Liverpool transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares183 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man City and Liverpool star Mario Balotelli almost choked to death after tomato ketchup blunder

      by

      MARIO BALOTELLI almost choked to death while on club duty – after confusing tomato ketchup with red-hot chili sauce.The former Manchester City and Liverpool madcap has figured in a series of crazy antics throughout his career.Mario Balotelli nearly choked to death after a mix-up involving tomato ketchupCredit: GettyAnd Balotelli’s one-time clubmate Florian Thauvin has now revealed the Italy striker made himself ill with an accidental overdose of harissa.The powerful North African condiment is made from fiery chilis, spices, herbs, seeds and oil.Ex-Newcastle winger Thauvin was with Marseille when Balotelli joined the Ligue 1 club in 2019.Thauvin, 31, recalled: “Mario Balotelli signed for Marseille.  We were on a pre-match training camp, and having a meal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”At that time Adil Rami was at the club, and he always asked for there to be harissa on the table.”So the chef always used to put out a bowl of harissa for Adil.  Balotelli showed up.”It was his first pre-match camp with the club, and everything was new for him.”As the good Italian he is, he helped himself to pasta. He thought the harissa was tomato sauce.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”He began plastering the harissa over his pasta – he took a big helping of it.”Us other players looked at one another, and thought: ‘That’s hot stuff – and he’s taken a lot of it.’Watch topless Balotelli throw his shirt at window on live stream then rage at streamer ‘aren’t you ashamed to say that?'”We thought he knew what he was doing.  We didn’t know him, so we felt he knew and that there was no problem.”Mario began to eat, but inside five minutes he was weeping and the sweat was pouring down his face.”All the players wished him welcome to the club.  We were crying with laughter – it was exceptional.”As the good Italian he is, he helped himself to pasta. He thought the harissa was tomato sauce.Thauvin on BalotelliBalotelli, 33, is now in his second spell with Turkish club Adana Demirspor.He won the Premier League with Manchester City after a £16million move from Inter Milan in 2010.However the striker fared less well at Liverpool, scoring just four goals in 28 games for the Reds.Capped 36 times, Balotelli has also played for AC Milan, Nice, Brescia, Monza and Swiss club Sion.Mario Balotelli’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Lumezzane, 2005-2006: 2 games, 0 goals

      Inter Milan, 2006-2010: 86 games, 28 goals

      Man City, 2010-2013: 80 games, 30 goals

      AC Milan, 2013-2014: 54 games, 30 goals

      Liverpool, 2014-2015: 28 games, 4 goals

      AC Milan, 2015-2016: 23 games, 3 goals

      Nice, 2016-2018: 76 games, 43 goals

      Marseille, 2018-2019: 15 games, 8 goals

      Brescia, 2019-2020: 19 games, 5 goals

      Monza, 2020-2021: 14 games, 6 goals

      Adana Demirspor, 2021-2022: 35 games, 19 goals

      Sion, 2023-2023: 19 games, 6 goals

      Adana Demirspor, 11 games, 7 goals

      Italy, 2010-2018: 36 games, 14 goals

      Trophies: Serie A x3, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, Champions League (Inter Milan); Premier League, FA Cup (Man City) More

    • 200 Shares97 Views

      in Soccer

      Unemployed Premier League icon watches Liverpool’s mauling to Atalanta as he searches for next manager job

      by

      RAFA BENITEZ watched Liverpool sink to a shock 3-0 hammering against Atalanta as he looks for his next managerial job. The Spaniard spent six years at Anfield, famously guiding them to the Champions League trophy in 2005. Rafa Benitez watched Liverpool sink to a shock 3-0 hammering against AtalantaCredit: PAHis last role was with Celta Vigo but he was sacked in March following a horror run of results and eight months in charge. Benitez is still looking for a new venture and was recently a shock candidate linked with replacing England boss Gareth Southgate. Liverpool are also recruiting for a new manager following Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement that he will leave in the summer. Currently, Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim leads the race to succeed amid reports he has reached an agreement with Liverpool. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Sports Germany have reported that Amorim, who has impressed as boss of Sporting, is pushing for a move to join Liverpool.The 39-year-old is said to be willing and able to pen a deal that would see him stay at Anfield until at least 2027.However, nothing is set in stone and negotiations with current club Sporting are still yet to take place, meaning the deal could still hit a stumbling block.And Liverpool denied any agreement being reached. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Portuguese coach’s deal in Lisbon currently runs until 2026 and is believed to have a release clause of £25m.However, it has been suggested that figure would drop down to a more affordable £17m for clubs outside of Portugal.Awkward moment Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confronts journalist in press conferenceLiverpool are said to be hopeful that they can further drive down that fee to a figure of around £8.5m.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, German boss Julian Nagelsmann and Klopp’s No2 Pep Lijnders are other names in the frame. Liverpool next manager candidates

      Ruben Amorim

      Currently in charge at Sporting Lisbon and linked with top clubs in Europe

      Roberto De Zerbi

      Brighton’s manager who is linked with a big move next after transforming the Prem club

