Jurgen Klopp has hinted he could return to football management, while Liverpool have reportedly held meetings with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande’s representatives
Liverpool will be casting their eyes towards the summer transfer window as they seek to conclude the current campaign in style.
The Reds take on Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, where supporters have organised a stadium-wide demonstration against soaring ticket prices. Arne Slot has appealed to fans to rally behind the team as they approach their final five matches of the season. He said: “As long as I’m in football there are disagreements, and they are always about people with best interests of the club. Two weeks ago there was a protest and we had felt we had the full support of the fans. We will need the support of the fans.”
The Liverpool manager has encountered his own criticism this term, with former boss Jurgen Klopp being touted for a return to stabilise matters. Slot has weathered the storm in the Anfield hot seat following a deflating Champions League elimination and a nightmare Premier League season that has seen the reigning champions slump down to fifth. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Jurgen Klopp’s return stance
Klopp hinted he might contemplate a comeback to management following the launch of the New York Red Bulls’ new training complex, reports the Mirror.
The former Liverpool boss quipped that poor weather conditions were the sole factor deterring him at this week’s unveiling.
Klopp brought the curtain down on his managerial career in 2024, leaving the Reds to take up his position as Red Bull’s global head of soccer. But since his exit, rumours have only intensified regarding a possible comeback to the dugout.
Klopp said: “This morning was a moment when I walked in and thought ‘oh that’s something I could miss,’ because so far I didn’t miss anything since I stepped down as a manager.
“But going into a building like that on a good weather day… thank God the weather was not great otherwise I would have maybe gone back [to management]. Really cool.”
Speaking about the facility, Klopp said: “It’s a good moment for soccer, for Red Bull New York. I had nothing to do with the plans and stuff like this. I walked through a few months ago and made a few little changes because it’s not the first time I’m involved in something like that. It’s beautiful and it feels like a proper start.”
Yan Diomande
Liverpool have allegedly conducted talks with Yan Diomande’s representatives regarding a possible switch this summer – but RB Leipzig have claimed not even £86m will tempt them to part with the young star.
The RB Leipzig ace is viewed as a potential successor to the outgoing Mohamed Salah, who is bidding farewell to the Reds at the campaign’s conclusion following an outstanding nine-year spell.
The 19-year-old has a daunting task ahead, given Salah’s contribution of over 350 goals at Anfield. However, the winger’s tally of 12 goals and 17 assists this season has attracted attention from numerous clubs.
A price tag of approximately £86million has been set for the teenager, with Paris Saint-Germain another heavyweight club expressing interest in the young talent.
The French side have also allegedly conducted meetings with Diomande’s representatives. Barcelona and Manchester United, on the other hand, have reportedly lost interest in the winger, with Liverpool accelerating their search for a Salah successor this summer.
However, Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff has tried to pour cold water on any talk of a move this summer. The club chairman told Sky Germany: “I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn’t sell this young player, who hasn’t even completed a full season with us.
“No matter what price is being asked. I believe he’s a player who can still develop further, because he’s still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive.”
He added: “Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain.
“But we have to expect that a player, even if he delivers outstanding performances here, doesn’t leave again after just one year.
“Therefore, I can only recommend to the management that they keep this player with us for the coming season. And then we’ll have to see how he develops.”
Mintzlaff said: “We want to play in the Champions League. And that’s naturally an argument for such a young player, to then deliver what he’s shown in a second season and potentially develop further – also at an international level.
“So we have many good arguments. And the best argument is a long-term contract. Therefore, I’m completely relaxed about the whole matter.”