Christian Falk – The Empire of The Kop

Falk: Liverpool are ‘keeping an eye on’ 21y/o touted as potential future Ballon D’Or winner

Liam Togher — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:40:51 +0000

Christian Falk has said that Liverpool are ‘keeping an eye on’ one Bundesliga star who’s been touted as a potential future winner of the Ballon D’Or.

Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano cited Jamal Musiala as a player in whom the Reds have a strong interest, along with Manchester City and Chelsea.

The Italian’s claims have now been corroborated by his colleague from Germany, who shared his latest information on the Bayern Munich talent in his Fact Files for Romano’s Daily Briefing.

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Falk wrote: “Manchester City are seriously interested in Jamal Musiala. Liverpool and Chelsea are also keeping an eye on the Bayern star. That said, it’s not like Musiala is putting pressure on his employers to leave Munich.

“First talks will be with the management of Bayern Munich. Musiala’s entourage wants to see a plan for the future, not just for himself, but also for the club. Progressing to the semi-final of this year’s Champions League was a good argument for Bayern Munich.

“The talks with Bayern will take place in the summer and they will try everything to keep hold of Musiala. They have to also show him their plans to develop his career; they have to show him it’s possible to have a similar career to Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid whilst staying in Munich.

“They have to show him he can be an international star without leaving the Bundesliga. There will be more money, of course, on offer to sweeten the deal.”

Musiala has been linked with Liverpool for some time now, so Reds fans could be forgiven for not getting overly excited about the ongoing speculation surrounding the 21-year-old.

From Falk’s update, it seems as if the playmaker would be open to remaining at Bayern if they can convince him of fulfilling his ambitions there. However, if he feels that he needs to move elsewhere to realise his full potential, that may give LFC the opportunity to pounce.

The Germany international is a dazzling player who excels at taking on opponents, is very reliable in possession and carries a genuine goal threat, netting 12 times in 36 appearances this season.

As per FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of positional peers among Europe’s five main leagues for successful take-ons per game, the top 6% for pass completion per 90 minutes, and the top 12% for non-penalty xG per game.

Musiala is an outstanding talent, so much so that Rio Ferdinand said on TNT Sports in February (via Daily Mail): “I see a Ballon d’Or at some point in his career if he fulfils that potential.”

He’d no doubt be an incredibly exciting coup for Liverpool if they were to get him, and signing him this summer would be a massive statement by Richard Hughes in his first transfer window as the Reds’ sporting director.

The 21-year-old’s future is bound to be a hot topic as the market draws nearer to opening, especially if he stars for his country on home soil in Euro 2024.

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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‘It is also true…’ – Reliable journalist claims 52y/o’s agents have ‘spoken to Liverpool’

Liam Togher — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:01:42 +0000

Christian Falk has named one out-of-work manager who Liverpool are reportedly ‘monitoring’ as a possible candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp.

In recent days, the Daily Mail dubbed Niko Kovac a possible contender for the Anfield job after his representatives apparently spoke with a few Premier League clubs during a meeting in London, although Neil Jones subsequently dismissed those links as an ‘agent-led story’.

However, the reliable German reporter hasn’t completely ruled out the 52-year-old from taking charge of the Reds, even if he’s not at the top of the club’s list as things stand despite his agents having spoken to a delegation from LFC.

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In his Fact Files for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Falk wrote: “Niko Kovac was most recently released in Wolfsburg. Suddenly he is considered a candidate for Liverpool FC. He himself publicly downplays the interest. However, I learned that his agents were actually in England.

“It is also true that his agents have spoken to Liverpool FC. The result: Kovac is not one of the top candidates at Liverpool. But it is also true that he is on an extended list of candidates who are not yet an issue but which the club is monitoring.”

One aspect where Kovac might have an edge over the likes of Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi is that he’s currently available and therefore wouldn’t require any negotiation with clubs, or any release clause to be paid.

However, if that’s probably the biggest plus in his favour, it doesn’t distinguish him as a manager for whom Liverpool should be moving heaven and earth to try and get in at Anfield.

The 52-year-old was given his marching orders by Wolfsburg last month after an abysmal run of one win in 15 matches, the type of sequence which’d be catastrophic for a club of the Reds’ ambitions and standing.

From Falk’s update, it seems that Kovac is on the periphery of LFC’s radar, someone whom they’ve earmarked as a possible candidate but by no means their first choice.

