Liverpool’s season is turning out to be bittersweet. The Premier League title seems to be a sure thing for Arne Slot’s team, but they have already been eliminated from the Champions League where, for many, they were clear favorites. Their good performance in the English league has put many players on the map, which, added to the English team’s interest in growing and increasing their performance, means that the club is already working hard in the offices.
No Champions League or Carabao Cup
Liverpool started out as clear favorites in this year’s Champions League, but nevertheless fell in the round of 16. Paris Saint-Germain, who were far superior to Liverpool in the overall tie, forced extra time at Anfield (0-1) thanks to a goal from Dembélé… and went through to the quarter-finals thanks to Donnarumma’s hand. The goalkeeper saved two penalties in an epic finish to draw Luis Enrique’s side level with Aston Villa.
The black week with the Champions League elimination did not end there. Just a few days after Paris Saint-Germain knocked out the unbeatable group stage winners in an agonizing penalty shootout at Anfield, Liverpool lost the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle (1-2). No Champions League or League Cup in six days.
Departure confirmed
Alexander-Arnold is the star of one of the season’s longest-running soap operas due to his possible signing for Real Madrid, and the outcome is getting closer to being resolved. Trent Alexander-Arnold will end up at the Santiago Bernabéu, barring a major surprise. The Englishman’s contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the current season and everything indicates that it will not be renewed. He would arrive as a free agent after the attempted signings in the winter market in which Real Madrid offered 15 million that Liverpool rejected.
The Whites and Alexander-Arnold have already reached an agreement for the player’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu. He would have a wage bill of 15 million euros per year and would also receive a signing bonus. The contract would be for five or six seasons. A signing that has been in the making for months and which seems to have been confirmed and will be made official as soon as the current season ends, a season in which Real Madrid are still immersed in the fight for the treble: Champions League, Copa del Rey and La Liga.
A central defender for Liverpool
What looked like it was going to be an outstanding season may end up being a good one as the Premier League, with a 12-point lead over Arsenal, does not look like it is going to slip away. But the truth is that in recent days, in the face of two disappointments, several players have been targeted. In addition, there are some whose future has not been resolved and who have powerful suitors on the market, as is the case with Virgil van Dijk.
Faced with the possible departure of the central defender, on the radar of Real Madrid, among others; Liverpool are already moving in the market and have added a new name to their list of possible signings. It’s Jarrad Branthwaite. The team led by Arne Slot is thinking of casting its nets over the young central defender, who is only 22 years old.
The player is currently at Everton, who will only accept his sale for a high enough price that would not be an impediment for the Reds. The problem could lie in the competition for his signing as there is another Premier League team following in his footsteps, Manchester United. This could lead to a sensational two-way battle for the signing of Branthwaite, who is key for the Toffees.