Juventus – The Empire of The Kop https://www.empireofthekop.com Blog about Liverpool F.C. (LFC) and the Kop from true supporters for supporters worldwide. Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:29:46 +0100 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9 95610221 Liverpool could make summer move for towering Serie A gem, his club need to raise funds – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/28/dean-huijsen-liverpool-transfer-rumours/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:57:23 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252154 According to reports from Italy, Liverpool could make a move this summer for a Serie A-based teenager who’s in high demand. This morning’s print edition of Gazzetta Dello Sport claimed (via Paisley Gates) that the Reds are preparing a ‘real offensive’ for Dean Huijsen, who’s currently on loan at Roma from Juventus. The 18-year-old centre-back is […]

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According to reports from Italy, Liverpool could make a move this summer for a Serie A-based teenager who’s in high demand.

This morning’s print edition of Gazzetta Dello Sport claimed (via Paisley Gates) that the Reds are preparing a ‘real offensive’ for Dean Huijsen, who’s currently on loan at Roma from Juventus.

The 18-year-old centre-back is also the subject of interest from RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, with the Bianconeri valuing him at €30m (£25.7m) and possibly willing to do business for that amount, given their need to raise funds through player sales in order to move forward with their own transfer plans in the summer.

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Huijsen – who was born in Amsterdam but last week made his debut for Spain’s under-21s – has been making the most of his loan spell with Roma, where 12 appearances thus far have yielded two goals and an assist (Transfermarkt).

A man mountain at 6 foot 5, he boasts an ideal combination of pace and stamina, while he’s comfortable playing the ball with either foot and has a richly varied passing range, with Jacek Kulig of Football Transfer Scout spotting echoes of Ben White, John Stones and Declan Rice in his play.

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That’s a very well-rounded skill set for an 18-year-old, but whether he’d be ready to make the leap to Liverpool’s first team is a matter for debate – despite his current run in the Giallorossi side, he’s still played just 13 senior matches in his fledgling career (Transfermarkt).

There could be scope to bring in a centre-back this summer if, as expected, Joel Matip’s rapidly expiring contract isn’t renewed, while Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the Anfield hierarchy ‘would start speaking with agents’ to explore the market in that position ahead of the summer.

As with any current LFC transfer rumours, the link to Huijsen comes with the caveat of not yet knowing who’ll be managing the team from June onwards, with the search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor ongoing all the time.

We’d advise to wait for further outlets to corroborate Gazzetta’s initial report, although the 18-year-old does seem like an intriguing prospect who could be worth keeping an eye on for the remainder of the season.

🗓 Back with a bang: All to play for in April as Liverpool hope to line up glorious Klopp send-off

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‘Could be sold’ – Journalist claims Liverpool have made an offer for ‘ruthless’ £39m attacker https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/25/chiesa-offer-santini-liverpool-transfer-news/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 19:51:27 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=252017 An Italian journalist has claimed that Liverpool are among multiple Premier League clubs to have submitted an offer for a Serie A forward. Federico Chiesa has been continuously linked with the Reds over the past few months (years, even), and his name has come up in transfer dispatches yet again amid reported interest from his […]

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An Italian journalist has claimed that Liverpool are among multiple Premier League clubs to have submitted an offer for a Serie A forward.

Federico Chiesa has been continuously linked with the Reds over the past few months (years, even), and his name has come up in transfer dispatches yet again amid reported interest from his current employers Juventus in Genoa’s Mateo Retegui.

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Fabio Santini told TV Play that the Bianconeri could be tempted to part with the 26-year-old if they were to receive roughly €45m (£39m) for him, saying: “What does Juventus do? Chiesa could be sold and not [Dusan] Vlahovic, as is being said.

“There are offers for Chiesa from the big names in the Premier League, in particular from Liverpool. By selling Chiesa they take home around €40m-€45m.

“With that figure Juventus can go knocking on Retegui’s door, who should not be seen here as a duplicate of Vlahovic, but if anything as his shoulder. Here too, Juventus will have to do, as they say in Milan, the calculations of the servant.”

READ MORE: (Video) Caoimhin Kelleher casually sent £43m maestro on a wild goose chase during Ireland clash

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Considering that it’s been just five days since Richard Hughes’ appointment as sporting director, and that we don’t know who’ll be managing Liverpool next season, we’d advise to take Santini’s claims of an offer from Merseyside with a pinch of salt.

Chiesa is an experienced operator with more than 300 senior appearances at club and international level behind him (Transfermarkt), and he was hailed as a ‘ruthless‘ attacker by one Italian journalist following a strong performance for the reigning European champions in November.

