Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Klopp dreams dashed as Liverpool target reaches ‘one billion euros’ agreement

Jurgen.Klopp_.Liverpool.Brentford.2021.TEAMtalk1

A player Jurgen Klopp ‘is in love with’ won’t be joining Liverpool after an eye-watering one billion euros agreement was struck, per a trusted transfer source.

Under owners FSG, Liverpool have been lauded for the miracles they have performed in the transfer market. Guided by transfer guru Michael Edwards, the Reds have an extraordinary hit rate with new signings.

Barring the odd exception such as Thiago Alcantara, Liverpool generally buy players with their best years ahead with a view to making them world class operators at Anfield.

One player that would’ve fit that bill is Barcelona’s teen sensation, Pedri.

The 18-year-old midfielder was a virtual ever-present under Ronald Koeman last year. His performances were of such a high standard that he forced his way into Luis Enrique’s plans at international level.

Pedri starred as Spain reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, and predictably, foreign suitors began to take note.

The most recent report put him on the radar of German powerhouse Bayern Munich. Prior to that, widespread reports had Liverpool purring at the youngster’s rapid rise.

Indeed, Reds boss Klopp was previously reported to be ‘in love’ with the thought of signing the Spaniard. As such, he apparently urged his hierarchy to push for Pedri despite an £86m fee being touted.

Liverpool open talks with Barcelona for Ousmane Dembele

Liverpool open talks with Barcelona for Ousmane Dembele

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Barcelona for winger Ousmane Dembele, with more news on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Barcelona’s financial woes are well documented. Pedri is arguably their most saleable asset and would massively improve their perilous position.

But per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Pedri is simply too valuable for Barcelona to part ways with. As evidence of that, they have reportedly agreed a ‘historic’ new contract with the midfielder that will contain a ‘one billion euros’ release clause.

That will be the highest release fee negotiated in Barcelona’s history, signalling just how highly he is thought of at the Camp Nou.

Romano concluded Pedri has ‘accepted the proposal’ and the deal will be announced ‘this week’.


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Liverpool ‘blown away’ by unlikely Leeds star 

Illan Meslier and Luke Ayling celebrate Leeds United win in December 2020

Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on a third Leeds United star after it was claimed their scouts have been ‘blown away’ by the player in question.

Per Football Insider, Liverpool scouts have a rising Leeds player very much in their sights. They report that 21-year-old goalkeeper Illan Meslier is the man making serious waves with their scouts.

The Leeds keeper was plucked from relative obscurity when signing on an initial loan from Lorient.

However, after replacing Kiko Casilla as Leeds’ No 1, he has not looked back. And after breaking Joe Hart’s record for clean sheets in the Premier League for a 21-year-old, he was rewarded with a new deal.

Now a regular with France Under-21s, Meslier is seen as the as the long-term successor to Hugo Lloris. As a result, it’s little shock to see the likes of PSG linked with moves.

However, if Football Insider are to be believed, then Liverpool have now joined the plethora of admirers for Meslier. And while Alisson is firmly established as their No 1, their scouts do line up a succession plan were a parting of ways to occur.

READ MORE: Euro Paper Talk: Jurgen Klopp U-turn revives January transfer, but Liverpool have PL rivals