Preseason - The story so far

It’s been an eventful few weeks for Liverpool, as they gear up for another Premier League title challenge.

Preseason performances

Let’s get it out of the way. That defeat to Man Utd. Yes, it was a very poor performance, but it’s nothing to get too concerned about. Nunez did not set the world alight with his cameo appearance, which the Manchester Utd “faithful” have been quick to point out. On a night when Liverpool used 32 players, Klopp clearly viewed the result as inconsequential, preferring to get his players, in eluding a number of young up and coming players, a good run out. That’s said, we must congratulate Manchester United on winning the Bangkok Trophy, or whatever it was called. It is undeniable that every young player grows up wishing to win such a prestigious title and I hope their victory was not tainted by Liverpool not taking the ‘Final’ seriously…

The second game was a little more palatable. A 2-0 victory over a weakened Crystal Palace team in Singapore did go some way to restore faith in the club’s preparations for the new season. but it was a largely pedestrian performance and by no means a full first team squad for Liverpool. Mo Salah did strike for the reds, his first after signing the long-awaited contract extension, and there’s nothing in that sentence we can complain about, is there?

As mentioned Nunez has come in for criticism of his performances so far i preseason, all two of them, lasting under an hour in total. Yes, there were a couple of howlers, like missing the ball when attempting a shot from 6 yards, but it’s no sign that we’ve got ourselves a dud.

If there’s anything we’ve learnt from previous preseasons it’s that form only counts when the season kicks off. Fernando Torres misfired his way through his first preseason. Turned out pretty well (glossing over that whole Chelsea transfer debacle…). Conversely, Iago Aspas arrived at the club with glowing reports of his La Lisa exploits. He was on fire during preseason and certainly looked the real deal. The less said about his time in a red shirt beyond that Australian and Asian tour, the better.

It means nothing. Just a minor blip in Darwin’s evolution into a Liverpool great!

Transfers

It’s been a busy start to the Transfer window. Calvin Ramsey, Fabio Carvalho, and probably most notably Darwin Nunez all arriving at the club.
However, some of the departures may seem more surprising. Sadio Mane’s departure still doesn’t seem real. An integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s successful reign, his choice to leave has left many fans scratching their heads, wondering how the club could allow it to happen, and why he would want to go? Whatever the reasons behind the transfer, he will for a long time to come, be regarded as one of the club’s all-time greats. It’ll be a long time before many fans come to term with it, but if and when he returns to Anfield with his new employers, he’s guaranteed a great welcome.

Minamino’s departure, on reflection is less surprising. While the hope that he would get the chance to turn his cup form into sustained league success, it was not to be. There was little else he could do, but breaking into such a prolific attacking trio at Liverpool was always going to be difficult. The arrival of Nunez effectively sealed his fate. Going to Ligue 1 will be a huge step forward for his stalling career and, no doubt, he will make a success of his time there.

Divock has gone. Again, it was inevitable. But a man who has given us so many great memories leaving will always bring some sadness. Football without Origi is nothing!

Neco Williams left at the start of July for newly promoted Nottingham Forest. A player, in many ways, so unfortunate to be the understudy to Trent Alexander Arnold. Liverpool’s strength in defence and attack is proving to be a barrier to player development at the club. Williams’ loan spell at Fulham last year brought rave reviews from the Craven Cottage faithful. His international performances have been, for the most part, solid and the opportunity to learn from great players with both Liverpool and Wales will have stood him in good stead. He will be one to watch. A full top-level season with Forest, let’s not forget, a bug club, with a demanding fanbase? He will relish the chance to prove his worth. I, for one, am sure he will!

Ben Davies looks set to head north of the border, having all but sealed a move to Rangers after reportedly turning down Old Firm rivals, Celtic. One of the strangest signings, not only of Klopp’s tenure, but in Liverpool’s history. Having not started a competitive game while at Anfield, Liverpool have more than doubled their investment, if reports of the final £4m fee are accurate. Let’s hope his time in Scotland is more successful for him.

The Rumours

As usual, the close season rumours of Liverpool’s next acquisition are…wild…

Firstly, Jude Bellingham. Liverpool’s reported interest in the player appears to stem from his lifelong support of the club, combined with some great performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League, means the #LFCFamily on Twitter have decided he is coming to the club. There seems to be little substance to the rumours, but that doesn’t stop the speculation growing. He would be a wonderful addition to Liverpool, offering flair and more importantly youth and fitness to an ageing and consistently injury-ridden Liverpool midfield. But the transfer fee Borussia Dortmund are reportedly demanding likely pushes him put of reach in an already big-spending summer for the reds.

Antony. Liverpool have emerged as the front runner for the Ajax youngster’s signature. His reported move to Manchester Utd has looked almost certain for much of the window so far, not least due to his relationship with former coach Erik ten Haag. But negotiations appear to have stalled. This alone seems to be the catalyst for the Antony to Liverpool rumours.

And the..well..just a bit surprising…

Last week, it was announced that Jurgen Klopp is due to be given the freedom of Liverpool. I hope this is true and he gets to walk a herd of sheep past Goodison in his Lederhosen! He’ll probably just et a certificate and a key or something, but whatever happens, it’ll wind up the bitters and it will be so sweet!