The 26-year-old would also offer plenty of positional versatility, capable of playing as a second striker, left winger or centre-forward (Transfermarkt).

However, one major red flag over the Juventus attacker is his woeful injury record. He’s had no fewer than 17 separate absences since the start of the 2021/22 season, the biggest of which was the cruciate ligament tear which sidelined him for nine months a couple of years ago (Transfermarkt).

No matter how good a player might be, someone so unreliable in terms of availability ought to be avoided. In any case, for all of Chiesa’s talents, Liverpool currently boast an abundance of riches in attack, so Hughes’ focus could well be on other parts of the squad in the summer transfer window.

🚨 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 may have big edge in transfer race for 26y/o they could face in Europa League – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/03/13/koopmeiners-liverpool-juventus-transfer-rumours/ Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:38:20 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=251361 According to reports from Italy, Liverpool may have a crucial edge in the transfer race for a midfielder who could potentially come up against the Reds in the near future. The print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport claimed (via Sport Witness) that the Merseysiders are vying with Juventus for Teun Koopmeiners, who’s valued by his […]

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According to reports from Italy, Liverpool may have a crucial edge in the transfer race for a midfielder who could potentially come up against the Reds in the near future.

The print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport claimed (via Sport Witness) that the Merseysiders are vying with Juventus for Teun Koopmeiners, who’s valued by his current club Atalanta in the region of €50m-€60m (£43m-£51m).

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While LFC would be able to readily ‘guarantee’ payment of such a fee, the Turin outfit would need to raise funds from elsewhere before they could stump up for the 26-year-old’s asking price. Anfield chiefs would also be in a position to offer the Dutchman a lucrative contract to seal the deal.

In turn, Atalanta would reportedly be more willing to sell the midfielder to Liverpool than the Bianconeri.

READ MORE: (Video) Two injured Liverpool players spotted training alone ahead of Europa League clash

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Koopmeiners has a tremendous scoring record for a midfielder, with 12 goals to his name already this season, including a brace last weekend in a 2-2 draw against – somewhat ironically – Juventus (Transfermarkt).

The Dutchman also possess the ability to unlock opposition defences with his eye for a killer pass, averaging 1.9 key passes per game in the current Serie A campaign, a rate which’d put him fourth in Liverpool’s squad for that metrics in 2023/24 (WhoScored).

Anfield chiefs could potentially get a close-up look at the 26-year-old if Atalanta come through their Europa League round of 16 second leg against Sporting Lisbon tomorrow night and are paired with the Reds in a subsequent stage of the tournament.

Now that Michael Edwards is in situ, with Richard Hughes set to become LFC’s new sporting director, a sound structure is being put in place for the club to attack the summer transfer window.

If Koopmeiners continues to be prolific for Atalanta, and if he does find himself facing Liverpool in Europe over the coming weeks, that could well see him near the top of the Reds’ wish list during the off-season. If that proves to be case, the superior financial muscle over Juventus could come in very useful indeed.

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

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Liverpool keeping close watch on 26y/o amid contract talks stalling at current club – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/02/06/liverpool-watching-chiesa-transfer-rumours/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 11:26:16 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=249213 Liverpool are understood to be keeping a close watch on the situation of one Serie A player, according to journalist Graeme Bailey. In a piece for HITC, it’s been reported that the Reds are paying close attention to Federico Chiesa, whose negotiations over a new deal at Juventus have stalled due to a disparity on […]

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Liverpool are understood to be keeping a close watch on the situation of one Serie A player, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

In a piece for HITC, it’s been reported that the Reds are paying close attention to Federico Chiesa, whose negotiations over a new deal at Juventus have stalled due to a disparity on his salary arrangement.

The 26-year-old’s current contract in Turin expires in June 2025, and Bianconeri chiefs are eager not to let him go into next season without his future resolved, with the impasse leading to several clubs (including LFC) being alerted to his potential availability.

READ MORE: Liverpool hit by hammer injury blow as £120k-p/w dynamo set to miss Carabao Cup final

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Liverpool could potentially be in the market for a new attacker if Mo Salah were to leave Anfield, with rumours of a potential move to Saudi Arabia continuing to abound.

Chiesa has been intermittently linked with the Reds in recent months without any sign of a transfer materialising, although the contract impasse at Juventus might be the trigger for a potential deal to be struck.