The scale of replacing a manager as legendary as Klopp isn’t to be taken lightly, and Liverpool need to push the boat out to try and land whoever they most want, rather than merely settling for a coach who’s several names down their wish list.

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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Falk: Liverpool-linked £34m ace ‘may want to leave’; he’s ‘being courted by English clubs’

Liam Togher — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 11:36:08 +0000

Xabi Alonso won’t be leaving Bayer Leverkusen for Liverpool this summer, but there’s a chance that some of his players might.

Christian Falk has indicated that Piero Hincapie could push for an exit if competition for places remains intense, with the 22-year-old being ‘courted’ by multiple Premier League clubs amid a reported asking price of €40m (£34.1m).

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Writing in his latest Fact Files column for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, the German football insider outlined: “So far, the [Bundesliga] leaders have a strong squad from positions one to 18. If Jonathan Tah stays, another central defender may want to leave to play at another club: Piero Hincapié (22).

“The Ecuadorian is being courted by English clubs like Tottenham. Transfer fee: at least €40m, which Simon Rolfes and Xabi Alonso could immediately invest in the new team.”

Falk didn’t specify Liverpool among the English clubs who are courting Hincapie, but the Ecuador defender has been linked with the Reds intermittently for the past few months, so there’s a strong possibility that they may still be interested in him.

Primarily a centre-back but also capable of lining out on the left flank (Transfermarkt), the 22-year-old is renowned for being remarkably comfortable in possession of the ball.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of positional peers in Europe’s five main leagues over the past 12 months for progressive carries per 90 (2.22), and also the top 8% for passes per 90 (83.93) and progressive passes per game (5.73).

If Liverpool’s next manager is someone who places huge value in playing out from the back and having defenders who are astute with the ball at their feet, then they might well fancy a move for Hincapie, especially if the Ecuadorian is open to departing Leverkusen.

It remains to be seen whether he’s truly on the Anfield wish list for the summer, but his name could be one to watch over the coming weeks.

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

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German football insider hints at Jurgen Klopp’s potential next role after he leaves Liverpool

Liam Togher — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 10:52:28 +0000

The end of Jurgen Klopp’s time as Liverpool manager is rapidly approaching, and it seems that he won’t be short of offers once he moves on from Anfield.

According to German football insider Christian Falk, the 56-year-old is regarded as ‘Plan B’ to take charge of his country’s national team if they’re unable to persuade Julian Nagelsmann to extend his contract, which is currently due to expire upon the conclusion of Euro 2024.

Should the Germany boss step aside, he’s believed to be the hot favourite to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich after Xabi Alonso – with whom the Reds were also heavily linked, of course – reaffirmed his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen.

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Writing in his latest Fact Files column for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Falk outlined: “FC Bayern is still a bit in shock after Alonso’s cancellation. That changes everything in the search for a successor to Thomas Tuchel.

“Suddenly Julian Nagelsmann, who was the coach in Munich until 2023, is the top favorite. Nagelsmann can decide: either he extends his contract as Germany’s national coach or he goes back to FC Bayern.

“The national team already has a plan B: If Nagelsmann cancels, the association wants to try to get Jürgen Klopp in 2025. Then he would have enough time for his sabbatical year and another year of preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

“Sandro Wagner, currently Nagelsmann’s assistant, could take over as boss for a year. However: Wagner would also have the option of going to Munich with Nagelsmann.”

Klopp reiterated this week that he has no plans to immediately jump back into management once his time at Liverpool concludes next month, having attributed his decision to leave Anfield to ‘running out of energy’.

A few months out of football could see him rediscover a thirst to take to the dugout once more, and the Germany national team is a viable route, especially if Nagelsmann steps down after Euro 2024.

The Reds boss has been a club manager almost non-stop for 23 years, so he might appreciate the less exhausting nature of the international game, where fixtures are far more sporadic and he won’t have to deal with issues such as player contracts and the transfer market.

It seems certain that Klopp will remain true to his intentions to step away from management for a while at the end of this season, but his exceptional feats at Liverpool should see him become a prize candidate for future roles once he’s ready to get back into the sport.

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

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Not Alonso: Bayern insider confirms ‘contact’ with 44-y/o manager Liverpool & Hughes admire

Farrell Keeling — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:58:40 +0000

Christian Falk has confirmed on X that Max Eberl has had contact with Roberto De Zerbi over the manager’s role at Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians are engaging in talks with various candidates in the event that Xabi Alonso rejects their proposal.

