Liverpool transfer news - Gravenberch agreement reached, Palhinha stance (2024)

Gravenberch watch

After last night's flight cancellation, Ryan Gravenberch was up early this morning for his flight to Liverpool.

Or at least some fans are saying so.

It has been said that the Dutchman is due to land at Liverpool John Lennon Airport before 7:30.

I had a look myself, he's not too far away.

Bobby Clark to sign new Liverpool contract as youngster waits on Jurgen Klopp decision

Derby County are waiting for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to approve their loan offer for youngster Bobby Clark - with the midfielder set to sign a new five-year deal before temporarily leaving Anfield.

The 18-year was included in Liverpool's pre-season squad for the tour of Germany and Singapore this summer but returned to under-21s duty for the start of the Premier League 2 season, where he delivered a scintillating individual display during the 4-0 trouncing of Everton.

Since that outing on August 14, Clark has been absent for the under-21s' last two outings and was instead part of Liverpool's travelling squad for Sunday's trip to St James' Park. However, as the 21st-man, Clark was not named on the bench for the 2-1 victory against Newcastle United.

Now, though, the ECHO has learned that League One side Derby County are close to securing Clark's services for the 2023/24 campaign. It is understood that a season-long loan has been discussed with the option of a recall clause in January, as well as the possibility of an initial four-month agreement until the start of 2024.

After penning his first professional terms with the club in February 2022, Clark is set to sign a new five-year deal with the Reds prior to sealing a loan switch ahead of Friday's deadline.

Full story, here.

Gravenberch delay

Ryan Gravenberch's flight to Merseyside has reportedly been delayed and he will instead fly tomorrow.

The flight to Liverpool scheduled for this evening has been canceled. Gravenberch will fly to Liverpool tomorrow morning.

Most important: Been told his transfer to #LFC is NOT in danger

It’s a DONE DEAL! €45m all-in - Klopp wanted him! @SkySportDEpic.twitter.com/wNhpH8MM8p

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 31, 2023

Bobby Clark to head on loan?

According to Neil Jones, League One outfit Derby County have made a move for Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark.

The 18-year-old midfielder was involved with the Reds' senior this pre-season and had looked set to stay at Anfield until January at least.

Dutchman en route to Merseyside

As reported elsewhere, Liverpool have agreed a fee with Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch. Dutchman is flying to Merseyside to undergo a medical and will sign a five-year deal should there be no issues. €40m fee.

Liverpool 'reach agreement' to sign Gravenberch

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich to sign midfielder Ryan Gravenberch for a fee of €40million.

The report adds that the 21-year-old will fly to Merseyside tomorrow to undergo a medical on Friday.

UEFA President: Saudi Arabia not a threat

Speaking to French publication L'Équipe Aleksander Ceferin said of Saudi Arabia's recent approach in the transfer market: "It's not a threat, we saw a similar approach in China, which bought players at the end of their careers by offering them a lot of money.

"Chinese football didn't develop and didn't qualify for the World Cup afterwards. That's not the right way to do it. They should work on player and coach development, but that's not my problem."

Liverpool injury setback sends clear signal to Jurgen Klopp over deadline day transfer move

Nobody can accuse Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp of not being consistent with his views regards playing options.

"The solution cannot be to have a much bigger squad for the specific moment and then realise you cannot use all the players," said the Reds boss. "We cannot keep someone in the backyard and bring them up in the decisive moment. That will not help. We will have solutions for that, we have young players."

Not, as could easily have been the case, comments from Klopp earlier this month. Instead, they date back to the summer of 2020 as Liverpool prepared to begin the defence of their Premier League title.

We all know what happened next. And a reluctance to strengthen at centre-back following the departure of Dejan Lovren came back to bite the Reds as first Virgil van Dijk, then Joe Gomez and finally Joel Matip were ruled out for the season, with stand-ins Fabinho and Jordan Henderson also sidelined for significant periods. A partnership of Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips ultimately helped see Liverpool over the line into third place.

Read the full story, here.

Europa League state of play

So tonight Liverpool will find out which other teams they could be contesting against in the Europa League this season.

There are ten fixtures this evening, with Ajax, Aberdeen, Olympiacos and Ludogorets Razgard all in action.

Phillips opens up on Celtic decision

Speaking to Celtic TV, Nat Phillips has opened up on his decision to join Celtic on loan until January.

After penning a short-term deal on Thursday, the defender said: “I’m really excited. When I heard about the interest it was one that got me excited.