The 26-year-old has 44 Serie A goals to his name and was a member of Italy’s Euro 2020-winning squad, so he certainly boasts a decent pedigree, but there’s one glaring red flag of which LFC chiefs should be aware.

The forward is notoriously injury-prone, having suffered a series of absences since his initial return from a nine-month cruciate ligament layoff in 2022 (Transfermarkt), which throws a huge question mark over his reliability despite his on-field talents.

Even if he can be acquired for a potential knockdown price if his contract situation at Juventus remains unresolved, signing Chiesa would represent a big gamble for Liverpool when considering his appalling fitness record and his wage packet of more than £180,000 per week (Capology).

If the Reds do need to go into the market for a successor to Salah in the foreseeable future, they’d be well advised not to take a chance on a player who history suggests will be on the treatment table as often as on the pitch.

#Ep100 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones🎙

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Liverpool eyeing move for 2023 world champion who was snapped up by European giants last year https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/01/17/facundo-gonzalez-liverpool-transfer-rumours/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:00:55 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=248024 Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on a world champion as a prospective long-term defensive recruit at Anfield. According to 90min, the Reds are monitoring Facundo Gonzalez, who’s on loan at Sampdoria from Juventus and was part of Uruguay’s Under-20 World Cup-winning team last year. It’s thought that the Merseysiders are looking towards a move for […]

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Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on a world champion as a prospective long-term defensive recruit at Anfield.

According to 90min, the Reds are monitoring Facundo Gonzalez, who’s on loan at Sampdoria from Juventus and was part of Uruguay’s Under-20 World Cup-winning team last year.

It’s thought that the Merseysiders are looking towards a move for the 20-year-old next year rather than in the January or summer 2024 transfer windows, with LFC targeting an established centre-back (Jonathan Tah has been mooted) and another player in that position with more of an eye to the future.

READ MORE: Liverpool have kept close watch on Bundesliga pass master; Romano said he’s ‘doing great’

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2023 was a memorable year for Gonzalez, having been ever-present in his country’s Under-20 World Cup triumph in June and snapped up by Juventus a couple of months later, albeit that the Bianconeri loaned him to Sampdoria almost immediately.

That move has enabled the Uruguayan to take his first steps in senior football as a regular for the Genoa-based club, albeit in Serie B, where he’s made 13 appearances so far (Transfermarkt).

Given his lack of top-level experience, it’s understandable that Liverpool are seemingly biding their time to keep tabs on the 20-year-old as he accrues valuable first-team minutes, rather than taking an out-and-out gamble on him straight away.

It should be interesting to see how Gonzalez develops at Sampdoria for the remainder of this season, and whether he might be loaned out to a Serie A club next term, but his big-game temperament is somewhat proven from his success on the global stage with Uruguay’s under-20s.

🤩 EOTK FPL Gameweek 20 Review 🤩: Kevin De Bruyne vs Michael Olise? Don’t sell Salah, Estupinan vs Trent? The WILDCARD pick managers must consider

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Liverpool make their move to try and sign £34m prodigy; club issue swift response – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/01/13/juventus-reject-liverpool-approach-yildiz/ Sat, 13 Jan 2024 11:37:18 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=247785 According to reports from Italy, Liverpool have made their move to try and sign a highly coveted teenage talent from Serie A. The print edition of Gazzetta Dello Sport claimed (via Paisley Gates) that the Reds have ‘moved in’ for Kenan Yildiz, but their approach has been turned down by Juventus, who’ve also said no to […]

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According to reports from Italy, Liverpool have made their move to try and sign a highly coveted teenage talent from Serie A.

The print edition of Gazzetta Dello Sport claimed (via Paisley Gates) that the Reds have ‘moved in’ for Kenan Yildiz, but their approach has been turned down by Juventus, who’ve also said no to Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

Such is the Turin club’s desire to keep the 18-year-old at the Allianz Stadium that they’re willing to offload Moise Kean instead, and they may duly need to offer a pay rise to the Turkish teenager in order to appease him amid the widespread interest.

The youngster is reportedly valued at a figure between €35m and €40m (£30.1m-£34.5m).

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp has an ally among his peers as Premier League boss echoes LFC manager’s grievance

READ MORE: Contact made: Club chief says Liverpool have ‘asked’ about South American powerhouse

Yildiz has enjoyed a promising start to his time in the Juventus first team, with three goals in 11 appearances so far (Transfermarkt), one of which made him the club’s youngest foreign goalscorer in Serie A.

Capable of leading the line or playing just behind the main striker (Transfermarkt), the 18-year-old is already a full Turkey international and has scored for his country, while the magnitude of the clubs to have asked about him also speaks to his enormous potential.

