A round-up of the latest Liverpool news as several Saudi sides see the transfer of an Anfield ace as a top target and another Reds star might now be heading off on loan.
Gareth Southgate says Jude Bellingham ‘reminds me of Steven Gerrard’
England boss Gareth Southgate says Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham ‘reminds me’ of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. The Three Lions boss is a big fan of what Bellingham adds to his engine room. He particularly appreciates how the 20-year-old can take over any game.
Bellingham will play a vital part in England’s efforts at Euro 2024 this summer after emerging as one of the best midfielders in the world. The 29-cap playmaker has enjoyed a sensational first season at Real Madrid this term. He has 23 goals and 12 assists in 40 Galactico games.
The Birmingham City product has also scored 19 times in his 27 La Liga appearances to be one away from winning the Golden Boot. Gerrard gave Liverpool 186 goals and 154 assists in his 710 appearances at the Reds. Now, Bellingham is giving echoes of Gerrard for Southgate.
“Jude reminds me of Steven Gerrard,” Southgate told L’Equipe. “Even when the opponents give the feeling to take control of the game, those are players that can turn it on its head. Through their mentality, they influence their teammates.”
Liverpool could loan Stefan Bajcetic out after his injury woes
Liverpool could now send Stefan Bajcetic out on loan next season after he returned from his injury woes later than expected. That is according to Sport, which reports that those close to the 19-year-old thought he would return around the New Year but he was only back in April.
Bajcetic’s term was effectively a write-off after suffering a setback in September soon after returning from an adductor injury. He sustained the initial injury last March and returned for only two matches. The midfielder made his first outing since September against Tottenham.
Now, the Spaniard could secure a loan transfer this summer but Liverpool will want to learn what Jurgen Klopp’s replacement thinks of Bajcetic. The Reds will not agree to loan him out before their new manager gives their go-ahead. But the Vigo native will need more minutes.
Read more about Liverpool’s plans for Bajcetic ahead of the transfer window, here.
Several Saudi sides see Alisson Becker among their ‘top’ transfer targets
Multiple Saudi Pro League squads are now considering targeting a transfer for Liverpool star Alisson Becker this summer. That is according to The Guardian, which reports that clubs now see the 31-year-old as a ‘top’ target as league executives push to make the division stronger.
The Pro League will make a strong effort to poach some of the Premier League’s top players, including Mohamed Salah. Executives for the division also want to tempt private businesses to sponsor a few of the clubs that the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) do not support.
Alisson has his suitors at several Saudi sides, despite the goalkeeper being under contract at Liverpool until 2027. The Brazilian has also started in all 27 of the Premier League games he has been fit for this season. Alisson has also kept seven clean sheets in his top-flight games.
Read more about the Saudi interest in Alisson’s transfer from Liverpool, here.