Barcelona – The Empire of The Kop

‘Some fans asking me…’ – Fabrizio Romano shares the latest on future of Liverpool ‘Rolls-Royce’

Liam Togher — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:37:40 +0000

Fabrizio Romano has shared his latest information on the possibility of a high-profile player exit from Liverpool in 2024.

Spanish journalist Gerard Romero claimed last week (via Barca Universal) that Thiago Alcantara is on a three-man shortlist at Barcelona, whose transfer focus is on midfield additions following the season-ending injury to Gavi.

The Reds maestro rose through the ranks at Camp Nou before winning the Champions League with the club, also lifting the trophy at Bayern Munich in 2020 shortly before his move to Anfield.

In his latest Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Romano addressed the possibility of the 32-year-old returning to Catalonia in the next few months.

The Italian stated: “I’ve had some fans asking me about stories involving Thiago Alcantara and a surprise potential return to Barcelona this January. Of course we know that Barca are now short in midfield after the lengthy injury to Gavi, but it’s too early to know if they’re going to replace him, or who they could target.

“With Thiago, I’m not aware of concrete talks with Barca so far. As I previously reported, Barca’s priority is to register Vitor Roque before deciding on the midfielder situation. For now there are no changes, and no concrete developments on how to act with replacing Gavi.

“It’s also worth remembering that Thiago said no to Saudi clubs in July as he wanted to stay at Liverpool. As far as I’m aware there has been no change to his situation since then.”

With Jurgen Klopp stating that Thiago isn’t due back from his ongoing injury problems until January at the earliest, a mid-season exit from Liverpool seems unlikely.

However, the midfielder hasn’t played in seven months, so even when he’s fit enough to feature again, he’ll probably need a few matches to get fully up to speed.

The likelihood is that the 32-year-old’s return to the fold will be implemented on a soft basis, with the former Spain international perhaps coming off the bench to provide a composed experienced head to see out results, rather than being thrust straight back into the starting line-up after being sidelined for so long.

His big-name nous could yet be crucial for Liverpool in the second half of the season, particularly if it ends up being a charge for multiple trophies like in 2021/22, and it mustn’t be forgotten that Thiago is an outstanding footballer who talkSPORT‘s Jim White previously dubbed a ‘Rolls-Royce of a player’.

That said, with his contract expiring next June – by which time he’ll be 33 – there’s a growing sense that this’ll be the ex-Barcelona midfielder’s final campaign at Anfield. Whether or not he returns to Camp Nou thereafter remains to be seen.

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LaLiga giants eyeing potential 2024 swoop for ‘intelligent’ Liverpool maestro – report

Liam Togher — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 09:55:28 +0000

Liverpool could be facing transfer interest from a prominent LaLiga club in one of their players, according to reports.

ESPN have claimed that Barcelona are on the lookout for defensive midfield recruits, with Thiago Alcantara one of the names who’s ‘on the table’ at Camp Nou.

The Spanish champions’ financial situation leaves them targeting free agents or players approaching the end of their contracts, and the 32-year-old falls into the latter category, with his deal at Anfield expiring in eight months’ time.

The lure of a return to Barcelona could obviously appeal to Thiago, all the more so now that they’re managed by his former teammate Xavi, with the pair winning the Champions League together in 2011 under Pep Guardiola.

The 32-year-old is the third-highest earner on Liverpool’s books, taking home £200,000 per week (Capology), although he hasn’t played in nearly six months due to an ongoing injury concern.

There was speculation that the Reds could cash in on him over the summer, but having lost a plethora of experienced midfielders with comparatively few signings made until the final two weeks of the transfer window, the club may have been very reluctant to part with him.

Also, it shouldn’t be forgotten how just brilliant a player Thiago is when fit, with Rio Ferdinand having dubbed him ‘an intelligent guy’ while on punditry duty in 2022 (Daily Mail).

