Glen Johnson – The Empire of The Kop

Glen Johnson makes ‘concerned’ Liverpool admission as ‘absolutely mad’ manager theory is explained

Max Rudd — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 19:15:15 +0000

Glen Johnson has admitted he’s ‘concerned’ for whichever manager succeeds Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss in the summer but has suggested one current Premier League tactician in particular could be a decent replacement for the German.

Klopp announced back in January that the current campaign will be his last one on Merseyside after conceding that he’s ran out of the energy required to occupy the hot seat at Anfield.

Having won every major trophy possible during his time at L4 it means that whoever comes in to replace the 56-year-old will have a serious job on their hands.

Current Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is expected to stay in his current role beyond the summer despite being strongly linked with a return to Anfield while Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim is considered the next favourite to succeed Klopp.

“I don’t know a great deal about him but result wise, he’s clearly doing a brilliant job at Sporting Lisbon,” Johnson told Betfred (via Liverpool World). “However, I’m concerned for anyone that has to fill Jürgen Klopp’s shoes. I’m sure that Liverpool will have successful managers again in the future, but to immediately follow Jürgen is a tough job. Anyone who goes there now has a very uphill job to do. It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s going to be a tough job.

“Even though I’ve said that Jürgen Klopp will be a tough act to follow, any manager that comes in will be inheriting a great squad and it will be an improvement in terms of player quality than any candidate would have had at their disposal previously.

“I know people will think that I’m absolutely mad, but Mauricio Pochettino is a big name that can go into that job and grab everyone’s attention. That would excite people despite what’s happened at Chelsea this season because I don’t believe what’s gone on there is Mauricio’s fault. You don’t become a bad manager overnight and if he inherited that Liverpool squad, then I believe he could do good things at Anfield.”

It will be difficult to replace a man who ended Liverpool’s 30-year long wait for a league title and also delivered our sixth European Cup amongst many other trophies but it’s a job that should excite the top managers in Europe rather than scare them.

Reds supporters will understand that any new manager will require time to adjust to life at the club and get to know his new players while implementing their own style of play.

Amorim currently has Sporting Lisbon four points clear at the top of the table – four points clear of city rivals Benfica and with a game in hand – but has reaffirmed his commitment to the side from the Portuguese capital recently.

We have a minimum of seven games to play under Klopp before he calls it a day so let’s hope for some miracles to add a further two trophies to his collection!

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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Ex-Red touts Gareth Southgate to replace Klopp at Liverpool

Peter Kenny Jones — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 20:49:55 +0000

This summer will be filled with speculation around who could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and it’s safe to say many won’t be hoping for Gareth Southgate.

Asked if the England boss should be considered to replace the German though, Glen Johnson stated with Betfred: “If he’s available in the summer, then you’ve got to look at all the options.

“He’s done a brilliant job with England, so there’s no reason why he can’t be successful with a club like Liverpool as he’d be dealing with a similar standard of players.

“You’d need to have the chat because you can’t just dismiss him if he’s available.”

It wasn’t as if the former defender made the claim about asking for the waistcoat-wearing coach to come to Anfield but he certainly didn’t rule the idea out.

After failing to win any silverware during his time in charge of the three lions, our supporters will be hoping for a much higher calibre boss to take over from a legend that currently holds the role.

After overseeing Middlesbrough being relegated from the Premier League, the 53-year-old has somehow made a name for himself with no real managerial success.

The former Chelsea and Portsmouth full-back is clearly a big fan of a man he’s naming a candidate but it’s going to be a far from popular suggestion among those on the Kop.

It’s important not to be too critical of a man asked for an opinion on a certain topic but it’s fair to say this one is very far from the mark.

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‘Can’t fault him…’ – Glen Johnson says Liverpool prodigy has what it takes to be ‘world class’

Liam Togher — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:38:20 +0000

Glen Johnson has been singing the praises of one Liverpool youngster who has the makings of a potentially ‘world-class’ player.

The 2023/24 season has been notable for a couple of significant breakthroughs into the first-team squad at Anfield, with Conor Bradley stepping up commendably since being thrust into the line-up in January after Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a knee injury in January.

Speaking to Squawka, the former Reds right-back voiced his admiration for the current exponent of that position in Jurgen Klopp’s side.

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Johnson gushed: “Conor has been fantastic. He’s been brilliant. Put it this way, if this is his standard and he can maintain this, then he’s going to be world-class.”