However, even aside from the Bianconeri’s staunch desire not to sell him, the teenager mightn’t want to give up the regular run of games he’s now getting in Turin for a backup role at Liverpool, where he’d surely be too raw to immediately displace the likes of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

Also, a fee of more than £30m would be quite a lot to pay for someone who’s yet to reach a dozen appearances in his senior club career (Transfermarkt), especially in the context of the much more experienced Mo Salah costing just £36.9m (The Guardian) when the Reds signed him in 2017.

In all likelihood, the chances of Yildiz coming to Anfield any time soon are remote, but you can see why LFC would be interested in him given the early promise that he’s showing for Juventus.

🤩 EOTK FPL Gameweek 20 Review 🤩: Kevin De Bruyne vs Michael Olise? Don’t sell Salah, Estupinan vs Trent? The WILDCARD pick managers must consider

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Liverpool-linked prodigy tells agent to find him a new club; Reds have shown ‘concrete interest’ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/20/yildiz-agent-plea-liverpool-transfer-rumours/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:33:41 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=246559 According to reports from Italy, one rumoured Liverpool transfer target has instructed his agent to find him a new club. On Tuesday, the print edition of Corriere dello Sport claimed (via Sport Witness) that Kenan Yildiz is disgruntled with the game-time he’s been awarded at Juventus this season and has duly implored his representatives to […]

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According to reports from Italy, one rumoured Liverpool transfer target has instructed his agent to find him a new club.

On Tuesday, the print edition of Corriere dello Sport claimed (via Sport Witness) that Kenan Yildiz is disgruntled with the game-time he’s been awarded at Juventus this season and has duly implored his representatives to seek out potential suitors elsewhere.

The report stated that the Serie A outfit should ‘pay attention’ to the Reds, who are believed to have already ‘shown concrete interest’ in the 18-year-old attacker.

READ MORE: (Video) Liverpool gem enjoys early birthday present with crucial 1st goal of the season

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Our inclination would be to take this latest development with a pinch of salt, in light of other recent reports indicating that Yildiz’s wish is to remain put in Turin.

The teenager has made six appearances for Juventus so far this term, all in Serie A, but his peripheral status is illustrated by those half-dozen substitute outings accumulating to just 38 minutes (Transfermarkt).

Having come through Bayern Munich’s academy and also played for the Bianconeri, along with winning three senior caps for Euro 2024-bound Turkey, the attacker has had plenty of exposure to elite environments, and that should stand to him as his career develops.

Yildiz was also included in last year’s Next Generation list by The Guardian, who annually publish a set of up-and-coming names to watch out for.

However, a player of his age must surely realise that breaking into the Juventus first team is no mean feat, and certainly not a divine right, so for him to be pushing his agent for a move might come as a red flag to senior figures at Liverpool.

Despite many of the Reds’ current forwards coming in for criticism of late, breaking into Jurgen Klopp’s frontline is still a very tall order for any young player. Hopefully the Turkish prospect realises that if he does end up at Anfield.

📖 Anfield Annals: John Smith – Liverpool’s Red Knight and Most Successful Chairman

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‘Staggering’ Liverpool player has interest from two clubs, but both have one big concern – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/13/thiago-wages-concern-inter-juventus-liverpool/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:02:09 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=244686 According to reports from Italy, one player at Liverpool is attracting interest from a pair of Serie A clubs, albeit with both sharing a significant concern over their mutual target. TuttoJuve reported that Inter Milan and Juventus have eyes on a possible 2024 swoop for Thiago Alcantara, whose contract at Anfield expires next summer, thus […]

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According to reports from Italy, one player at Liverpool is attracting interest from a pair of Serie A clubs, albeit with both sharing a significant concern over their mutual target.

TuttoJuve reported that Inter Milan and Juventus have eyes on a possible 2024 swoop for Thiago Alcantara, whose contract at Anfield expires next summer, thus making him available for a free transfer if he isn’t offered new terms before then.

However, while the Nerazzurri are willing to give him a two-year deal, it’d be for a substantially lower wage than what he’s currently earning. Meanwhile, the figures that the 32-year-old would supposedly seek appear to be out of reach for the Turin club.

READ MORE: ‘Liverpool could not…’ – Guardiola goes on the defensive ahead of Reds’ showdown v Man City

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Thiago is currently on £200,000 per week at Liverpool, making him the third-highest earner at Anfield. That amount would also put him third on Juve’s payroll, while it’s more than any player in the Inter squad (Capology).