Nonetheless, his age, contract situation and injury record – along with the enviable depth we now have in midfield – could make the Anfield hierarchy think about possibly sanctioning his departure next year, even if it’s a decision not to be made lightly.

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Ryder Cup player admits one memorable Liverpool victory left him in tears

Liam Togher — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 06:25:09 +0000

For better or for worse, sporting moments can see even battle-hardened athletes unable to keep their emotions in check, and one of Europe’s participants at the upcoming Ryder Cup is no exception.

Liverpool-supporting golfer Ludvig Aberg was a surprise choice in Luke Donald’s team to try and reclaim supremacy against the USA in arguably the sport’s most famous tournament, and the Swede admitted that one particularly special night for the Reds left him in tears.

The 23-year-old is known for not getting too ecstatic or downtrodden on the golf course, and when asked for the last time he got emotional playing the sport, he threw a curveball with his answer.

He replied (via Daily Express): “Last time I cried… when Liverpool beat Barcelona in the semi-finals [of the Champions League] in 2019.”

Aberg certainly wouldn’t have been the only Liverpool supporter who shed tears of joy on the incredible night that was 7 May 2019.

Even for those watching from home, that comeback from 3-0 down in the first leg was so special and euphoric that the frenzied atmosphere at Anfield could basically be felt from the TV screen.

Jurgen Klopp has had no shortage of memorable victories during his eight years in charge of the Reds, but some might argue that not even any of those which secured silverware were as emotionally charged as the epic triumph over Barcelona.

To this day, the nature of that 4-0 win still seems near-impossible to comprehend, particularly when it was topped off by the instinctive nature of Divock Origi’s decisive goal from that Trent Alexander-Arnold corner kick.

It was that result which gave Liverpool the belief that destiny would be theirs, going on to win the final and avenge the ghosts of Kiev in 2018, before following it up with a breakthrough Premier League title success 12 months later.

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Salah replacement search: Liverpool contact LaLiga giants over two potential successors for 31y/o

Liam Togher — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:56:51 +0000

According to reports from Spain, Liverpool have contacted Barcelona over two players lined up as potential successors to Mo Salah at Anfield.

The Egyptian is understood to be the subject of an ‘unbelievable ‘offer from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, with Jan Aage Fjortoft claiming on Wednesday morning that it’s ‘likely‘ the 31-year-old will leave Merseyside this week.

To that effect, Sport have reported that the Reds have asked the LaLiga champions about the situations of Ansu Fati and Ez Abde, with Jurgen Klopp interested in bringing one of the duo to the Premier League in case LFC’s current number 11 departs.

Barcelona have ‘received communication’ of Liverpool’s interest and are ‘waiting’ to see if the Merseysiders now approach them with a bid for either of the two forwards, both of whom could be open to leaving Camp Nou.

The ideal scenario is, of course, that Salah stays for this season at least and that Klopp doesn’t need to go into the market for an instant replacement prior to Friday’s transfer deadline. However, if the Egyptian does move on, which of the Barcelona duo would be the preferred successor?

Despite not turning 21 until October, Fati has already surpassed a century of appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring 29 goals and setting up another 10. Abde, who’s 10 months his senior, has played just 70 senior career games at club level, with nine goals and two assists to his name (Transfermarkt).

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The younger of the two wingers also comes out on top for a number of other performance metrics across their respective careers, as per FBref.

Barcelona’s number 10 has averaged more shots per game (3.7 v 2.51), more shots on target per 90 (1.28 v 0.88) and more shot-creating actions per match (3.37 v 3.22), while he also boasts a superior pass completion rate (83.2% v 67.4%).

The catch is that while both have played on the right flank, which Salah occupies at Liverpool, they are both more accustomed to a left-sided role, so neither would seem the most natural fit to replace the Egyptian.

However, if the Reds’ hand is forced and they need a wide attacker through the door pronto, then Fati would be the preferred option over Abde from the Barcelona duo.