While the 39-year-old warned Bradley that the real test of a player will be in their reaction to a major setback, he added of the Northern Ireland youngster: “At the moment, he’s certainly playing fantastic, and like you say, him in the team, I think they do look more balanced. He’s probably a more natural right-back than Trent.

“Obviously Trent’s world class, of course, but with his ability, he can play almost anywhere. With Conor, he looks a more natural right-back. He’s quick, strong, a good defender. Right now you can’t fault him.”

While Bradley’s Liverpool career on the pitch has been a continuous upward curve, he’s already had to overcome a hardship which goes far beyond any injury.

The 20-year-old’s father passed away in early February, but the youngster has slotted back into the team seamlessly since his return from compassionate leave, playing in the Reds’ Carabao Cup final triumph at Wembley.

The Tyrone native combines defensive solidity with a threat going forward – he’s won more tackles per game than anyone else at Anfield this season (3.2) and boasts the joint-fourth highest key passes average in Klopp’s squad with 1.7 per match (WhoScored).

Trent also broke into the Liverpool first team on a regular basis midway through a season (2016/17) and has never looked back, going on to become an elite player. Bradley will hope to follow in his footsteps, and all the signs so far suggest that he’s well capable of doing so.

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‘Always a safer bet…’ – Glen Johnson says Liverpool must tick one box with Mo Salah successor

Liam Togher — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:48:01 +0000

Glen Johnson believes that Liverpool should prioritise one particular criterion when it comes to sourcing a long-term successor to Mo Salah.

The Egyptian’s future has been a topic of much discussion over the past few months, following an unsuccessful £150m bid from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad at the end of last summer’s transfer window, and as it stands his contract at Anfield will expire in June 2025.

Speaking to DAZN (via Liverpool World), the former Reds defender has recommended that LFC chiefs confine their search to forward who are proven performers in the English top flight.

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Johnson said: “I think it’s always a safer bet getting someone that has done it in the Premier League already. We know that the Premier League is the best league in the world by miles.

“To have a player that’s capable of making and scoring goals who’s proven is a lot safer. Grabbing someone from Italy, for example, they’re good players and they can score good goals – but the Premier League’s just so different. It’s a bit risky.”

While we’ve seen plenty of forwards impress in other European divisions but subsequently struggle in the Premier League, we wouldn’t go along with Johnson’s recommendation to only look within the English top flight for Salah’s eventual replacement.

The irony of his comments about simply ‘grabbing someone from Italy’ is that Liverpool actually signed their legendary number 11 from AS Roma in 2017, off the back of two fine seasons in Serie A. Imagine if the Reds had struck the Italian top tier off their list of search parameters that summer and we’d never signed the Egyptian.

That isn’t to say there aren’t some viable, realistically attainable candidates within the Premier League – the previously linked Jarrod Bowen springs to mind – but nor should Michael Edwards and co adopt an excessively insular mindset to their transfer strategy.

The 44-year-old was an expert at overseeing some outstanding signings during his previous reign as LFC’s sporting director (indeed, Salah is a prime example), so we can assume that the qualities he seeks in a player as a possible acquisition for our squad are sound.

Liverpool fans won’t care where the Reds’ next great right winger is signed from, so long as they produce the goods on the pitch at Anfield.

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

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‘I don’t worry’ – Glen Johnson believes Liverpool ace who he ‘loves’ watching ‘has a lot more to give’

Max Rudd — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 08:40:04 +0000

Glen Johnson has claimed one Liverpool ace in particular still ‘has a lot more to give’ for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Darwin Nunez was signed in the summer of last year from Benfica and has divided Reds supporters ever since with him struggling for consistency at the club.

The Uruguay international netted 15 goals during his debut campaign on Merseyside and already had eight goals this term – as well as 10 assists (across all competitions) – but his lack of composure in front of goal is a concern for some Kopites.

Ex-Red Johnson, however, insists he’s a huge fan of the 24-year-old and believes we should not be worried about the forward due to the fact he’s ‘always a threat’.

“I really like him and I always have done,” he told the Daily Star. “He’s always a threat and I love watching him play because he’s fun, wears his heart on his sleeve and brings passion to the game.

“I’m more worried about strikers who’re not a threat, but I don’t worry for Nunez because he’s always a threat. He may miss a few chances but he’s always dangerous and for him to be doing what he’s doing so early in his Premier League career, I believe he has a lot more to give.”

Nunez is an absolute nightmare for defenders with the pace, power and movement he offers in behind but he has struggled in front of goal at times.

He’s far from a clinical finisher at the moment but he does appear to have the attributes required to succeed at Liverpool and the hope is that Klopp and Co. can turn him into a prolific forward.