"There were a few other options that didn’t quite make me feel the same as this one did, so I was really keen to get it over the line and I’m delighted to be here now.

"It’s such a huge club, the club’s aspirations, the level it competes at, the fact that they’re in the Champions League this year and the mentality of the club – they want to be winners in everything they do.”

CONFIRMED: Nat Phillips joins Celtic

The Liverpool defender joins the Scottish champions on an initial four-month loan deal until January 2024.

#WelcomeNat!

Liverpool FC defender Nat Phillips joins #CelticFC on loan until January 2024 - subject to international clearance

Welcome to Celtic, Nat! /p>— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 31, 2023

Ibrahima Konate called up to France squad for September fixtures

Despite being ruled out until after the international break by Jurgen Klopp, Ibrahima Konate has been named in France's squad for their upcoming friendlies against Ireland and Germany.

Speaking at his press conference on Thursday, France manager Didier Deschamps said: "We’ll assess the situation on Monday, but he’s supposed to be available. Of course, I won’t take risks.”

Découvrez la joueurs convoqués par Didier Deschamps pour nos 2 matchs de septembre

07/09 : France Irlande
12/09 : Allemagne France #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/ZeXzIv0DDN

— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) August 31, 2023

Kalvin Phillips urged to seek playing time

England manager Gareth Southgate has described Kalvin Phillips' lack of game time at Manchester City as "far from ideal".

Phillips has been tentatively linked with a move to Liverpool during this summer's transfer window, but has remained at the Etihad and is yet to feature for the Premier League champions so far this season.

Yet despite his lack of action, the 27-year-old was named in England's squad for their upcoming international fixtures, to which Southgate commented on the midfielder's struggles.

“It’s important we have some experience in that area of the pitch," said Southgate on Thursday afternoon. "Clearly with Harry [Maguire] and Kalvin Phillips – it’s far from ideal that they’re not playing football.”

Joao Palhinha edging closer to Bayern Munich move

Liverpool could be handed a boost in their pursuit of Ryan Gravenberch, with Bayern Munich reportedly agreeing personal terms with Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

It is claimed the Allianz Arena outfit are yet to agree on a deal with Fulham.

FC Bayern has reached a total verbal agreement with João #Palhinha - as reported and confirmed again

Contract at least until 2028
Bayern is willing to pay between €50-60m at this stage!

Palhinha has informed Fulham and Marco Silva that he wants to join Bayern… pic.twitter.com/s3d003UVqb

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 31, 2023

England squad announced

The England squad for the upcoming international break has been announced. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the only Liverpool player involved, interestingly selected as a midfielder, whilst former Reds captain Jordan Henderson remains a part of Gareth Southgate's plans.

Two more Bayern Munich midfield targets suggested

Following on that previous point about Bayern needing to sign defensive midfield cover in order to sanction Ryan Gravenberch's Liverpool transfer, two more options have been linked to the German club by the Guardian.

Both are currently on the books at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel's former club, the first being Conor Gallagher and the second Trevoh Chalobah.

Gallagher broke into the Chelsea squad under Tuchel, who is said to be a fan. He is a more versatile midfielder than an outright No.6 perhaps, though displayed his defensive credentials well against the Reds on opening day.

Chalobah meanwhile has mainly been utilised in central defence by his current club though has been know to play as a defensive midfielder earlier in his career.

Gravenberch deal part of a chain

BILD's Tobi Altschaffl has posted about the complexities of Ryan Gravenberch's proposed transfer to Liverpool as two major hurdles stand in the way of its completion.

He writes that Bayern would categorically not let the Dutchman leave should they not be able to sign a defensive midfielder. Currently they are in negotiations with Fulham to sign Joao Palhinha.

This would then mean Fulham must find a successor to the Portugal international.

In the words of Altschaffl, "if the first stone falls, there will be a domino effect."

Divock Origi rejection

Anyone wishing for a wholesome reunion with Reds hero Divock Origi may have been dealt a blow, as TalkSPORT claim that the striker has rejected advances from Burnley for a season-long loan.

The Belgian is seeking a move away from AC Milan following a disappointing year since departing Anfield.

Melkamu Frauendorf loan

Neil Jones expects Reds youngster Melkamu Frauendorf to move away from the club on loan before the transfer window closes, stating that he is wanted by a number of Bundesliga clubs.