It’s telling that, even with those two clubs well on course to qualify for the Champions League as the clear top two in Serie A, they both appear to have reservations over the pay packet the Spaniard is currently taking home each week.

With the midfielder turning 33 next April, and having not played for nearly seven months due to a long-term hip issue (Transfermarkt), it’s understandable why the Italian duo would be reluctant to offer him the same wage that he’s getting on Merseyside.

It also seems unlikely that Liverpool would present him with a new contract of a similar value, even for a player who was labelled ‘staggering’ by Michael Owen last year (BT Sport, via Daily Mail).

Thiago’s future is set to be a topic of discussion throughout the next few months, and right now it appears to be anyone’s guess as to where he’ll be playing his football by the autumn of 2024.

🤩EOTK FPL Gameweek 11 Review 🤩: The Fantasy week from HELL, the Doku & Jackson show & xG paying off

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Serie A duo could vie to sign Liverpool ace who’s ‘made a huge difference’ at Anfield – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/06/thiago-inter-juventus-liverpool-transfer-news/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/06/thiago-inter-juventus-liverpool-transfer-news/#comments Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:21:24 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=244390 According to reports from Italy, there are two clubs with designs on a potential swoop for a Liverpool midfielder next year. Calciomercato claimed that Inter Milan and Juventus both have eyes on a possible raid for Thiago Alcantara on a free transfer, with the 32-year-old’s contract at Anfield expiring at the end of this season. […]

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According to reports from Italy, there are two clubs with designs on a potential swoop for a Liverpool midfielder next year.

Calciomercato claimed that Inter Milan and Juventus both have eyes on a possible raid for Thiago Alcantara on a free transfer, with the 32-year-old’s contract at Anfield expiring at the end of this season.

The Serie A rivals view the Reds magician as a technically gifted player who’d be financially attainable given that he could be snapped up without a fee being paid.

A January move is deemed unlikely given that the Spain international hasn’t played in more than six months and, as confirmed by Jurgen Klopp in recent days, won’t play again this side of New Year’s Day. Also, the manager is reluctant to sell him given what he can offer when fit.

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READ MORE: Deal signed: Liverpool announce contract for midfielder at Anfield

It comes as no surprise that there are clubs already lining up a possible free transfer swoop for Thiago, who despite his ongoing injury woes is one of the most gifted players at Liverpool.

Following a masterful performance against Villarreal in the Champions League semi-finals in 2022, Jamie Carragher proclaimed that the midfielder ‘has possibly been one of the best players in the Premier League’ and ‘has made a huge difference’ at Anfield with his quality (CBS Sports, via HITC).

It’s a shame that the 32-year-old has been unable to feature for the Reds since April, but the club’s hierarchy may be looking at his worrying fitness record and his £200,000 weekly wage (third-highest at LFC, as per Capology) and pondering whether it’d be for the best to let him depart next summer.

It’s beginning to look as if an exit in 2024 is inevitable, but hopefully Thiago can give us a few more reminders of his ability before his time at Liverpool ends. In turn, he could prompt several more suitors to join Inter and Juventus in chasing what could be one of next year’s shrewdest free transfer pickups.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Andre ticks a box, Liverpool have a ‘real top player’ with Kevin De Bruyne gift, unfair treatment of Nunez and much more!

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Liverpool still interested in Mac Allister-esque £30m wizard they’d wanted in summer – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/16/khephren-thuram-liverpool-transfer-rumours/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:45:58 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=243205 One name which did the rounds heavily during the summer when it came to Liverpool transfer rumours is still believed to be on the agenda at Anfield. According to Italian outlet Sport Mediaset, the Reds remain interested in a move for Khephren Thuram, who’s also believed to be a strong target for Juventus as they […]

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One name which did the rounds heavily during the summer when it came to Liverpool transfer rumours is still believed to be on the agenda at Anfield.

According to Italian outlet Sport Mediaset, the Reds remain interested in a move for Khephren Thuram, who’s also believed to be a strong target for Juventus as they seek to follow in our footsteps and revamp their midfield.

The Nice youngster is a player who was very much ‘appreciated’ on Merseyside earlier this year (Fabrizio Romano), with Neil Jones saying that the 22-year-old had ‘definitely been identified as someone Liverpool want’, amid reports that the Ligue 1 club had set a £30m asking price (Daily Express).

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Thuram’s name cropped up regularly as a Liverpool target prior to the European Under-21 Championship, during which he featured in the France team which reached the quarter-finals.