It’s still early days in our No. 9’s Anfield career and it’s clear that he’s developed significantly in the 18 months that he’s been on Merseyside.

There remains plenty of time for him to silence his critics and show what he’s made of in a red shirt with consistent performances.

Today wouldn’t be a bad time for him to get going as we travel to Bournemouth knowing that a win would put us five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

EOTK Stats Pack: Bournemouth v Liverpool – Form guide, how Dominic Solanke compares to Reds’ forwards and MORE

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‘This is what Liverpool do’ – Ex-Red says quadruple is ‘absolutely’ possible for Liverpool this term

Max Rudd — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 08:10:13 +0000

Glen Johnson has claimed that Liverpool can complete the quadruple this season but believes the number of games the Reds would have to play could prevent them from doing so.

Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in contention on all four fronts and travel to Bournemouth today looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points.

The Merseysiders then travel to the capital in the week for their League Cup semi-final second leg clash with Fulham and secured progression through to the knockout stages of the Europa League at the back end of last year.

Norwich City will visit Anfield in round four of the FA Cup later this month and despite the positive signs from Klopp’s side Johnson believes there’s still ‘more to come’.

“This is what Liverpool do,” he told Daily Star.

“The reason they’re top of the Premier League at the moment is that they’ve been winning games despite not playing great in a number of matches. A sign of a team that’s going to win things is a side that can win when they’re playing badly and that’s what they’ve had to do at times this season.

“They’ve not really peaked and they’re still winning games, so they’ve clearly got more to come. Stranger things have happened, but I don’t believe they will win all four trophies because the number of games they’ll have to play is so demanding. But is it possible? Absolutely.”

We’ve played well at times so far this term but we’re still a long way from our best,

Injuries have meant Klopp has not been able to select his strongest XI as much as he would’ve liked but with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dom Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson set to return to action in the near future there’s plenty of reason for optimism.

Completing the quadruple may be too much to ask for Liverpool, and no honest Reds supporter will expect the side to do such thing, but with us managing to grind out results so far this term it remains a very real possibility.

A huge three points are required on the south coast today, however, so let’s take it a game at a time for now and see what we end up with come May!

EOTK Stats Pack: Bournemouth v Liverpool – Form guide, how Dominic Solanke compares to Reds’ forwards and MORE

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Glen Johnson warns it’s suicidal for Liverpool to play £50m ace in midfield vs Man City

Farrell Keeling — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:19:41 +0000

Trent Alexander-Arnold has quickly restored his reputation as one of the globe’s elite talents with his shift to a hybrid fullback role.

Despite the Scouser’s usefulness in midfield, however, Glen Johnson has warned it would be inappropriate to start the 25-year-old in the middle of the park against Manchester City.

“I don’t think Liverpool should be looking to play Trent in midfield full-time,” the 39-year-old spoke to Squawka.

“He’s had some good games for England in midfield, but I think he can only really do it against the weaker teams.

“If he’s playing in the midfield role against Man City, they’re not going to be worried about him, they’d probably enjoy it.

“It’s always good to experiment and try things but it’s not something Liverpool should be looking to do full-time.”

The England international, valued at £49.8m (according to Football Transfers‘ valuation system), has registered three assists in all competitions this term.

Where does the future lie for Trent Alexander-Arnold?

The answer to where Trent will play in future is one that greatly depends on who you ask.

For Gareth Southgate, our Academy graduate is destined for the heart of the midfield, with the England boss labelling the fullback ‘excellent’ in the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw with North Macedonia.

On the other hand, things get a little tricky when you consider his role at Liverpool.

How do Liverpool get the most out of their creator-in-chief? – (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

A permanent midfield place seems highly unlikely for a number of reasons – chief amongst them perhaps the stark reality that we’ve an abundance of quality options fighting for a place in the starting trio.

Creatively, however, we have to ask whether a midfield slot would get the most out of Alexander-Arnold moving forward, particularly whilst his assists tally remains so low thus far.

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‘Not looking good’: Glen Johnson says struggling Liverpool player’s days at Anfield are numbered

Farrell Keeling — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 07:33:12 +0000

Glen Johnson has suggested that Thiago Alcantara’s days at Liverpool are numbered following the arrival of four new midfielders.

The Spaniard has been sidelined by injury since April owing to a number of concerns and his most recent hip trouble.

“I love Thiago as a player, he’s technically world class, but he’s struggled with injuries and I think the Premier League caught him by surprise a bit,” the former defender told Squawka.