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Fabrizio Romano shares overnight update on Liverpool-linked 23y/o lined up as Salah successor

Liam Togher — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 05:15:05 +0000

Fabrizio Romano has shared an overnight update on one attacker who’s been linked with Liverpool as a potential replacement for Mo Salah if the latter departs.

Earlier this week, Portuguese outlet A Bola claimed that the Reds are targeting Joao Felix to come in for the Egyptian if the current Anfield star is lured to Al-Ittihad in the coming days.

However, according to the Italian, Jurgen Klopp’s side aren’t the 23-year-old’s first choice, and they’d only have a chance of signing the Atletico Madrid attacker if his preferred move doesn’t come off.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Romano posted: “Barcelona are prepared to activate the ‘operation João Félix’ in the next 48h — board working to find solution to make it happen with FFP.

“João, only waiting for Barça since that interview in July. He’d only consider other clubs or Saudi if Barça deal collapses.”

Barcelona are prepared to activate the ‘operation João Félix’ in the next 48h — board working to find solution to make it happen with FFP #FCB

João, only waiting for Barça since that interview in July.

He’d only consider other clubs or Saudi if Barça deal collapses. pic.twitter.com/UGytt0W9eB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2023

Having cost Atletico an astonishing €126m (£113m) to sign as a teenager in 2019 (The Guardian), Felix’s career hasn’t taken flight in the way he’d have hoped.

A loan spell at Chelsea last season saw him score just four times in 20 appearances (Transfermarkt) and receive a red card on his debut, with the Blues’ new manager Mauricio Pochettino passing up the opportunity to sign him permanently during the summer (Eurosport).

While the Portuguese attacker had clearly been a gifted young prodigy to have commanded a nine-figure transfer fee four years ago, he’s simply nowhere near the same level as Salah and can’t be considered as a replacement for the Egyptian.

Felix has netted 58 goals in his senior club career to date, four fewer than Liverpool’s number 11 has managed in the past two years alone (Transfermarkt).

In any event, following Romano’s update, it doesn’t seem as if the 23-year-old will be coming to Anfield any time soon; and even if he does, it certainly wouldn’t be his Plan A.

In that case, Reds fans would surely be content to see the Atletico man plying his trade elsewhere during the season ahead, irrespective of what happens with Salah.

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Liverpool given double boost in hopes of signing midfield gem who Klopp’s approved – report

Liam Togher — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 11:18:10 +0000

According to reports from Spain, Liverpool have been given two significant boosts in their pursuit of one midfield transfer target this summer.

Sport reported (via Paisley Gates) that, while Barcelona tabled an offer to Southampton for Romeo Lavia, it was only on loan and was duly rejected by the Saints, who are demanding a straight cash deal which’d be out of reach for the LaLiga champions, thus ruling them out of contention.

The same report stated that the Championship outfit want €40m (£34.3m) for the 19-year-old, which is substantially less than the £50m which had been quoted by other outlets such as talkSPORT.

It wasn’t specified whether that lower valuation is a revised price – various sources have been quoting different fees for Lavia – but if it is, that’ll come as music to the ears of Liverpool’s recruitment team, and indeed Jurgen Klopp.

As Fabrizio Romano explained to Born and Red, the manager has ‘approved’ a move for the Southampton starlet, who’s believed to have convinced scouts and coaches at Anfield of his ability.

The Belgian teenager would seem a far more appealing transfer prospect if the Saints now want less than £35m for him, having previously been believed to staunchly demanding £50m, but the lesser fee is still a lofty one for a player who only has one season of senior football to his name.

It doesn’t seem that Liverpool are putting all their eggs in the Lavia basket either, with a host of other options like Cheick Doucoure, Joao Palhinha and Ryan Gravenberch reportedly being considered.

We’d still be inclined to wait for one of the more trusted sources of LFC transfer news to verify if Southampton have lowered their price for the 19-year-old, but Sport’s report does appear to offer encouragement on that front.