True Max Eberl, Head of Sport @FCBayern, hat contact to Roberto de Zerbi (44) @OfficialBHAFC
Xabi Alonso is still Number 1 on the List of FC Bayern
Bayern are Talking at the Moment to candidates on their List if Alonso doesn‘t want to come @SPORTBILD @altobelli13

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) March 25, 2024

Liverpool are also considered admirers of the Brighton and Hove Albion boss, with Richard Hughes having previously attempted to engage his services for Bournemouth.

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Xabi Alonso to Bayern isn’t close

Despite claims from Florian Plettenberg that our former midfielder is destined for Bayern should he leave Leverkusen in the summer – it seems such an eventuality is far off from being realised.

That’s not to suggest it’s an impossible eventuality, of course, though we will remain competitive for the 42-year-old’s signature for the time being.

Xabi Alonso, manager of Bayer Leverkusen – (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP via Getty Images)

The big question that remains is where Alonso’s head is at whilst some of Europe’s top clubs clamour for his services.

Could the prospect of managing Real Madrid in 2026, when Carlo Ancelotti’s contract expires, also be of interest?

Only time will tell on that front.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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Liverpool ‘interested’ in 25y/o who’s wanted by EPL rivals as potential ‘plan B’ – journalist

Liam Togher — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:42:42 +0000

Liverpool may be hoping to exact a measure of revenge for their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United by beating them to the punch for a reported mutual transfer target.

In Christian Falk’s Fact Files for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, the journalist outlined that Donyell Malen is of interest to both clubs (as well as Arsenal), with the 25-year-old potentially being the subject of a proposed swap move which’d see him come to Old Trafford and Jadon Sancho rejoining Borussia Dortmund permanently.

That is supposedly ‘plan B’, with the Bundesliga club eager to discuss another possible loan move for the England international, who’s currently back at Signal Iduna Park on a temporary basis.

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Falk wrote: “Jadon Sancho is getting better and better. Most recently he scored against Bremen and Eindhoven. The club looked up old data from the archives to compare Sancho’s stats from his first time at Dortmund. His training plan will then be adjusted.

“Sports director Sebastian Kehl is very happy with Sancho. That’s why he wants to talk to Manchester United in May. The goal: another loan.

“But there is also a plan B: Donyell Malen is currently playing in his best form since he joined Dortmund. Manchester United are interested in him. Dortmund would give him away. A swap deal would be possible. Good for Dortmund: Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC are also interested in the Dutchman.”

Malen has emerged as a possible summer transfer target for Liverpool in recent days, with Sky Germany reporter Patrick Berger claiming that the winger ‘wants to leave Dortmund’ and is ‘expected’ to move on during the off-season.

If the Bundesliga club simply negotiate another loan deal for Sancho, one which doesn’t entail a potential swap involving the Dutch winger, that could make it theoretically easier for the Reds to land the 25-year-old than if United were to sign him in exchange for the Englishman.

As Falk outlined, Malen has been enjoying a hot streak of late, with four goals in his last four league games (Transfermarkt), so it’s little wonder that he’s been attracting interest from some of the Premier League’s big hitters.

It remains to be seen just what positions and which players will take priority in the summer shopping list of Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes, with the identity of the new manager set to shape the plan of attack for the transfer window.

Nonetheless, if the Reds were to beat United to the punch for the Dortmund and Netherlands winger, it’d no doubt bring a wry smile to Merseyside faces.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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‘Eberl told me…’ – Christian Falk shares what Bayern chief has said to him about Jurgen Klopp

Liam Togher — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:12:23 +0000

Christian Falk has shared details of a conversation he had with Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl regarding Jurgen Klopp.

The Liverpool manager is stepping down at the end of this season, and the Bundesliga champions are also on the lookout for a new head coach to take over from Thomas Tuchel once the current campaign ends.

That has inevitably led to some whispers that the Bavarian giants could seek the 56-year-old to come in at the Allianz Arena, but in truth such a move isn’t likely to materialise in the foreseeable future.

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Writing in his Fact Files for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Falk revealed: “I recently sat with Max Eberl, FC Bayern’s new sports director, for an hour and a half. In Munich, the fans continue to hope that Eberl will try out Jürgen Klopp after all. Bayern needs a successor for Thomas Tuchel, who will leave early in the summer. But Eberl will not pick up the phone for Klopp.