“He did have some fantastic games, but maybe the pace of the game was just a little bit too quick.

“I’m sure he’ll go on to have a good career elsewhere but with Liverpool signing all these players in midfield that can stay fit then it’s not looking good for his Liverpool career.”

The Merseysiders have since added Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo to their midfield department.

Has Thiago Alcantara struggled?

Criticism of Thiago’s performances in the famous red shirt is perhaps a little harsh.

The former Barcelona technician ultimately joined a Liverpool side devastated by injuries in the 2020/21 season and was forced to adjust his style of play to compensate.

Thiago Alcantara last in action for Liverpool – (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

We’ve seen more than glimpses of his brilliance from that point onwards amid a series of injury issues and niggles which have unquestionably been a source of great frustration.

If this is to be his last season playing for us, though, we certainly hope we’ll get one last good run out of Thiago in the new year.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 12 Review : Tsimikas benching frustration, Palmer bargain? Time to sell Heung-min Son?

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‘Have a feeling’: Liverpool have extra incentive as Glen Johnson shares Man City prediction

Farrell Keeling — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:10:35 +0000

Glen Johnson has suggested that the winner of Liverpool’s tie with Manchester City could be handed a significant advantage in the title race.

The Merseysiders find themselves a point behind the incumbent champions at the top of the table and would leapfrog them with a win at the Etihad.

“There’s obviously still a long way to go, and it would take a brave man to say for certain,” the former fullback told Squawka. “Every team at the top looks beatable, but I have a feeling that whoever wins this game could end up taking that momentum and going on a long winning streak and getting some distance between them and everyone else at the top of the table.”

That said, it’s worth pointing out that Jurgen Klopp’s side hasn’t tasted success in the blue half of Manchester, in the Premier League, since 2015.

Time to lay down a marker

Manchester City remain one of the most formidable sides in Europe following a first Champions League trophy win last summer.

That said, if the Sky Blues’ 4-4 draw with Chelsea was any indication, our upcoming opponents are not necessarily impregnable.

It’s a big ask, nonetheless, to secure the lion’s share of the points. Though, with a run that includes meetings with Sheffield United, Fulham and Crystal Palace, a win at the Etihad could be the bump of momentum we need to stake an early claim to the league crown.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 12 Review : Tsimikas benching frustration, Palmer bargain? Time to sell Heung-min Son?

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Johnson says Klopp’s 22-goal monster is ‘the real deal’ and ‘one of Europe’s elite’

Peter Kenny Jones — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:51:06 +0000

Liverpool have a squad of great players but Glen Johnson has earmarked one as someone who could become one of the best in Europe, if his current form continues.

Speaking with Squawka, the former Red said: ‘I think Nunez could absolutely become one of Europe’s elite. He impressed me a lot last year even when he wasn’t scoring, because he was still a threat.

‘You always worry about the strikers that not only aren’t scoring but aren’t affecting the game elsewhere, which you could never say was true of Nunez.

‘Of course he does miss chances, but he creates for his teammates, he’s a threat to defenders. He’s a fantastic player and looks the real deal’.

After watching the difference in performance level and confidence from Darwin Nunez this season, it’s just great to see the praise that’s starting to finally come his way.

We all hope that he can continue to win over critics and that his standing as one of the best on the continent is secured, with some more big moments and big goals.

This will all start with our next match against Manchester City and if the former Benfica man can make himself the hero for the game, then even more heads will be turned.

After scoring 22 times for Jurgen Klopp since signing for the club, we’re all hoping for a long legacy at Anfield from our No.9.

Fingers crossed this is soon realised and that this constant threat to defenders and havoc that he creates, continues on the same trend and soon leads to plenty of goals for the Reds.

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‘If anyone can…’ – Glen Johnson is relishing one particular match-up between City and Liverpool

Liam Togher — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:48:06 +0000

Glen Johnson is relishing one particular personal duel in Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City.

The fixture pits the current top two against each other, and it also sees the division’s top scorer come up against probably its best defender, with Erling Haaland and Virgil van Dijk facing off.

The battle between those two could go a long way towards determining which (if either) team emerges victorious, and the former Reds defender is among those who’s intrigued as to how that match-up might play out.

Speaking to Squawka, Johnson said: “If anyone can stop Haaland, Van Dijk can. The issue is, with City it’s not just about him and there’s goal threats everywhere.

“Liverpool have to be careful [to] not just build the whole gameplan around Haaland, but in terms of the one-on-one battle between him and Van Dijk, it will be interesting to see how they take the game on. I’m interested to see if Haaland will look to go in behind or drop off and pull Van Dijk away from the defensive line.”