You can see a screengrab of the article from Sport below, courtesy of Paisley Gates:

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£52m Barcelona defender receives offer from Liverpool amid promises from Jurgen Klopp – report

Liam Togher — Sun, 28 May 2023 19:16:44 +0000

According to reports from Spain, Jules Kounde has asked to leave Barcelona and has ‘received an offer’ from Liverpool.

El Nacional have claimed (via football365.com) that the French defender has ‘formally requested’ to depart Camp Nou after only a year with the LaLiga champions as he’s ‘not motivated by the project’ and ‘feels cheated’ at not being played at centre-back despite promises to that effect.

The 24-year-old has apparently ‘chosen to pack his bags’, with Barca president Joan Laporta demanding at least €60m (£52m) to entertain any idea of selling the player.

The report added that Kounde has ‘received an offer’ from Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp promising to play him in his preferred position and make him a ‘star’ on Merseyside.

The Frenchman has alternated between central defence (21 games) and right-back (17) during the season, displaying a versatility which could be very welcome at Liverpool (Transfermarkt).

Amid apparent doubts over the futures of Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Nat Phillips, the Reds could need additional cover at the back, while the redeployment of Trent Alexander-Arnold in a midfield role has created something of a vaccum on the right-hand side of defence.

As per WhoScored, Kounde is renowned as a defender who’s very comfortable on the ball, averaging an 88.6% passing success rate in LaLiga this term and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

His pass accuracy would place him fourth in Liverpool’s squad among players to start more than once in the Premier League for Klopp’s team in 2022/23, so he could be very adept in playing out from the back.

It remains to be seen if the Reds would be able to meet Laporta’s asking price amid the other transfer activity planned at Anfield this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister seemingly ever closer to joining after telling comments from Roberto De Zerbi following Brighton’s match earlier today.

If it’s within reach, Kounde’s versatility and capabilities in possession could make him well worth considering.

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Liverpool waiting to pounce for 26 y/o amid potential stumbling block for rival suitors – report

Liam Togher — Wed, 24 May 2023 15:02:41 +0000

Liverpool reportedly hold a ‘concrete’ interest in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves amid a potential stumbling block in a proposed agreement with Barcelona.

According to Football Insider, the 26-year-old has verbally agreed personal terms with the LaLiga champions, with reports from Spanish media that a part-exchange deal with Ansu Fati could be arranged.

However, it’s believed that the Molineux outfit want a straight cash transfer to sell the Portuguese midfielder, with the Reds ‘lurking in the wings’ to pounce in case the aforementioned agreement with Barca falls through

A source for the outlet claimed that Liverpool’s recruitment team greatly value Neves’ passing range and believe he could ‘fit seamlessly’ into Jurgen Klopp’s tactical setup, with a January enquiry for the player falling on deaf ears as Wolves didn’t want to sell midway through the season.

Barcelona’s financial woes have been well-documented (as per The Athletic), which may explain why they’re supposedly pursuing a part-exchange deal involving Neves and Fati rather than a straight transfer.

Should the move fall asunder if the clubs are unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, that could present the Reds with a glorious opportunity to seize upon the LaLiga giants’ misfortunes.

A player in the prime of his career who’s featured 176 times in the Premier League (Transfermarkt) and led by example in captaining his side, he could be an ideal midfield target for Liverpool this summer, particularly if the feeling in-house is that he’d be a good fit for Klopp’s system.

The Anfield hierarchy could be watching on with great interest as to what happens between Wolves and Barcelona, should an opening arise to swoop in for the 26-year-old.

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(Image) Liverpool squad pose together as they enjoy short Barcelona break

Peter Kenny Jones — Tue, 09 May 2023 14:23:38 +0000

Jurgen Klopp has allowed his Liverpool squad to enjoy a short holiday together, as the Reds secured a sixth successive victory in the Premier League and it’s safe to say they’re enjoying themselves.

Thanks to an image posted on Reddit, we can see seven of the lads posing together and let’s hope that this trip can be the perfect opportunity to increase the morale within the dressing room.

