Liverpool FC news recap: Zubimendi REJECTION, Van Dijk contract STANDOFF, Clark to LEAVE?

Various sources have now confirmed that Martin Zubimendi will REMAIN with Real Sociedad and the Spain midfielder could even sign a new contract. 

It comes as a crushing blow for Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, with it claimed that the Scot had been given Zubimendi's word that he would move to Anfield this week.

However, it first emerged on Monday evening through Spanish outlet Relevo that the Spain Euro 2024 hero had experienced a change of heart and decided to stay put with his boyhood club.

Real Sociedad had ramped up the pressure on Zubimendi to stay since news broke last week of Liverpool's interest.

The player's contract buyout clause stood at €60 million and it was reported that Zubimendi would be forced to hand over the cash to LaLiga himself in order for his contract to be rescinded.

It was later revealed that the Reds had given the 25-year-old until Wednesday of this week in order to force through the move but hopes on Merseyside now appear to be definitively dashed.

Various sources elsewhere have now confirmed that Martin Zubimendi will REMAIN with Real Sociedad and the Spain midfielder could even sign a new contract, making him the team's highest-paid individual.

➡️ READ MORE

Van Dijk contract standoff

Liverpool are yet to make a formal contract offer to captain Virgil van Dijk despite the Dutchman’s current deal expiring in less than a year. 

Van Dijk, 33, has been at Anfield since 2018, earning top honours in the Champions League, the Premier League, the Club World Cup and other competitions, but time appears to be running out on his Liverpool stay.

Liverpool played against Sevilla in Arne Slot’s first Anfield outing on Sunday, winning 4-1 in a game that saw Van Dijk feature for 74 minutes.

According to Paul Joyce in The Times, Van Dijk appeared to be visibly exasperated at being asked the question about his contract yet again, groaning before replying: "There are no changes at the moment."

➡️ READ MORE

Arne Slot on midfield dilemma

Liverpool's pre-season friendlies may now be over, but that's not to say that new head coach Arne Slot has made up his mind about his best team.

Speaking at a press conference after Liverpool’s friendlies against Sevilla (4-1) and Las Palmas (0-0) at Anfield on Sunday, the manager admitted that he is yet to work out his best team, especially in the pivotal holding midfield area.

"I have quite a good idea which player suits there, at this moment, in my opinion, best," Slot explained.

"But like I said, we are only one week working together with some players. So, sometimes you feel, ‘Oh, this is the best No.6,’ but then the combination with the other two might maybe not work out that well."

➡️ READ MORE

Bobby Clark transfer hint

Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders took charge of Red Bull Salzburg this summer, and he’s looking to snap up Reds midfielder Bobby Clark. 

The Athletic’s James Pearce has reported that the Austrian side have had a bid of around £8.2m rejected by Liverpool, who place greater value in Clark given his potential and the market value of similar players in terms of age and talent. 

Clark himself appears to have confirmed that he won’t be at Anfield much longer, posting a not-particularly cryptic monochrome image of himself on social media.

➡️ READ MORE

Trent Alexander-Arnold agreement far off

Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold are reported to be ‘months away’ from any potential agreement on a new contract with Real Madrid ready to pounce.

Pete O’Rourke, speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, revealed that there is room for Trent and Liverpool to agree to a new contract for the star right-back, but that this is still a few months away. 

There will reportedly be a ‘huge’ pay rise for Alexander-Arnold, and given that he is already on a deal which see him paid £180,000-a-week, you would imagine any potential new contract would take him to being one of the highest earners at the club alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. 

➡️ READ MORE

Supercomputer predicts Premier League finish

Opta's fabled supercomputer has predicted where Liverpool will finish in their first Premier League campaign under head coach Arne Slot. 

According to Opta's supercomputer, Liverpool fans can expect to finish in third again, with the stat experts giving them a 40.2% chance of ending up on the bottom of the podium.

Liverpool are given a 5.1% chance of a second Premier League title in Slot's debut season and a 29.6% chance of finishing second. The possibility of Liverpool finishing outside the top four is 11%.

➡️ READ MORE

Sensational Mo Salah hailed

Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor loved what he saw from ‘frightening’ Mohamed Salah in the 4-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday.

The Egyptian got no goals or assists and yet there's a sense that he might have been the most impressive player on the pitch.

Neil Mellor, doing punditry for LFCTV, was seriously impressed with Salah. He feels he might have been the big takeaway from the game.

"The big thing for Liverpool fans is we've got Mo Salah raring to go, which will be frightening for the rest of the Premier League," he said after the game.

➡️ READ MORE