      Julian Nagelsmann

      Former Bundesliga winner with Bayern currently in charge of Germany

      Pep Lijnders

      Klopp’s trusted No2 with a link to Liverpool and the squad

      Ange Postecoglou

      Turned Spurs into a front-foot side chasing Champions League football

      Thomas Tuchel

      Champions League winner with Chelsea available next summer having announced his departure at Bayern

      Xabi Alonso

      Linked with the Liverpool and Bayern roles despite announcing he will remain at Bayer Leverkusen

      Steven Gerrard

      Liverpool legend and Scottish Prem winner with Rangers, currently in Saudi with Al-Ettifaq More

    • 213 Shares97 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea and Liverpool ‘joined by Premier League rivals in race to trigger Nico Williams transfer release clause’

      by

      TOTTENHAM have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to reports.Williams, 21, has impressed for the La Liga side this season, scoring six goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions.Tottenham are interested in signing Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyHe is considered one of the most sought-after young wingers in Europe, with several clubs considering a summer swoop.Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been linked with a move for Williams in recent months.And according to The Telegraph, Tottenham are also keeping a close eye on him.Williams has a £42.8million release clause in his current contract.Read More on FootballSpurs are currently assessing whether or not they will need attacking reinforcements this summer.Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal are also monitoring the winger.And while Chelsea maintain an interest, club chiefs are prioritising a new out-and-out striker.Barcelona are also among his admirers, but officials are willing to hold out until 2025.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilliams has impressed for Athletic Bilbao this seasonWilliams helped Athletic Bilbao win the Copa del Rey last week, ending the club’s 40-year wait for silverware.After the match, he told Diario AS: “I have many years left here, I am calm and happy. I can’t wait to get to Bilbao to celebrate.”Bizarre moment Arsenal target Nico Williams gets ‘dumbest red card ever seen’ after two yellows in 12 seconds – BEIN Sports 5The winger also has 13 caps for the Spanish national team.He made his senior international debut back in September 2022 and has since scored two goals. More

    • 150 Shares187 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in awkward exchange with journalist over ‘horrible interview’

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP was involved in an awkward exchange with a journalist over a “horrible interview” with ex-Liverpool star Jordan Henderson. The Anfield boss was addressing the media ahead of Liverpool’s Europa League quarter-final clash against Atalanta. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was involved in an awkward exchange with a journalistCredit: PAAnd Klopp confronted a reporter who he believed gave his ex-captain Henderson a tough time following an Ajax match. Klopp said: “You are not the one who interviewed Jordan Henderson, are you?” The journalist replied: “No, that was my colleague.” Klopp then asked: “He a friend of yours? READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”What a horrible interview that was. Do you know anybody who liked it?” The reporter then hit back: “I spoke to [his colleague] and he regretted a bit the interview, he was a bit too hard. He said it all on television.”Klopp then said: “Wow, OK. I take that apology on behalf of Hendo.” The German was referencing a tense ESPN interview following Ajax’s 2-2 draw with Fortuna Sittard in March. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd he was asked if it was the Dutch side’s ‘worst performance’ this season. But Henderson, signed from Saudi side Al Ettifaq, said: “No, because we didn’t lose. It’s always worse when you lose a game.”Jordan Henderson’s prickly interview goes viral after seven-word reply to reporter’s blunt question and fans love itThe England midfielder was again probed on whether it was a “poor performance.” And he snapped back: “You can call it what you want.”Henderson spent eight years with Klopp, winning both the Champions League and Prem title. But he left for Saudi in the summer but the move lasted less than half a season when he moved to Ajax in January. Klopp with former Liverpool star HendersonCredit: EPA More

    • 175 Shares128 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim ‘chooses first three Liverpool signings’ including new partner for Virgil van Dijk

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM has reportedly already lined up his first three Liverpool signings, including world-class defenders to go alongside Virgil van Dijk.The Sporting Lisbon boss is said to have an agreement in principle to replace outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.Ruben Amorim is reportedly set to manage Liverpool next seasonCredit: GettyGoncalo Inacio is a player he could bring with himCredit: RexMidfielder Morten Hjulmand is among the players reportedly bound for AnfieldCredit: EPALiverpool sources have since denied these claims, although Amorim remains the heavy favourite to take over at Anfield.His Sporting side won the treble in 2021, and famously knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League via penalties last season.Sporting are currently top of Portugal’s Primeira Liga, four points clear of second-placed Benfica with a game in hand.And according to Portuguese news outlet Jornal Noticias, Amorim is keen to bring some of his key players with him to Merseyside.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe top targets are Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande, who could help bolster the Reds’ heavily injury-ridden defence.It is also said that Amorim wants to bring Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand – who has been linked with a move to Tottenham – to Liverpool.Inacio and Diomande have formed a sensational centre-back partnership, having lost just two games in the league this season.Amorim is reportedly keen to have them both involved at Anfield alongside captain Van Dijk.Most read in FootballOusmane Diomande has also attracted interest from Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLiverpool’s title rivals Arsenal have also shown serious interest in both players, alongside Chelsea.Current centre-back Ibrahima Konate’s thigh problem has caused him to miss important games, while Joel Matip underwent surgery after rupturing his ACL against Fulham in December.Meanwhile, full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have been unavailable for much of the business end of the season.But the Scotland captain did return for his first Premier League start in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.Jurgen Klopp manages to savage both Man Utd and his own Liverpool team with astonishing comment about ArsenalAmorim’s system features three centre-backs who are all comfortable on the ball and able to move into midfield.The Portuguese boss would certainly look to get the best out of Darwin Nunez as the team’s No9, just as he has with Sporting’s ex-Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres this season.The Swede has scored 28 goals in all competitions since his summer move from the Championship side.Xabi Alonso was the early favourite to be the next boss at Anfield but the former midfielder has committed himself to Bayer Leverkusen. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool face huge Luis Diaz transfer dilemma with winger yet to agree new contract amid interest from European giants