The Man City striker missed Norway’s 3-3 draw against Scotland on Sunday due to an ankle injury but is expected to be fit enough to feature against the Reds next weekend.

He actually wasn’t on the pitch when his side won this fixture 4-1 last season, having been absent with a groin problem, while Van Dijk didn’t play when Liverpool lost at the Etihad Stadium in the Carabao Cup just before Christmas due to his involvement in the latter stages of the 2022 World Cup.

Therefore, assuming the 23-year-old recovers in time, it’ll be a first head-to-head between the pair since our win over City at Anfield 13 months ago, when the Dutchman helped us to a clean sheet.

The Reds’ captain’s performance levels have risen since then, and he goes into Saturday’s game buoyant off the back of a strong campaign so far for club and country, but Haaland’s return of 69 goals in 71 appearances for his current employers (Transfermarkt) tells us everything about his potency.

Broadcasters may bill it as irresistible force meets immovable object, and it’s an individual head-to-head which could be decisive, although Johnson is right to warn of Pep Guardiola’s side boasting an abundance of attacking threats who can’t be taken lightly by Liverpool’s defence.

10 games in 33 days: Liverpool’s title credentials set to be put to the test during relentless round-off to 2023

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Glen Johnson claims ‘talented’ Man City ace could be in for ‘a tough game’ against Liverpool

Liam Togher — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:24:31 +0000

Glen Johnson has claimed that one Manchester City player could be in for a ‘tough’ afternoon against Liverpool on Saturday.

The Premier League’s top two go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium this coming weekend, with the home side one point clear of Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Although City are currently leading the way in their bid for a fourth successive title, the former Reds defender believes the Merseysiders have one man in particular who can torment his direct opponent.

Johnson told Squawka: “If [Mo] Salah is on form he makes it tough for anybody in the world, so that won’t be the benchmark for Josko Gvardiol.

“He’s obviously a good defender and he’s been trusted straight away to play in these big games by [Pep] Guardiola. Of course he’ll have a tough game defending Salah but he’s a talented player.”

Gvardiol has been used primarily as a left-back since joining Man City in the summer, although his last couple of appearances have seen him deployed centrally (Transfermarkt).

It remains to be seen if Guardiola will put the Croatian directly up against Salah on Saturday, with a back three setup seeing them concede four times against Chelsea in their previous game.

The Liverpool attacker has been in scintillating form even by his own lofty standards, with seven goals in his last five league matches and 12 overall for the season (Transfermarkt); and whoever’s in direct opposition to him at the weekend, the 31-year-old will fancy his chances of making a telling impact yet again.

City are among the Egyptian’s favourite opponents – across his entire career, Man United are the only team (12) against whom he’s scored more often than the other club from Manchester (11), as per Transfermarkt.

While Gvardiol is a superb defender who’s had a decent start to his time in England, he’s set to face his sternest examination yet in the form of the imperious, free-scoring Salah, who we’re confident will find the net again on Saturday.

10 games in 33 days: Liverpool’s title credentials set to be put to the test during relentless round-off to 2023

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Glen Johnson unsure as to whether 26 y/o Liverpool-linked PL forward can replace Mo Salah when he leaves Anfield

Max Rudd — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 08:50:08 +0000

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has admitted he’s not sure whether Jarrod Bowen would be a decent replacement for Mo Salah when the Egyptian decides to leave the club.

Strong interest was shown in our No. 11 from Saudi Pro League clubs in the summer with the Reds receiving an ‘unbelievable offer’ two days prior to the transfer window closing.

The 31-year-old’s agent insisted the player remained committed to the Anfield outfit having only signed a new deal last summer but the situation led to Jurgen Klopp’s side being linked with a potential move for West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen.

“I don’t know if he possesses what’s needed to kick onto the next level. He’s evidently been playing well for West Ham and scoring goals, but to suggest that he can replace Mo Salah at Liverpool is a completely different league,” Johnson told Betfred (as quoted by The Kop Times).

There’s no doubt that Bowen is a quality player and he’s started the campaign superbly for the Hammers.

The 26-year-old has five goals and one assist in eight Premier League games this term after registering 21 goal contributions across all competitions last season.

He scored the winning goal in stoppage time as David Moyes’ side defeated Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final and just last week signed a new seven-year deal with the London Stadium outfit.

Most football fans will be aware, however, that contracts don’t mean much in today’s game other than helping the selling club earn a much higher fee in the event of a sale being sanctioned.