The 19-year-old moved to the Kirkby academy in 2020 and has since been a regular feature of the under-19 and under-21 groups. He has also played for Jurgen Klopp's senior side on two occasions, once in the League Cup and once in the FA Cup, and was a part of this summer's pre-season squad.

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Fabrizio Romano latest on Gravenberch

Fabrizio Romano hints that an offer for Ryan Gravenberch is imminent...

Gravenberch waiting on green light

Following up on BILD's report, Sky Germany's Florian Plettenburg has corroborated claims that Ryan Gravenberch was not in Bayern Munich training.

It is said he is waiting for the green light to travel to England with no agreement in place as of yet.

Christian Falk latest word on Gravenberch

BILD's latest update on Ryan Gravenberch's transfer saga makes for exciting reading amongst Liverpool supporters.

They write that the midfielder is 'about to move to Liverpool FC' and was not involved in Bayern Munich training today, although there is no word of him making his way to England as of yet.

Andre Trindade twist

All of this Ryan Gravenberch talk suggests the ship may have sailed on Andre Trindade, though a move can't be ruled out until January, when Fluminese remain adamant the player will become available for transfer.

The Reds will have to assess their midfield situation come the opening of the next transfer window though they may face tough competition from a Premier League rival.

Brazilian commentator Lucas Pedrosa claims that West Ham have signalled they would be willing to match Liverpool's offer, and also wait it out until Andre is on the market.

Nat Phillips loan

The Athletic are reporting that Nat Phillips has agreed to join Scottish champions Celtic on loan.

This is said to be a short-term deal until the January transfer window, when the situation will be reassessed.

Phillips of course needs game time at 26-years-old, Celtic are waiting on injury news for some of their defensive options whilst the Reds are managing their own defensive situation with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate both out at the minute.

Thiago transfer admission

Via Mundo Deportivo, Mazinho - the father of Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara - hopes to one day see his son play for his former side Celta Vigo before he hangs up his boots.

The Spaniard, 32, signed for the Reds in 2020 and has one year remaining on his current contract.

"In football you never know, I hope so but at the moment it is very complicated because Thiago has another dimension and another lifestyle. But I wish Thiago could come here," his father told reporters in Vigo after a recent centenary match.

Thiago's brother Rafinha also played for twice on loan in his career, so would complete a family tradition should Mazinho's wishes become reality.

David Ornstein addresses Mohamed Salah speculation

Speaking to Sky Sports last night, the Athletic's David Ornstein provided his opinion on the Mohamed Salah to Saudi Arabia rumours. He said:

I've given up predicting what will happen in this industry, let alone in this story.

Listen, the interest from Al Ittihad is so concrete that you suspect they'll keep trying until the end of this window, and probably until the end of the Saudi Pro League window on September 20.

Liverpool's stance has been abundantly clear, he is not or sale. I noticed that they put out a picture of him smiling in training this evening, and so for all intensive purposes he'll be continuing with them, playing at the weekend and then on they go.

But, you wouldn't put it past Al Ittihad, one of the PIF clubs or the Saudi Pro League who make a late surge before the window closes.

There have been a lot of reports coming from Saudi Arabia suggesting there is confidence that actually Al Ittihad could yet pull this off.

Our information is not suggesting that at the moment, but never say never, I guess."

Ryan Gravenberch flight?

Liverpool supporters are increasingly hopeful that Ryan Gravenberch will be a Red come the end of the transfer window with the latest suggestion being the Dutchman is on his way over the England today.

Twitter user @AnfieldLeak spotted a listed flight of a small private aircraft scheduled to depart Munich at 1:00pm and land in nearby Blackpool roughly an hour later, which checks out on FlightRadar24's listings.

Joao Palhinha latest

A major aspect of Liverpool's proposed Ryan Gravenberch deal would be Bayern Munich's ability to bring in an outright defensive midfielder that Thomas Tuchel has desired all summer long.

The money received for their Dutchman would help achieve this and so being hopeful of the situation progressing, the German champions are currently locked in negotiations to sign Joao Palhinha, says Fabrizio Romano.

He says that the Fulham is keen on the switch though they too would need to line up a replacement.

The race for Johan Bakayoko

According to Football Insider the race for PSV Eindhoven winger has taken another twist with yet another Premier League club interested.

The latest side to be linked are Crystal Palace, adding to the list that already consists of Liverpool, Everton and Burnley.

They claim that the Reds are interested in a late move for the 20-year-old and are working on it following new discussions.