      by

      LIVERPOOL star Luis Diaz is attracting interest from two European giants, according to reports.The Colombian winger recently met with his agent Raul Costa to discuss his future.Luis Diaz could leave Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyDiaz has three years left on his contract but is at a crossroads this summer.Liverpool supposedly view the end of the season as the right time to sell the player should he not agree a new and improved long-term deal.The club want to offload players when their value is high amid the threat of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.Diaz is rated at £75million by Liverpool, according to The Telegraph.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey also claim that Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are both keen on signing him.However, the Catalan giants could find it hard to raise enough cash amid financial troubles.Real Madrid have previously been touted as a possible destination for Diaz.The 27-year-old shares an agent with Ruben Amorim, who has been linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Sporting Lisbon boss has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to become the next Liverpool manager.Sky Sports Germany say Amorim is willing to put pen to paper on a deal that will run to 2027.Jurgen Klopp manages to savage both Man Utd and his own Liverpool team with astonishing comment about ArsenalThe Portuguese boss’ deal in Lisbon runs for another two years and is believed to contain a £25m release clause. More

    • 288 Shares108 Views

      in Soccer

      I was released by Ryan Reynolds and am fighting to stay in the EFL while my brother battles to win the Premier League

      by

      LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is playing an unexpectedly pivotal part in the Reds’ title charge this season.The keeper, 25, has been called upon to deputise for injured Liverpool No1 Alisson.Fiacre Kelleher spent one year at WrexhamCredit: RexFiacre is the older brother of Caoiminh KelleherCredit: ReutersThe Irishman has started Liverpool’s last 13 games with a return date not initially put on Alisson’s injury.Alisson is expected to return to first-team training next week but will be eased in cautiously.That will see the keeper play a vital role in The Reds’ run-in with just seven Premier League games remaining.But Caoimhin’s brother is involved in an altogether different challenge as the end of the season draws closer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFiacre Kelleher, 28, is a centre-back that currently plays for Colchester United.The Essex club are second bottom of League Two and struggling for survival.They are five points off 21st placed Grimsby Town – albeit with three games in hand.Fiacre came through the academy at Celtic before moving to Oxford United in 2017.Most read in FootballFiacre Kelleher was released by Wrexham’s owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNotably, he joined Hollywood-owned Wrexham in 2020, making 42 appearances for the club.But Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney opted not to renew his one year contract at the end of their first season at the helm, leaving him to join Bradford as a free agent.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAn injury hit campaign has seen Fiacre make just 10 appearances this season, but he has recently returned from a torn thigh muscle.The defender has been slowly eased back into first-team football since the end of March.Fiacre Kelleher came through the academy at CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid superstar admits he almost signed for Liverpool in £2.5million deal aged 16 as failed transfer revealed

      by

      LIVERPOOL almost snapped up one of the world’s best wingers for just £2.5m back in 2017.Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, 23, has revealed that he turned down the chance to join the Reds when he was just 16 years old.Real Madrid star Rodrygo almost signed for Liverpool in 2017Credit: AlamyRodrygo has become a huge part of the Real Madrid side since joining the club from Brazilian team Santos in 2019.However things could have been different had he accepted what he describes as a “very good” offer to join Liverpool two years prior.The Anfield outfit had tabled a £2.5m deal that Santos were willing to accept had the winger not turned down the move himself.Speaking to The Guardian, Rodrygo revealed why he snubbed the opportunity to move to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good.”The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football.“It had always been my dream to play in Europe. Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. “I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter turning Liverpool down Rodrygo made his move to the Spanish capital where he has grown into one of the best wingers in European football.He has won the Champions League, two league titles, three Spanish super cups and a Fifa Club World Cup in his four and a half seasons with Los Blancos.Luis Diaz’s dad reveals they ‘haven’t lost hope’ of LaLiga transfer amid Real Madrid linksThe Brazilian has made over 200 appearances for the club scoring 52 goals and registering 40 assists in the process.His efforts at club level also earned him a spot in the Brazilian national team where he has collected 22 caps and represented the Selecao at the 2022 World Cup.Rodrygo will get a small taste of what life in the Premier League could have been like this week when Real Madrid face Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals.Madrid host the treble winners in Spain and they will be hoping for revenge after City tore them apart in last year’s semi final with a 5-1 aggregate win. More