Liverpool owners FSG in talks to buy Bordeaux
Liverpool's American owners are looking to purchase Bordeaux as they seek to expand their football portfolio, according to the French club.
Bordeaux said that the project to sell a majority stake to Fenway Sports Group has been presented to the Direction Nationale du Contrle de Gestion, which monitors the finances of French clubs.
"We are working, hand in hand with them, as part of the continuation of negotiations and due diligence," Bordeaux said in a statement.
Bordeaux, a six-time winner of the French title and most recently in 2009, is something of a distressed asset.
It is currently appealing against a decision to relegate the club to the third tier and wants to secure guarantees of financing for next season.
Liverpool said in March that FSG, its owner since 2010, was looking to buy another club.
An FSG statement said: “Fenway Sports Group has expressed interest in the potential acquisition of French football club Girondins de Bordeaux and is in the early stages of dialogue and engagement.
“While the process is at this exploratory phase, we will not be making any further comment.”
Liverpool owners FSG in talks to buy Bordeaux
Liverpool's American owners are looking to purchase Bordeaux as they seek to expand their football portfolio, according to the French club.
Bordeaux said that the project to sell a majority stake to Fenway Sports Group has been presented to the Direction Nationale du Contrle de Gestion, which monitors the finances of French clubs.
"We are working, hand in hand with them, as part of the continuation of negotiations and due diligence," Bordeaux said in a statement.
Bordeaux, a six-time winner of the French title and most recently in 2009, is something of a distressed asset.
It is currently appealing against a decision to relegate the club to the third tier and wants to secure guarantees of financing for next season.
Liverpool said in March that FSG, its owner since 2010, was looking to buy another club.
An FSG statement said: “Fenway Sports Group has expressed interest in the potential acquisition of French football club Girondins de Bordeaux and is in the early stages of dialogue and engagement.
“While the process is at this exploratory phase, we will not be making any further comment.”
Slot assembling backroom team at Anfield
Former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga is being considered by Merseyside rivals Liverpool to join Arne Slot's backroom team as a coach, report the Daily Mail.
The 40-year-old took charge of Ajax for six months in 2023 and worked as assistant to David Moyes at West Ham last term.
On Monday, it was confirmed ex-Man City analyst Aaron Briggs - who was reportedly wanted by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal - had joined the Reds as an elite development coach.
'Thank you football' - ex-Liverpool midfielder Thiago confirms retirement
Former Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has confirmed his retirement from football.
The 33-year-old became a free agent following the expiration of his Anfield contract after the 2023/24 Premier League season and has decided to hang up his boots rather than seek out a new employer.
The ex-Spain international - who was the son of Brazil World Cup winner Mazinho and brother of Rafinha - made 534 senior appearances during his club and international career, scoring 50 goals and winning 22 major trophies with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool.
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He posted on social media: "I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it.
"Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way.
"See you soon, Thiago."
Thiago joined Liverpool for their Premier League title defence in 2020/21, but a succession of untimely injuries restricted him to a mere 51 top-flight starts in his four campaigns at Anfield.
Liverpool congratulated their former player on an "incredible career".
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His former club Barcelona also posted on X: "Thanks for your magic Thiago.
"Enjoy your retirement."
Thiago emerged through the youth ranks at Barcelona and properly broke into the first team during the 2010/11 campaign, which saw his side claim both the LaLiga and Champions League trophies.
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Another Spanish title, a FIFA Club World Cup and a Copa del Rey followed over his next two seasons at the Spanish outfit before he moved to the Bundesliga, joining Bayern Munich in 2013.
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Bayern lifted the Bundesliga title in each of his seven campaigns with the club, as well as four German Cups and another Club World Cup and their Champions League victory during the 2019/20 campaign.
Thiago joined Liverpool in September 2020 and made 98 appearances for the Reds but featured for just six minutes of their most recent Premier League campaign.
Liverpool plan to keep Salah, VVD and TAA this summer
Liverpool plan to keep hold of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
The trio are out of contract next summer, meaning this transfer window is the Reds' last chance to collect a significant fee for the players - unless they sign new deals.
Liverpool join race for Bremer
Liverpool are now one of four teams eyeing a deal for Juventus center-back Gleison Bremer, according to the Evening Standard.
The 27-year-old made 36 league appearances in Serie A last season, clocking 3,234 minutes - en-route to Juve shoring up third spot in the standings.
Goalkeeper Adrian leaves Liverpool after contract expires
Spanish goalkeeper Adrian has left Liverpool after five years at Anfield.
The 37-year-old's contract ended on July 1 and he will leave the club this summer.
In a video posted on X, Adrian said: "I am making this video to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have given me during this beautiful and successful journey together.
"In five years you have showed me so many things. That wearing the Liverpool shirt and defending the Liverpool badge should be added to the seven wonders of the world.
"That 11 yards is nothing when it comes to winning a title. That London is really Anfield South. That the scouse accent is not difficult, it is for chosen and special people. That tradition has been protected. That YNWA is not just and anthem, it is a philosophy of life.
"I will be grateful for you for life. Once a red always a red."
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Thiago retires following Liverpool exit
Thiago Alcantara has retired from football after leaving Liverpool when his contract expired at the end of June, according to Sky in Germany.
The midfielder, 33, joined the club for their Premier League title defence in 2020-21, but a succession of untimely injuries restricted him to a mere 51 top-flight starts in his four campaigns at Anfield.
Thiago did play a key role in the Reds' Quadruple push in 2021-22, helping Jurgen Klopp's side win both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup that season.