“Eberl told me: ‘I know what it means when you make statements like Kloppo, who said: ‘I have no energy left.’ Few people can judge that better than me, because I’ve been through it. That’s why I won’t call him.’ Eberl had experienced burnout and had to quit as manager of Mönchengladbach.”

In making the bombshell announcement about leaving Liverpool, Klopp attributed his decision to ‘running out of energy’, which didn’t make the shock news any easier to absorb but simpler to understand, with the German having been in management almost non-stop since 2001.

It therefore seemed illogical that he’d duly take up one of the most pressurised roles in European football as Bayern boss, and when Eberl – who’s able to relate because of his own experiences – dismisses the idea of the 56-year-old coming to Munich, it’s safe to say that Bavarian chiefs will be looking elsewhere for Tuchel’s successor.

Similar to Pep Guardiola after he left Barcelona in 2012, the Reds manager looks set to take a year out of football, after which he might possibly return to the sport if the right opportunity comes up.

Klopp is a person who lives off a passion and energy for his work, and when that begins to subside and he no longer thinks he can bring his full self to the role, it’s natural that he wants to step away.

One thing is for sure – Bayern Munich isn’t the place to go for a manager who needs a break due to burnout.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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‘Fewer believe…’ – German journalist shares Xabi Alonso claim which could sicken Liverpool fans

Liam Togher — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:36:18 +0000

A reliable German football reporter has shared his latest information on Xabi Alonso, and it doesn’t make for encouraging reading from a Liverpool perspective.

The Bayer Leverkusen boss remains the favourite of many to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield in the summer, but his phenomenal work in the Bundesliga has also prompted interest from Bayern Munich, with another of his former clubs in Real Madrid being cited as a possible destination too.

Indeed, writing in his Fact Files for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Christian Falk claimed that the Bernabeu could be the 42-year-old’s next move once his time at the BayArena concludes.

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The reporter outlined: “Xabi Alonso remains silent about his future. Fewer and fewer believe that it will be Liverpool FC. FC Bayern is also still waiting for a signal from Alonso. Leverkusen officials remain adamant that Alonso will continue to be their coach next season.

“There is now a rumour: Alonso is staying in Leverkusen to become Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Real Madrid. Ancelotti has extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026.

“Alonso’s contract in Leverkusen is valid for just as long. Alonso, who also only extended his contract in the summer, could remain loyal to his club – and then return to his home country of Spain.”

About the only thing we can say with much certainly regarding Alonso’s future is that it’s very much in his hands, considering how vastly successful his time at Leverkusen has been.

Were he to request improved terms to stay with the Bundesliga leaders, he could just name his price and the board would surely oblige. In a similar vein, with Liverpool and Bayern both clamouring to get him, he’ll know that he has his pick of either club to the extent that he may be able to dictate matters to a significant degree.

Falk’s assertion that ‘fewer believe’ the 42-year-old will replace Klopp at Anfield could sicken Reds supporters who are pinning their hopes on the Spaniard coming in at the end of May, especially if the plan is for him to play the long game over possibly taking over from Ancelotti in Madrid.

The risk of that possible strategy is that, by the time the Bernabeu job becomes available, Alonso’s stock mightn’t be as lofty as now if Leverkusen regress, or maybe the Los Blancos hierarchy become more enamoured by another coach who’s more in vogue by 2026.

Despite this less than auspicious update from one of Germany’s most trusted journalists, we remain hopeful that Liverpool will ultimately win the race for Alonso’s services, especially now that Richard Hughes is in place as sporting director to step up the manager search.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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After Liverpool: German football insider outlines what could be next in store for Jurgen Klopp

Liam Togher — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 09:31:57 +0000

One of Germany’s leading football reporters has given an insight on the view from his homeland regarding Jurgen Klopp’s next move.

The 56-year-old will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of this season after the bulk of nine years in charge, insisting that he needs some time away from football, having worked with little or interruption since 2001.

In his exclusive Fact Files column for CaughtOffside, Christian Falk outlined that many football fans in Germany would love to have the current Reds boss in charge of their national team after Julian Nagelsmann, who’s being touted to replace the under-pressure Edin Terzic at Borussia Dortmund.

The journalist stated: “Edin Terzic also has to fear for his job. Julian Nagelsmann is considered the candidate to succeed him. He is currently the German national coach. And this is where Jürgen Klopp comes into play.