Bowen cannot be compared to Salah but it’s hard to think of many players that can.

When the day does come to bid farewell to the Egyptian King it’ll be interesting to see whether the England international is still being linked with a move to Merseyside.

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‘At least try…’ – Glen Johnson implores Liverpool to consider potential £200m double raid

Liam Togher — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:25:31 +0000

Glen Johnson has named two current Premier League players who he’d love to see Liverpool trying to sign in 2024.

The former Reds defender was interviewed by GG Games as he fielded a series of questions on potential future signings at Anfield.

The 39-year-old was asked if LFC should make a renewed attempt to move for Bruno Guimaraes, for whom they reportedly tabled a £100m offer towards the end of the summer transfer window (AS), to which he replied: “Absolutely because I really like him.

“He’s been a key player for Newcastle United and he’s got an awful lot about him, so I can understand why Liverpool would want to sign him because he’s proven himself already at this level. I think all parties would be happy if Liverpool could sign him for £100m.”

Johnson was later asked if he’d like to see the Reds enter the mix for Brighton forward Evan Ferguson, with the ex-Anfield defender replying: “They should at least try, for sure. He’s a young kid that’s burst on the scene and is scoring goals in the Premier League, which is obviously a very tough thing to do.

“Evan will have a better chance at getting into either Chelsea or Liverpool’s team than he would Manchester City’s if he decided to make the move there.

“I believe Chelsea and Liverpool will have their eyes on Evan already because young goalscorers in the Premier League don’t come around that often, so you can completely understand why the big guns will have their eyes on him.”

We’re with Johnson in believing that both Guimaraes and Ferguson would be very astute additions to Jurgen Klopp’s squad if Liverpool were to move for the duo.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been praised by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer for his unflappable in-game temperament (Match of the Day, via Shields Gazette), while he’s also astute at getting the ball into dangerous areas of the pitch.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 15 % of midfielders in Europe’s five main leagues over the past year for progressive passes (7.28) and successful take-ons (1.4) per match.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has been one of European football’s biggest revelations in 2023, scoring 14 goals in 34 games for Brighton despite not turning 19 until next month (Transfermarkt), including a hat-trick against Newcastle at the beginning of September.

Such is the Republic of Ireland international’s promise that there’s a belief within scouting circles that he could develop into a £100m-valued striker in future years (i News).

Liverpool already boast a formidable midfield and forward line, but even if they were to cost £200m between them, Guimaraes and Ferguson would both be magnificent additions to Klopp’s current squad.

#Ep90 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Steve Kay – Goncalo Inacio NEXT?

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Ex-Red urges Liverpool to complete ‘really sensible deal’ this summer

Max Rudd — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:05:37 +0000

Glen Johnson has urged Liverpool to complete ‘a really sensible deal’ this summer by adding to their attacking options.

The ex-Red believes Jurgen Klopp should be interested in luring Juventus star Federico Chiesa to Anfield amid reports that the Merseysiders are preparing a bid for the Italy international.

Our German tactician has already strengthened our options in the middle of the park with the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai and Johnson now believes a move for the dynamic 25-year-old would ‘improve Liverpool’s squad’ further.

Speaking to Betfred (via Liverpool World), the former right-back said: “He’s a good player that plays for a huge club and has had success at international level. He’s not just been a member of the squad, but he’s performed when he’s had to and I believe it could be a really sensible deal for Liverpool if they can get him, if they don’t have to break the bank for him.

“I think he’s a player that would improve Liverpool’s squad and if they can sign him for a reasonable fee, then that’s a transfer I’d really like to see happen.”

We’re already pretty well stocked in the attacking department but following the departure of Bobby Firmino Klopp may be tempted to bring in another attacker.

The Euros winner registered four goals and six assists for the Old Lady last term (across all competitions) but spend a lot of time on the treatment table with cruciate and knee injuries.

Reports in Italy (via The Boot Room) have suggested that Chiesa could be available for as little as £36.5m this summer which would be somewhat of a bargain for a player with the big game experience and quality of the Juventus No. 7.

With him often operating as a left winger, though, we can’t see Klopp and Co. being too interested in a move when you consider that our current forward options such as Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo can all operate in that position.

Newcastle are also believed to be showing strong interest in the winger (talkSPORT) as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his squad ahead of their participation in next season’s Champions League so this could be one to keep an eye on.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Lavia OR Thuram next? Why Newcastle DIDN’T come in for Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s difficult signing, and much more!

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