That was before they secured the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai, the second of four midfield additions at Anfield in the summer transfer window.

The Frenchman can play as either a defensive or central midfielder and has been deployed solely in the latter role so far this season (Transfermarkt).

As per FBref, he’s deemed stylistically similar to Alexis Mac Allister and excels at carrying the ball upfield himself, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers in Europe’s five main leagues over the past year for progressive carries (3.42) and successful take-ons (1.73) per 90 minutes.

It remains to be seen if Liverpool will go after him in January with the same vigour as in the summer, considering that our midfield has been extensively restocked in the meantime.

However, if these reports prove to be accurate, it shows that Thuram remains very much on the agenda at Anfield and hasn’t been forgotten about despite the numerous additions in his area of the pitch over the last few months.

🤩 EOTK FPL Gameweek 8 Review 🤩: Isak or Alvarez the man to watch? Dominance in EOTK’s league, time to go big on Villa/Spurs/West Ham…

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Liverpool considering swoop for 25y/o with better scoring average than Salah this season https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/09/27/federico-chiesa-liverpool-transfer-rumours/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:17:50 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=241915 According to reports from Spain, Liverpool are line up a possible swoop for a forward with a better scoring average than Mo Salah so far this season. Fichajes have claimed that the Reds are ‘evaluating the possibility’ of signing Federico Chiesa as a long-term replacement for the Egyptian in their attack, and suggested that Saudi […]

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According to reports from Spain, Liverpool are line up a possible swoop for a forward with a better scoring average than Mo Salah so far this season.

Fichajes have claimed that the Reds are ‘evaluating the possibility’ of signing Federico Chiesa as a long-term replacement for the Egyptian in their attack, and suggested that Saudi Arabian interest in the Anfield star hasn’t gone away.

With Juventus ‘seeking to restructure its squad’ amid the financial blow of having no European football this season, the door has ‘opened’ regarding the possible sale of the 25-year-old.

READ MORE: (Video) Alexis Mac Allister’s Argentina teammate says he’s already better than 5-time EPL winner

READ MORE: ‘Always got a notepad in hand…’ – Liverpool ace still has his dad critiquing his performances

Chiesa was the subject of transfer speculation linking him with Liverpool right throughout the summer transfer window, but with a midfield revamp the clear priority on Merseyside, the Italy international remained in Turin.

Juventus fans will be very glad that he did, as he’s begun the season in excellent form, scoring four goals in six Serie A games so far in 496 minutes of game-time, a rate of one every 124 minutes (Transfermarkt).

His tally matches that of Salah across all competitions in the early weeks of the campaign, with the Egyptian’s four-goal haul spread across 539 minutes, netting once every 134.75 minutes (Transfermarkt).

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That Chiesa has a slightly better scoring average than the red-hot Liverpool attacker speaks volumes of how impressive the Italian has also been, and his club’s reported openness to selling could play into our hands.

However, one major red flag for Anfield chiefs could be the 25-year-old’s shocking injury record – a cruciate ligament blow sidelined him for nine months in 2022 and he’s since been prone to a series of minor absences (Transfermarkt).

The Reds have had their share of players who are less than reliable in that department, so while the interest in the Juventus attacker is understandable given his fine form, his familiarity with the treatment table ought to be taken into account before any serious approach is made.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Liverpool’s challenge before January transfer window, mentality monsters back? Reds player ‘hung out to dry’ and much more!

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Liverpool could now sign summer target for 33% less than before; Saudi club also in the mix – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/08/06/chiesa-asking-price-liverpool-transfer-rumours/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 07:53:29 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=239022 According to reports from Italy, Liverpool could now sign one rumoured summer transfer target for 33% less than his previous asking price. In early July, Corriere dello Sport reported (via Paisley Gates) that the agents of Federico Chiesa had travelled to England to offer their client to the Red, with Juventus demanding €60m (£51.9m) at the time. […]

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According to reports from Italy, Liverpool could now sign one rumoured summer transfer target for 33% less than his previous asking price.

In early July, Corriere dello Sport reported (via Paisley Gates) that the agents of Federico Chiesa had travelled to England to offer their client to the Red, with Juventus demanding €60m (£51.9m) at the time.

However, Sunday morning’s print version of Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed (via Paisley Gates) that the Merseysiders remain interested in the 25-year-old, whose asking price has now lowered to €40m (£34.6m).

The Bianconeri appear keen to offload the winger – whose relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri has become strained – and his valuation has lowered due to a general dearth of interest, although Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr have also been linked with him.