“The farewell to Klopp naturally makes Reds fans sad, but in Germany it increases hope for Klopp to take over the national team. There is still no decision as to whether Julian Nagelsmann and the DFB will continue their cooperation beyond the European Championship.

“Klopp would be the wish of almost all Germans. But since he wants to take a year off, there is now a new consideration in the association. Sandro Wagner, Nagelsmann’s current assistant, could bridge the year as an interim solution until Klopp takes over. There would still be a year until the 2026 World Cup.”

Although the announcement of Klopp’s impending departure in January shocked Liverpool fans – and the world of football – to the core, it’s understandable that he feels a need to recharge after the intensity of managing one of the biggest clubs in the world for almost a decade.

Just as Pep Guardiola took a one-year sabbatical between his jobs at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the 56-year-old might enjoy a few months out of football before feeling a desire to get back into the thick of things.

A national team position wouldn’t require the same level of relentless, year-round commitment as club management, although Germany would still be one of the most pressurised posts in the international game, especially after several disappointing major tournament for the Nationalmannschaft.

Nagelsmann’s future in his current role is likely to depend heavily on how he fares at Euro 2024, which his nation will be hosting, and whether or not the German job becomes vacant after the finals.

If it does, it’s far from unthinkable that Klopp could jump at the chance to manage his country, even if – as Falk has hinted – somebody else takes the reins temporarily before the 56-year-old comes in.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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Christian Falk outlines what Xabi Alonso’s agent did ‘immediately’ after contact from Liverpool

Liam Togher — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 09:04:09 +0000

Christian Falk has revealed what Xabi Alonso’s agent did ‘immediately’ after he received contact from Liverpool regarding the Bayer Leverkusen manager.

The Reds are currently vying with Bayern Munich for the services of the 42-year-old, with both six-time European champions on the lookout for new coaches for next season amid the impending departures of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.

In his exclusive Fact Files column for CaughtOffside, the German football reporter pointed out how Alonso’s representative responded to the approaches from the Spaniard’s two main suitors.

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Falk outlined: “Xabi Alonso is still Munich’s dream coach. But – despite many reports – there were still no negotiations between Bayern and Alonso.

“What speaks for it: When Liverpool contacted Iñaki Ibáñez, Alonso’s agent, the agent immediately communicated the Reds’ interest to those in charge at Leverkusen. That didn’t happen in the case of Bayern.

“FC Bayern is still waiting for a signal from Alonso as to whether he can imagine a move to Munich. As soon as that happens, they would start negotiations.”

When it was reported by Sky Germany earlier this week that Bayern had opened discussions with Alonso, that seemed to represent a hammer blow to Liverpool’s hopes of hiring the club’s former midfielder.

However, Falk’s update suggests that the Munich giants aren’t that far along in proceedings, and that Ibanez may even have given the Merseysiders a slight edge, given how he instantly communicated LFC’s interest to the Leverkusen board but didn’t do so for the Bavarian outfit.

Considering the plethora of reports which emerge every day about the 42-year-old’s future, and which prospective suitor appears to have the upper hand, ascertaining the truth can be a matter of judging between the various news lines being communicated.

What offers encouragement for Liverpool fans in this instance is Falk’s status as one of the most reliable reporters in German football.

It’s still far too early to jump to any great conclusions that Alonso will definitely be coming back to Anfield, but for now we can still remain positive that it could be a viable possibility.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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Christian Falk shares what Klopp is thinking about Joshua Kimmich amid £42m price reveal

Farrell Keeling — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:27:07 +0000

Jurgen Klopp is now understood to be ‘in the race’ for Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, according to Christian Falk.

The No.6 could help fill a void at Liverpool should the Reds not look to extend Thiago Alcantara’s contract ahead of its expiration this summer.

“I’ve heard that Jurgen Klopp is now in the race for Joshua Kimmich. There’s the German connection to consider – Klopp and Jorg Schmadtke – which always helps!” the Bundesliga journalist exclusively informed CaughtOffside.

“They will need a player as Thiago Alcantara’s injury struggles have kept him out of the squad and his contract is running out, plus there was Jordan Henderson’s exit last summer, so there is a place in the squad for him.

“A little problem, of course, is that Pep Guardiola also has an eye on Kimmich. He developed Kimmich, brought him in the team and made him into a professional. There’s also a big connection there.