If we win our final three games of the campaign, then the Reds have a chance of reaching the top four and we may all look back to their trip to Barcelona as the tiny detail that helped them get over the line.

The picture itself is certainly worth a look, even if it is just to see how much Adrian looks like everyone’s Dad!

You can view the image of the Liverpool squad via Reddit user malushanks95:

Another picture of the lads from their mini holiday
by u/malushanks95 in LiverpoolFC

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Liverpool have sounded out ‘fantastic character’ over a move but face one big obstacle – report

Liam Togher — Tue, 09 May 2023 13:33:46 +0000

According to reports from Spain, Liverpool have ‘sounded out’ a move for a Premier League midfielder, but could find it difficult to convince him over a move to Anfield.

Sport have reported that the Reds – along with Manchester United and Arsenal – have made enquiries over Ruben Neves of Wolves, but all three could struggle to sign him.

That’s because the 26-year-old apparently feels that ‘his cycle in England has ended’, with his sights instead set on a possible switch to Barcelona.

However, their hopes of landing him could be complicated by ongoing financial issues possibly precluding the payment of the Old Gold’s £40m asking price (TEAMtalk).

Neves has been the heartbeat of the Wolves team ever since their return to the Premier League five years ago, starting 31 or more top-flight matches in each of those campaigns (WhoScored).

Last year, his then-teammate Conor Coady hailed the 26-year-old as an ‘incredible footballer’, ‘incredible person’ and ‘fantastic character’ following a win over Leicester City (OneFootball).

These traits have been underlined by the Portugal midfielder becoming his team’s captain and netting 30 goals in Old Gold despite playing mostly in a number six role (Transfermarkt).

He’s been categorised as a stylistically similar player to Declan Rice by FBref, yet he could be available for just a third of what the West Ham skipper would cost, with the Irons reportedly placing a £120m price tag on the England international (Sky Sports).

As someone who’s well versed in the Premier League and has proven that he can perform at that level, it’d be well worth any effort from Liverpool in trying to sway Neves towards coming to Anfield if Barcelona are unable to afford him.

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Exit-bound Liverpool star has offered himself to European club; they have other plans – report

Liam Togher — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:54:51 +0000

Liverpool forward Bobby Firmino has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona, although that interest hasn’t been reciprocated by the LaLiga club.

The 31-year-old confirmed in March that he’ll leave the Reds at the end of this season after eight years on Merseyside, with speculation continuing as to what comes next for the Brazilian.

Marca have reported that he offered his services to the Camp Nou giants, following reports from the Daily Mail in recent days of an agreement being made with the club over a transfer, although the Spanish outlet has contradicted these claims.

They stated that Barcelona tuned down Firmino’s proposal as they don’t plan on adding to their centre-forward ranks this summer, instead intending to keep Robert Lewandowski for at least another year.

Bobby’s future remains a guessing game, considering how various reports over the past few days have communicated contradictory claims over his next move after Liverpool.

Wherever he ends up next, be it Catalunya or elsewhere, he’ll depart Anfield with his modern-day legend status firmly intact, having been a true cult hero on Merseyside and a formidable player since coming to the club in 2015.

Ever-selfless in the false nine role as he struck up a lethal alliance with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane during their five years together with the Reds, he’s netted 109 times in 360 games for Jurgen Klopp’s side (Transfermarkt), and hopefully he can add a couple more to that before he departs in the summer.

Whether Barcelona have actually snubbed his advances is open to question, but if that’s indeed the case, the folly is on them for turning their noses up at signing a truly tremendous footballer on a free transfer.

All we hope is that, whichever club Firmino joins next, he’s appreciated just as much as he is – and always will be – among Liverpool fans.

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Barcelona add two Liverpool superstars to their summer transfer shortlist – report

Max Rudd — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:23:40 +0000

Barcelona have added Liverpool duo Luis Diaz and Mo Salah to their transfer shortlist as the La Liga giants look to strengthen their squad this summer, that’s according to Catalunya Radio (via Sport Witness).