READ MORE: Southampton CEO sends out defiant message amid Liverpool’s ongoing Romeo Lavia pursuit

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool had made ‘calls’ in January over 21 y/o who’s just joined EPL rivals

Chiesa’s name has cropped up intermittently in Liverpool transfer dispatches throughout the summer, but we still can’t envision him becoming part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad by the end of the month.

Even before the recent departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, there was a feeling that further midfield recruitment was needed, while strengthening the Reds’ defence could also be on the agenda in August.

With such a short window left until the transfer deadline and other positions in far greater need of attention, we don’t expect any attacking reinforcements this summer.

For all his talents, Chiesa also comes with the significant red flag of a chronic injury record, having missed no fewer than 62 games for Juventus over the past two seasons alone (Transfermarkt).

For Liverpool to spend almost the entirety of what Alexis Mac Allister initially cost (BBC Sport) on a player who’s so unreliable and who plays in a position which is probably the club’s lowest priority in the current market would be unthinkable.

In other circumstances, a 33% price drop on a 25-year-old European champion would be a no-brainer to pursue, but this isn’t the time for the Reds to be seriously looking at the gifted yet injury-prone Italian.

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Liverpool could step up pursuit of Serie A star if shock Anfield exit occurs – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/07/10/chiesa-liverpool-transfer-rumours-salah/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 10:00:57 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=237751 According to reports from Italy, Liverpool could step up their efforts to sign a player from Serie A if one current Anfield star departs this summer. On Monday morning, the print version of Gazzetta dello Sport claimed (via Paisley Gates) that the Reds will ‘accelerate’ their reported pursuit of Federico Chiesa if Mo Salah is lured […]

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According to reports from Italy, Liverpool could step up their efforts to sign a player from Serie A if one current Anfield star departs this summer.

On Monday morning, the print version of Gazzetta dello Sport claimed (via Paisley Gates) that the Reds will ‘accelerate’ their reported pursuit of Federico Chiesa if Mo Salah is lured by the riches of the Saudi Pro League.

This follows on from journalist Rudy Galetti telling GIVEMESPORT in recent days that both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are trying to land the Egyptian superstar.

Gazzetta dello Sport added that Juventus have set a €50m (£42.7m) benchmark for the Italy international, for whom they are awaiting concrete proposals.

READ MORE: European journalist claims potential Liverpool exit is ‘very advanced’; player’s answer awaits

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp wants 22y/o at Liverpool as Salah alternative; EPL rivals also interested – report

It seems from the Italian outlet’s report that Liverpool would only step up their pursuit of Chiesa if Salah were to depart for Saudi Arabia, with the latter being someone we most certainly don’t want to see happening.

Even with a growing number of players swapping Europe for the Middle East, though, we can’t envisage the 31-year-old abandoning Anfield at this stage of his career, particularly when he continues to underline his legend status at the club.

Another 30 goals last season shows why he’s simply irreplaceable for the Reds right now, and his near-permanent availability (typically punctuated only by the Africa Cup of Nations) also makes him one of the most reliable players in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

By worrying contrast, Chiesa has suffered a string of injury absences over the past couple of seasons and, even allowing for his inferior game-time, has a goal record which isn’t a patch on the Egyptian King – just four in Serie A since the start of 2021/22 (Transfermarkt).

Liverpool would need to bring in a right-sided attacker if Salah were to leave, but we’re confident our iconic 11 won’t be upping sticks from Merseyside for some time yet – certainly not with two years still remaining on his contract.

#Ep79 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Dominik Szoboszlai – a mix of De Bruyne/Gerrard/Zidane?

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EPL club could give £110k-p/w man second chance in England after bleak Liverpool spell – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/06/21/newcastle-arthur-transfer-news-liverpool/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 20:35:23 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=236925 Despite his hugely frustrating spell on loan at Liverpool, Arthur Melo could potentially be back for a second bite at the Premier League cherry next season. The 26-year-old never got the chance to play in the English top flight for the Reds, having been given just 13 minutes for the first team as injuries and […]

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Despite his hugely frustrating spell on loan at Liverpool, Arthur Melo could potentially be back for a second bite at the Premier League cherry next season.

The 26-year-old never got the chance to play in the English top flight for the Reds, having been given just 13 minutes for the first team as injuries and other unfortunate events conspired against him (Transfermarkt).

He’s now gone back to parent club Juventus for the time being, although he could return to these shores for another few month at least, judging by reports from Italy.

