We are now fully into the international break which gives everyone an opportunity to stop and catch our collective breath. There are a lot of rumors flying around concerning the club and we are going to go through some of the big ones. The focus is a different kind of drama today.
Let’s get started.
Real Madrid want Trent Alexander-Arnold – It’s no secret that the Spanish giants want only top players and they have a habit of snatching them up from all over the globe.
Trent falls into that category and he is also in his prime at still only 25. Los Blancos are tossing around the idea of an €80 million bid but I find this highly unlikely to happen.
He’s a vice captain and probably future Liverpool captain and Jurgen Klopp is now utilizing him in an exciting hybrid role that allows him to show all his talents on offer.
Ryan Gravenberch excluded from Netherlands call up again – The Dutch Federation will tell us this is not a punishment but it’s hard to fathom it being a sporting reason.
The drama began when Gravenberch decided to stay at Anfield instead of joining the U21 side so he could settle into his new setting. Most would consider that a wise move but Dutch Senior team boss Ronald Koeman took offense to it.
He was not called up again in October either so a trend is developing. The Netherlands U21 boss stated it was for footballing reasons because they didn’t want to change their tactics too much.
It’s probably for the best as Gravenberch is still healing up from a recent knock so him going abroad would not have been wise anyway.
Jordan Henderson & Roberto Firmino not loving life in Saudi Pro League – There are few players in recent memory that have been able to leave Liverpool and improve their standing in the footballing world. Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling come to mind.
However, the list of players that flop once they leave the machine at Anfield behind is growing. Hendo and Bobby are two of those names.
Firmino has not scored for his club Al-Ahli since an opening day hat-trick and he was recently benched. He lacks the usual pressing hardworking qualities Reds fans saw weekly.
Henderson went from being the Captain of Liverpool to playing in front of less than 700 people at Ettifaq.
It’s clearly difficult to replicate the career of a top Liverpool player.
Andre Trindade might not be a lock to join LFC in January – While there has been no secret that the powers that be at Liverpool have been interested in the newly crowned Copa Libertadores champion since the summer.
He is a young but dynamic holding midfielder. A role that the club needs filled for the long-term. While a deal came close during the summer it did not get over the line which led many to believe both clubs would come back in the mid-season transfer window.
If notes coming from the club are to be believed it appears the club is not actively pursuing this transfer line.
I’d be shocked if the club stands pat, even with the strong start to our season. There should be no drama around this deal as the players is clearly open and would be a great fit. I hope LFC doesn’t outthink themselves on this one.