Despite the Catalan outfit currently sitting 12 points clear at the top of the league, Xavi is eager to add to his attacking options ahead of next season.

The Spaniards are somewhat of a financial mess at the moment, however, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Camp Nou outfit will be banned from entering the transfer market this summer unless they raise £178m – and even then that would leave them with just £71m to spend on new signings.

Liverpool will certainly not be willing to let Diaz leave the club anytime soon while Salah only signed a new long-term deal at Anfield in the summer.

The former has been sidelined with a serious knee injury since October but has returned to team training recently and could be in contention to feature against Manchester City tomorrow while our No. 11 is the club’s top scorer this term with 22 goals (across all competitions).

Jurgen Klopp is desperate to strengthen his squad ahead of next term to ensure that we’re once again competitive on all four fronts so we certainly believe our main business in the summer will focus on incomings rather than outgoings.

#Ep73 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Author chat with Chris Roberts on Football, Mental Health… and more!

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Reported Liverpool target who could move on a free sees shirt number stripped after court ruling

Liam Togher — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:13:56 +0000

One reported Liverpool transfer target has seen his shirt number altered online, following on from a court’s ruling.

According to The Times, the Reds have been ‘keeping an eye on’ Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who’s been at the centre of a legal wrangle between his club and LaLiga.

Earlier this month, Spanish outlet Relevo reported that the teenager’s registration at the club has been ‘overturned’ by a judge as they missed the deadline to file their appeal, which has now seen him deemed an academy player rather than a first team squad member in the eyes of the league.

As per talkSPORT, the 18-year-old signed a lucrative contract last September, but LaLiga have refused to ratify the deal due to the club’s ongoing financial issues.

As a result, he could potentially leave for free in the summer, instead of prospective suitors like Liverpool needing to pay the €1bn (£866m) release clause which had been agreed in the player’s first team contract.

The report from talkSPORT also noted that Gavi has now been stripped of the number 6 shirt he had assumed earlier in the season and will instead revert to his previous number 30.

Furthermore, the LaLiga website lists his statistics at youth level from this season, rather than those with the first team, a sign of their refusal to recognise his senior status.

This whole episode would appear to lessen Barcelona’s chances of keeping one of the brightest young prospects in world football.

If the club are to hand the 18-year-old a wage packet to go along with his performance levels, they’d need to free up funds elsewhere. That could prove difficult after several first team players recently agreed new contracts (talkSPORT).

If Gavi – who’s already made more than 100 senior appearances for club and country combined (Transfermarkt) – perhaps feels his employers can’t provide him with the contract he may expect, that could open the door for Liverpool to pounce.

To contextualise just how highly the Barcelona gem is regarded, he ranked fifth in an ESPN list of the world’s best players aged 21 or under, compiled by football scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen.

That puts him ahead of names such as Eduardo Camavinga (Champions League winner), Gabriel Martinelli (potentially a Premier League winner this year) and reported Reds target Josko Gvardiol.

It’d be an extraordinary coup if Liverpool were able to procure such a massive talent on a free transfer, and one can only wonder what he makes of the whole mess surrounding his registration at Camp Nou.

#Ep73 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Author chat with Chris Roberts on Football, Mental Health… and more!

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Liverpool not giving up on move for 26 y/o ‘raging bull’ who excelled at 2022 World Cup – report

Liam Togher — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 19:22:25 +0000

Liverpool reportedly remain interested in a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, although he seemingly has eyes on signing for a different club.

The 26-year-old was one of the standout players for Morocco as they became Africa’s first World Cup semi-finalists in last year’s tournament in Qatar, and he continues to garner plenty of interest.

Foot Mercato reported that the Reds had met with the player’s entourage in recent months and, along with Tottenham, ‘have not said their last word’ in their attempts to bring him to England. Paris Saint-Germain have also made enquiries over a potential move for him.