According to Tutto Juve, Newcastle are ready to move for the £110,000-per-week midfielder (Capology) and could seek to take him on loan with an option to buy.

However, the Turin club are set to demand a substantial loan fee and a €20m (£17.2m) purchase option if they’re to let him depart for a second successive season.

READ MORE: 117 passes completed, 4 duels won: Liverpool-linked duo impress as Under-21 Euros get underway

READ MORE: Liverpool-linked Ryan Gravenberch sends firm message to Bayern amid transfer speculation

None of the parties involved in Arthur’s move to Liverpool will be pleased with how it turned out, but while there may be a temptation in some quarters to dismiss him as a total flop, in truth he simply had no good fortune during his time on Merseyside.

As highlighted by James Pearce for The Athletic, a training ground injury sidelined the Brazilian for four months, either side of which circumstances outside his control served to deprive him of the game-time he could’ve otherwise expected to receive.

The journalist also pointed out how the 26-year-old impressed Jurgen Klopp and the Reds’ coaching staff behind the scenes with his attitude, with nobody at the club having ‘a bad word to say about him’.

It’s worth remembering that Arthur has won 22 caps for Brazil and played more than 100 times combined for two of Europe’s biggest clubs in Barcelona and Juventus (Transfermarkt), which you don’t get to do unless you’re a pretty good footballer.

It simply didn’t work out for him at Liverpool, but it seems he may yet get another chance in England if Newcastle can lure him back to the Premier League and give him the opportunity to actually play in the division.

He’s certainly due a change of luck, but with the Magpies now being a direct positional rival of the Reds, let’s just hope he doesn’t come back to haunt us next season if he ends up on Tyneside!

🚨Exclusive🚨: Jacque Talbot’s Liverpool transfers update: Liverpool & Newcastle in for Kone, Thuram latest, likelihood of Lavia move… and more!

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‘We’ll see…’ – Liverpool-linked Serie A wizard may have left door open for a summer transfer https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/06/19/chiesa-comments-future-liverpool-transfer-rumours/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:53:48 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=236755 One player who’s been linked with Liverpool this summer has appeared to leave the door open for a possible exit from his current club. Federico Chiesa – for whom the Reds were reportedly prepared to table an offer (Calciomercatoweb) – was speaking to the media after he scored during Italy’s 3-2 win over Netherlands in […]

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One player who’s been linked with Liverpool this summer has appeared to leave the door open for a possible exit from his current club.

Federico Chiesa – for whom the Reds were reportedly prepared to table an offer (Calciomercatoweb) – was speaking to the media after he scored during Italy’s 3-2 win over Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League third place match on Sunday.

The Juventus forward has said that he’s now looking forward to a summer break before turning his attention to the 2023/24 season, although where’ll he be playing in that campaign may yet to be determined.

The 25-year-old stated (via Calciomercato): “I’m happy with how I finished, it was a really difficult year for me. Now I’m only thinking about the holidays, then from next season I’ll start preparing already from the summer training camp.

“Reopening with me? We’ll see, I’m at Juventus and I’m thinking about Juventus.”

READ MORE: Liverpool’s top-flight rivals make big-money bid for Anfield target – but Reds fans needn’t worry

READ MORE: Klopp gets green light to push for Liverpool to beat EPL rivals to £200k-p/w midfield dynamo – report

Chiesa’s remark of “we’ll see” could be interpreted as him remaining somewhat uncertain on what next season holds for him, even if he quickly added that he’s “thinking about Juventus”.

That two-word utterance may strike a chord with interested clubs, but despite the aforementioned reports from Italy of a bid being in the pipelines, a reliable journalist in James Pearce recently told The Athletic that Liverpool won’t be making a move for the Italy international.

Having led Virgil van Dijk a merry dance in the lead-up to his goal against Netherlands yesterday, Reds fans may have allowed themselves to ponder what the 25-year-old could do for Jurgen Klopp’s side if he were to join the Dutch defender at Anfield.

However, with an abundance of attacking riches already in situ, LFC’s transfer plans are set to revolve around other areas of the squad, with a plethora of midfield and defensive targets being mooted over the past few weeks.

A move for Chiesa doesn’t seem likely in 2023, but he could be an option to revisit further down the line if the opportunity comes up and Liverpool are in need of additions in the final third.

🚨Exclusive🚨: Jacque Talbot’s Liverpool transfers update: Liverpool & Newcastle in for Kone, Thuram latest, likelihood of Lavia move… and more!

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