“Bayern Munich are now in a situation where they’re willing to talk about this, as Kimmich also has an idea in his head of leaving in the last year of his contract without signing a new one – a situation Bayern would like to avoid as they’d end up losing a lot of money.”

Falk went on to add that the Merseysiders could look to land the 28-year-old for €50m (£42.6m) this summer: “Bayern would like to have €50m for Kimmich. They know this could be hard to get with just one year left on his contract come the summer.

“On the other hand, he’s a very good player and English clubs have a lot of money. If Bayern don’t get Kimmich on a new contract, they have to sell him.

“If Liverpool and Manchester City decide not to move for him this summer, then Bayern still have a problem on their hands as Kimmich continues to have Xavi on the mind – whom he continues to look up to – and the feeling’s very mutual for the Barcelona coach who would love to sign him in 2025 when he’s a free agent and the Catalan giants also then have a chance to land him.”

Kimmich’s relationship with current head coach Thomas Tuchel has not exactly been without problems, with the former Chelsea boss repeatedly casting doubt over the player’s ability to fulfil the demands of the No.6 role.

Another Bayern star to fill the void?

Rightly considered a global star, Kimmich would be quite the coup for Liverpool this summer even if he does indeed fall outside the realms of the general age profile favoured by our recruitment team.

Should Thiago search for pastures new, of course, then there will be a genuine void of experience in need of filling – and who better to bring in than the Spaniard’s old midfield partner in Bavaria?

Thiago is likely to depart this summer – (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Able to file in at right-back and in a holding midfield slot (and also a No.8 on occasion), the Bayern Munich man would provide both genuine quality and positional versatility in bucket loads.

Quite the potential catch, if you ask us, were we to cast our net out to the Bundesliga once more this summer.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Ousmane Diomande latest, Liverpool MUST keep one man fit, what Klopp needs from next centre-back signing and much more!

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Christian Falk reacts to rumours Liverpool are interested in signing Joshua Kimmich this summer

Farrell Keeling — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:47:18 +0000

Liverpool often have a certain age profile in mind when shopping for new players in any given window.

That said, the Reds’ recruitment team could be about to engage in another exception this summer following Christian Falk’s latest tweet update.

The BILD reporter confirmed that Jurgen Klopp’s men and Manchester City ‘are interested’ in Bayern Munich man Joshua Kimmich for the summer.

True Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in Joshua Kimmich @FCBayern (28, contract til 2025) for Summer #EnglischeWoche @BILD_Sport

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) January 24, 2024

The 28-year-old’s contract is due to expire in 2025 and the holding midfielder has endured a somewhat difficult relationship with Thomas Tuchel in recent times.

A worthwhile signing?

We were hoping we’d sign a reliable statesman in Thiago Alcantara when we snapped up the Spaniard from Munich back in 2020.

However, whilst we’ve most certainly been dazzled and bamboozled on occasion by the former Barcelona ace’s quality and class, injuries have meant we’ve perhaps not realised the full benefit of his talents.

Replacing his experience in the squad with that on offer from Kimmich, a footballer likewise well-versed in playing ‘the pass before the pass’, in that sense, may be an argument our recruitment team find persuasive.

Adding further depth to the right-back and holding midfield positions too simply can’t hurt.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Ousmane Diomande latest, Liverpool MUST keep one man fit, what Klopp needs from next centre-back signing and much more!

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‘Perfect’ Klopp player Liverpool were in ‘concrete talks with’ now wants out; club will sanction exit

Farrell Keeling — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 09:49:04 +0000

Liverpool fans may remember there being ‘concrete talks’ with Gladbach’s goalscoring midfielder Florian Neuhaus a couple of years ago.

Flash forward to 2024 and the Reds have since completely revitalised their midfield, parting ways with the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

It’s now understood that the German international is keen to depart the club this January should an interested suitor step forward.

“Florian Neuhaus started the season very well, but there are currently problems with the coach Gerardo Seoane,” Christian Falk shared in Fact Files column with CaughtOffside.

“He should play this weekend as others in his position are unavailable through injury. But he is pushing to get a transfer this winter.

“He had a new contract signed and in this new one there isn’t a release clause (there had been one in his prior contract).

“There is no concrete interest from a club yet. Two years ago there had been concrete talks with Liverpool. But at the moment he isn’t getting a chance to perform, so I’m not sure that he can go to this level of club directly.

“Gladbach want to push for a loan deal as he’s one of the top earners. If there is a club who needs to fill his position, he’d be very open for a transfer.”