However, Amrabat’s dream is to sign for Barcelona, even though the Premier League duo ‘seem better equipped financially’.

The Fiorentina ace shot to prominence at the 2022 World Cup, with ex-Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole describing the Moroccan’s performance against Spain as ‘outstanding’ and journalist Amine El Amri hailing him as the tournament’s best midfielder, dubbing him a ‘raging bull’ (as per talkSPORT).

The 26-year-old is also an astute distributor of the ball, with his 88.8% passing accuracy ranking him in the 92nd percentile for positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months (FBref).

However, he ranks comparatively poorly for many other metrics (FBref), while the ‘raging bull’ tag that El Amri placed on him can sometimes manifest itself in undesirable ways.

Amrabat has been booked nine times in 24 Serie A games this season, and 13 times in total (Transfermarkt), which indicates a tendency to lack discipline.

Also, no Liverpool player has conceded more fouls per game than the Moroccan’s 1.5 (as per WhoScored), so he can be a bit too combative for his own good.

The Reds are right to cast as wide a net as possible in their search for midfield reinforcements over the summer, but it wouldn’t be a catastrophe if he were to snub Anfield and follow through on his dream move to Barcelona.

Ep73 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Author chat with Chris Roberts on Football, Mental Health… and more!

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Reported Liverpool target’s father lets rip in uncompromising tirade against his current club

Liam Togher — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 12:14:21 +0000

The father of one reported Liverpool transfer target has issued an angry tirade against his current club and manager.

Last month, Ben Jacobs wrote in his weekly exclusive CaughtOffside column that the Reds are interested in Ansu Fati.

The Barcelona forward has only started nine LaLiga games so far this season (Transfermarkt), and his dad was asked by Spanish radio station Cadena Cope [via 90min] why Xavi hasn’t been playing the 20-year-old more often, to which Bori Fati curtly replied: “Good question, ask him.”

The winger’s dad also took aim at the club’s former president Josep Maria Bartomeu for refuting offers which had been presented to him by the player’s agent Jorge Mendes.

Fati Sr fumed: “I as a father am angry, yes. Maybe I’m not right, but I don’t have a problem with that. Everybody knows who Mendes is. He told me two years ago that he had offers and Bartomeu didn’t want to listen to them.”

Bori then revealed that he’d spoken to Barcelona’s director of football Mateu Almemany about his son’s lack of game-time, saying: “I called Mateu. I think we deserve much more. When you are at Barça you know where you are and that there are many internationals. But we are talking about Barcelona’s [number] ten.

“If this continues like this I’m going to Seville, that’s it. I didn’t go to the game against Madrid, why not. Right now I’m not going to the stadium anymore. I have my box and I’m not going anymore.”

This is quite an astonishing public outburst from Bori Fati, and one can only wonder what Liverpool’s powerbrokers would make of it in relation to their apparent interest in his son.

If Ansu is just as disenchanted over his sparsity of starts for Barcelona as his father is, he could be quite open to walking away from Camp Nou, which might play into the Anfield club’s hands.

However, there are also a few red flags pinned to a potential move for the 20-year-old.

As per Jacobs for CaughtOffside, he could cost around €100m (£88m), which is a lot to fork out for a player who’s missed a lot of football through injuries even at his age (Transfermarkt).

Also, while capable of playing anywhere across the forward line, Fati is primarily a left winger, a position where Liverpool are already spoiled for choice with Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota, so he couldn’t be guaranteed regular starts at Anfield either.

The uncompromising manner with which his father has let rip at Barcelona could be another deterrent, as Jurgen Klopp might be reluctant to become involved with a player whose family may be prone to picking battles in public.

Liverpool’s summer transfer budget will only stretch so far, especially if we miss out on Champions League qualification, and it could be better spent on other players and areas of the squad.

#Ep73 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Author chat with Chris Roberts on Football, Mental Health… and more!

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