:58 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252521 Roberto De Zerbi may appear increasingly unlikely to be the next Liverpool manager. Fabrizio Romano reiterated once more that the Reds have yet to make contact with the Italian head coach with the space having gone ‘completely quiet’. “Again, I keep repeating I’m not aware of any contacts between Roberto De Zerbi and Liverpool – […]

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Roberto De Zerbi may appear increasingly unlikely to be the next Liverpool manager.

Fabrizio Romano reiterated once more that the Reds have yet to make contact with the Italian head coach with the space having gone ‘completely quiet’.

“Again, I keep repeating I’m not aware of any contacts between Roberto De Zerbi and Liverpool – at least not so far. It’s completely quiet on that one,” the Guardian reporter exclusively informed CaughtOffside.

That’s not, of course, to suggest the former Shakhtar Donetsk manager is completely out of the frame in what will be an incredibly meticulous process to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.

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READ MORE: ‘Made contact’: Fabrizio Romano breaks morning Liverpool manager search news

READ MORE: ‘Very unheard of’: Melissa Reddy now shares Ruben Amorim detail that will intrigue Liverpool fans

Could personality get in the way of an Anfield move?

There have to be concerns, from an FSG perspective, over hints of frustration from De Zerbi with Brighton’s ambition levels.

The 44-year-old made a thinly veiled jab at the Seagulls’ ownership following the club’s exit from the Europa League at the hands of Atalanta.

Liverpool, by contrast, have thrived on a manifesto of unity under Klopp, with the manager often refusing to criticise John W. Henry and Co. directly.

It’s a position we have every reason to believe Liverpool will be keen to maintain moving forward, regardless of the tactical acuity of a particular candidate.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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‘Made contact’: Fabrizio Romano breaks morning Liverpool manager search news https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/06/romano-morning-liverpool-manager-search-news/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/06/romano-morning-liverpool-manager-search-news/#comments Sat, 06 Apr 2024 06:55:58 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252520 Liverpool are understood to have ‘made contact’ to keep track of Ruben Amorim’s situation. Fabrizio Romano shared that the Portuguese head coach remains one of several names on the Reds’ managerial shortlist. “On Ruben Amorim, he remains the main name on Liverpool’s list for the role – but he is not the only one,” the Italian […]

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Liverpool are understood to have ‘made contact’ to keep track of Ruben Amorim’s situation.

Fabrizio Romano shared that the Portuguese head coach remains one of several names on the Reds’ managerial shortlist.

“On Ruben Amorim, he remains the main name on Liverpool’s list for the role – but he is not the only one,” the Italian reporter exclusively informed CaughtOffside.

“Nothing is done or decided yet.

“Liverpool are still discussing the situation internally but they have made contact to be aware of Amorim’s situation, as reported days ago.”

The Merseysiders are considered keen admirers of the former Braga coach, with Roberto De Zerbi another respected quantity.

FOLLOW Empire of the Kop on Instagram (@empireofthekop) HERE

READ MORE: ‘Very unheard of’: Melissa Reddy now shares Ruben Amorim detail that will intrigue Liverpool fans

READ MORE: Next Liverpool manager: Ruben Amorim just dropped huge hint over Anfield move – report

Next Liverpool manager: Could it be Amorim?

Liverpool’s search, naturally, will be incredibly thorough – it has to be given the calibre of man we’re looking to replace in Jurgen Klopp.

The only question remaining is how far out of left field the likes of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards will be tempted to go based on the data available.

Could we witness a surprise contender thrown into the mix? Perhaps someone of the ilk of Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi whose side is currently dominating Italian football?

Only time will tell.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Could a surprise candidate now replace Klopp? The search after Xabi Alonso, and much more!

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Double injury: two first-team players ruled out of Liverpool’s Old Trafford clash – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/02/double-injury-liverpool-old-trafford/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:56:39 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252387 Liverpool and Manchester United are meeting this weekend in a crucial game in the Premier League though two key players will now be missing from the match. As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X: ‘Lisandro Martínez’s new injury is a calf strain suffered in training, Man Utd confirms… ‘Lindelof has a hamstring injury, he suffered the […]

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Liverpool and Manchester United are meeting this weekend in a crucial game in the Premier League though two key players will now be missing from the match.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X: ‘Lisandro Martínez’s new injury is a calf strain suffered in training, Man Utd confirms…

‘Lindelof has a hamstring injury, he suffered the problem against Brentford and won’t be available for a month. Plans to return before the end of the season, as well as Lisandro.’

READ MORE: Lijnders named one of ‘biggest influences’ by important member of Klopp’s leadership group

It seems clear then that if both Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are going to be missing from action for a month, then the duo won’t be available for this weekend’s clash.

That will come as a blow for Erik ten Hag, who will know how much Jurgen Klopp’s side will be coming to Manchester in search of revenge for a dramatic FA Cup clash.

Add on the fact that we will be hoping to maintain our place as top of the Premier League, as we close in on the ending to an amazing campaign.

READ MORE: (Video) 25-year-old’s Anfield highlights against Brighton may surprise Liverpool fans

For us, it doesn’t change a thing – only a professional performance and three points will be enough if we want to achieve our goals for the campaign.

We can only beat the team in front of us and after failing to do that twice already in this successful season, it won’t be an easy task.

First we must beat Sheffield United and then preparations for a massive game can commence.

You can view the two injury updates for Manchester United ahead of Liverpool’s visit via @FabrizioRomano on X:

🚨 EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

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