Despite minutes coming somewhat irregularly this term, the 26-year-old (once described by Florian Plettenberg as a ‘perfect’ player for Jurgen Klopp, via the Blood Red Podcast) has accrued five goal contributions in 17 appearances (across all competitions).

An unlikely move for Liverpool at this stage

Whilst you never really know for sure with Liverpool, we can say with some amount of confidence that a midfield signing is unlikely to happen in January.

Frankly, as we steer ever closer to the end of the window, we’re increasingly of the mind that there’ll be no incoming(s) to look forward to before February 1.

Florian Neuhaus won’t join Liverpool – (Photo by Frederic Scheidemann/Getty Images)

That’s perhaps understandable given that the backline isn’t expected to be long without the likes of Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson; returns that will relieve pressure across the back four.

Likewise, Mo Salah will only miss meetings with Bournemouth, Chelsea, Arsenal and Burnley in the Premier League should Egypt go all the way in the AFCON.

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Christian Falk: Liverpool situation ‘really open’ ahead of crunch talks; could have major impact on summer window

Farrell Keeling — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:42:00 +0000

It remains to be seen whether Jorg Schmadtke will be given the opportunity to commit his future to Liverpool beyond the end of his contract in June.

The German replaced Julian Ward ahead of the prior summer window in the sporting director role, presiding over deals for Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

“Jorg Schmadtke and the club had an agreement that they would talk at the end of February and the beginning of March over his future,” Christian Falk exclusively informed CaughtOffside.

“Schmadtke is not sure what he will decide then. He’ll hear what Liverpool wants and, because he likes the club very much and is enjoying his role there, I suspect he’ll think about extending his stay if they tell him they need him longer.

“At the moment, it’s really open and his contract is ending in June, so he’s not currently set to help the club with their summer window dealings.

“With that in mind, it’s important they talk early, as they can’t start talks on July 1st ahead of the new season.”

A clear alternative has yet to be identified in reliable reports, with the club and Jurgen Klopp appearing to enjoy a productive relationship with the former Wolfsburg employee.

Schmadtke hasn’t put a foot wrong

Whilst our latest Dutch addition to the squad clearly needs time to adapt to the pace and rigours of English football, it’s hard to fault the window we’ve last experienced.

Tasked with gutting the plumbing in midfield and installing a fresh set, it’s arguably been a roaring success so far with Liverpool still competing on all fronts and on course for a title challenge.

We’d like to see some kind of longevity in place for the sporting director position, in whichever direction the club chooses to go, though we’d be far from opposed to seeing Schmadtke continue on.

Especially when tasked with the less gruelling prospect of replacing an entire department.

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Christian Falk now shares what he’s heard from Bayern involving Liverpool and Joao Palhinha

Farrell Keeling — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 11:05:41 +0000

Liverpool may not have given up entirely on the idea of signing a new holding midfielder in the January window.

Despite landing Wataru Endo in the summer, the Merseysiders could further bolster their midfield ranks with the signing of Joao Palhinha.

Christian Falk reports that Bayern ‘heard’ of their European rivals’ concrete interest in the Fulham star, which could complicate matters.

“Bayern heard that Liverpool are concretely interested in Joao Palhinha so things are getting complicated already ahead of the January transfer window,” the head of football at the BILD Group wrote in his exclusive Fact Files column with CaughtOffside.

“They don’t have the money at the moment to commit to many big transfers and signing a centre-back is the priority.

“So, perhaps they might move away from the idea of signing him in the winter if Liverpool are also involved in the poker.

“They do have one alternative in mind in Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. He could be the next choice if Palhinha is off the market.”

Steve Kay over at Football Transfers pointed to a fee of £50m being enough to potentially prise the Portuguese midfielder away from Craven Cottage.

Liverpool need a more progressive No.6

With the greatest of respect to Palhinha – who is without question a phenomenal midfielder – he’s simply not what’s needed at Anfield.

A move for the ex-Sporting CP star would represent a step back in time when a destroyer, in the form of Fabinho, ruled the roost.

Would you like to see Palhinha join Liverpool? – (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Not to suggest that he couldn’t ‘do a job’ under Jurgen Klopp, but the faith shown in Alexis Mac Allister indicates that we’re expecting a bit more from our No.6 in this rebooted Liverpool side.

Not to mention, we’ve reconfigured the setup to ensure defensive responsibilities are meted out a bit more equally.

#Ep97 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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