FSG’s big-money goal now “desires to go to Liverpool”

The Premier League kicked off on Friday night time in emotional circumstances. Liverpool gamers gathered across the centre circle, followers held tributes aloft to mourn and rejoice the lifetime of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

Probably the most becoming solution to pay tribute was by profitable the sport and so they duly did that, nevertheless it wasn’t with out its scares.

Whereas Liverpool went 2-0 up by way of Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, Bournemouth rallied. Antoine Semenyo, ever full of life Semenyo, bagged a brace.

The Reds fought again in typical circumstances, Federico Chiesa slamming residence a late winner earlier than a teary Mo Salah wrapped up the factors.

It’s protected to say Liverpool’s assault was firing once more, simply because it did final season, simply because it did in shedding circumstances at Wembley every week in the past.

But, the identical downside from that showpiece occasion within the capital stays. Arne Slot’s aspect could have signed Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, however in the course of defence they have been caught out.

Over the primary two matches of the campaig,n Virgil Van Dijk has not regarded his colossal self. Semenyo additionally had a hand in twisting Ibrahima Konate in and out.

So, may one other defender be on the agenda for Liverpool?

Liverpool’s switch plans in defence

Kerkez and Frimpong will trigger a substantial amount of pleasure at full again however attacking as they’re, it’s not going to enhance Slot’s aspect’s potential to maintain the ball out of the again of the web.

Giovanni Leoni has been added to the ranks from Parma. The Italian has been celebrated as top-of-the-line younger defenders within the land however it is going to take time for him to understand his immense promise.

A ready-made answer may very well be sought. A lot of the switch chatter this summer time has revolved round Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi however a transfer within the forthcoming weeks does really feel unlikely.

Earlier experiences have indicated that he may very well be prepared to see out of his contract at Selhurst Park.

Guehi has lower than a yr left on his present deal and is prone to go away on a free switch subsequent summer time.

That mentioned, he nonetheless harbours goals of shifting to Merseyside. That’s in line with Fabrizio Romano.

Talking in a YouTube video posted on Saturday, the trusted insider mentioned:

“On Liverpool, I insist they’re nonetheless working for Marc Guehi, there’s nonetheless a dialog ongoing with Crystal Palace, nonetheless a dialog ongoing with participant aspect, as a result of the settlement with the participant is okay, from what I am listening to.

“Nonetheless ready to see what occurs membership to membership however Guehi desires to go to Liverpool. If it is not now, it’ll be sooner or later, however now the deal remains to be on, from what I am listening to, so maintain a watch nonetheless on Marc Guehi, as a result of Giovanni Leoni was launched at Anfield, however that continues to be the precedence once more for Liverpool.”

It’s extensively thought that Guehi may very well be allowed to depart London behind in a bundle value round £40m-£45m.

A defensive contact just like Fabinho

Liverpool have loved fairly the rejig of their midfield lately. First, it was the magical Jurgen Klopp who carried out surgical procedure however Slot has now taken issues to the subsequent stage.

Certainly, amid James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago all leaving, central figures have been required and within the type of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szobozslai, and Ryan Gravenberch, a brand new midfield was born.

Now, Florian Wirtz has been added to the combo in gorgeous circumstances.

Within the defence, an identical reshaping should proceed. Kerkez and Frimpong type two phases of the brand new look backline however Guehi may very well be the Wirtz-like remaining piece of the puzzle.

Equally, he may very well be their new Fabinho, simply from barely additional again on the pitch.

Described as a “monster in defender” by Eagles reporter Bobby Manzi, the Crystal Palace captain definitely evokes recollections of Fabinho in that context.

But, it’s not essentially their potential to defend astutely that makes the pair so alike.

Certainly, Guehi’s potential to learn hazard early, intercept the play and protect defensive areas on the pitch feels very Fabinho-like.

Whereas they’re technically safe, each are much less about restoration tempo and extra about anticipating and studying the place the ball can be.

They don’t wish to be the primary man and in that sense, they’re each equally understated on the sphere.

Talking about Guehi throughout the 2024 European Championships, Joe Hart advised BBC Sport:

“I assumed he was distinctive. He actually stepped in and was actually calm on the ball. I assumed Guehi allowed John Stones to play his recreation. The extra Marc performs, the higher that partnership will get.”

In an identical sense to Fabinho, he was actually calm and he additionally allowed the extra technically gifted gamers to shine. Fabinho performed behind the likes of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane for years.

On this staff, Guehi has the chance to determine a Stones-like partnership with Van Dijk, whereas permitting others, similar to Wirtz and Frimpong to flourish.

Fabinho was the tempo setter, somebody who knew his position; break issues up and advance it into the membership’s prized belongings.

The Palace centre half could be nicely positioned to carry out an identical position at Anfield, simply from again in defence quite than midfield.