Thiago Alcantara: Liverpool midfielder injured again after making comeback
Sky Sports
However, the former Spain international picked up a debilitating hip problem at the end of 2022-23 campaign, so much so that his only appearance for the Reds last season was a late five-minute runout as a substitute in the 3-1 loss at Arsenal in February in which he picked up a season-ending injury.
In total, Thiago - who was the son of Brazil World Cup winner Mazinho and brother of Rafinha - made 534 senior appearances during his club and international career, scoring 50 goals and winning 27 trophies with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Spain.
Liverpool headlines: Salah to stay - regardless of new deal
Reports in Italy have hinted Liverpool are in pole position to sign a player Jurgen Klopp wanted while he was in charge at Anfield - Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners (The Mirror).
Liverpool have ruled out selling Mohamed Salah this summer, even if he does not sign a new contract (The Mirror).
Liverpool are prepared to meet Nico Williams' release clause of just under £50m (The Mirror).
England winger Anthony Gordon has spoken with his international team-mates about a potential Liverpool move (The Telegraph).
Birmingham have reportedly made their move to try to sign former Dundee loan defender Owen Beck from Liverpool on a temporary basis (Daily Record).
Hughes predicts ‘crescendo’ of transfers in August
Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes predicts a “crescendo” of transfer activity in August after Euro 2024 and the Copa America have finished.
However, that may not necessarily heavily involve his club as both he and new head coach Arne Slot stressed the priority was to improve the output of the existing squad handed over to them by former manager Jurgen Klopp.
But after a number of deals were pushed through before the end of June to help clubs satisfy profitability and sustainability rules, Hughes believes the market will cool down before heating up again as the start of the new season approaches.
“When there are major competitions during – and we have Copa, Euros and Olympics – the summer, the attention will be there,” he said.
“After the flurry in June, my prediction is that it will calm down a bit in July, when August starts and coaches have had more time to work with players and opinions will be more set, you may see a situation where there is a bit of a hurry to get things done and make sure everyone’s squad is in order.
“I don’t think this summer will be any different. Who knows what will transpire economically, it is hard to say, that was probably the reason for June.
“I would say a quiet July and a crescendo in August awaits us all.”
Slot: I know how I'll use TAA and Gakpo
Arne Slot on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cody Gakpo's best positions:
"I don't have an opinion over what would be the best position for their countries because that depends on other players as well.
"But I do have my opinion on where there're going to play here. If you don't mind, I'm going to talk to them about that first."
Slot calm over transfers - 'We've inherited a good team'
Arne Slot on transfers this summer:
"No specific numbers. We've inherited a good team.
"I can see during the Euros how important it is to work on a daily basis and over a longer time with a team. You see many really good players but not all of them have the same level as they have at the clubs. That proves my point.
"The longer a team players together - if there's a good head coach - normally you will see things improve.
"That's why I'm fortunate I'm going to a club where normally not many players go out.
"At Feyenoord, it was normal for eight, nine or 10 to leave after every season."
Slot: Liverpool one of only clubs I'd have left Feyenoord for
Arne Slot on being convinced to take charge at Liverpool:
"I worked at a really special club in Feyenoord and I wouldn't leave that club for many clubs. But Liverpool was obviously one of the clubs, seeing as you're seeing me here.
"For me, even more important was the first time Richard came over, to hear the reasons he wanted to take me.
"Since then, I've noticed how professional this club is. It went quite fast afterwards.
"We were lucky enough to win a few things but if someone wants to convince me, they should talk about how they like my playing style. I would be the wrong fit for any club that didn't like my playing style.
"[Richard] knew a lot and this is something you want to hear - they don't want you because you won the league or the cup. It has to be something more. I was impressed by that."
Hughes excited for Edwards reunion
Richard Hughes on working with former Portsmouth colleague Michael Edwards and speaking to the owners:
"Very much looking forward to working with Michael - in my opinion, the best British sporting director to date.
"My decision to come to Liverpool was obviously one I was humbled by and delighted to take, but it was the people I would be working with that made it extra special.
"Conversations are daily at the minute. They have been for a while because there was a fair bit to do to hit the ground running - Arne's appointment being the most important thing to get right."
Slot hits back over tactics - 'who told you we play 4-2-3-1?'
Arne Slot on whether his Feyenoord tactics translate to Liverpool:
"I was hoping, if people looked at my team, they would not say it's 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. I was hoping they would say there is a lot of freedom.
"Sometimes it's a 4-2-3-1, sometimes it's a 4-1-4-1, sometimes we build up with three. There's a lot of freedom when we have the ball.
"But when we don't have the ball, there's not so much freedom. We want to be aggressive and everyone mostly keeps their position.
"I wouldn't put myself in the situation where I say I prefer 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1. There's a lot of players taking in a lot of different positions.
"If you asked me, I would say we played 4-3-3 instead of 4-2-3-1 at Feyenoord. I'm curious who told you we play 4-2-3-1 - maybe they should go to get their license or analyse a bit better!"
Slot hoping for 'special' relationship between team and fans
Arne Slot on experiencing Anfield:
"I've been there twice, once as a fan and once when they showed me the stadium.
"One of the reasons to join Feyenoord was that it's nice if you have fans that appreciate your playing style. Everyone will tell you the Feyenoord fans bring more energy to the team than any other fans do.
"This is what has been told to me about the Liverpool fans, too. I also felt what it means for the fans to see the team.
"It's win-win situation - a very good team to play with and implementing a playing style that is going to be similar and will lead to a lot of enthusiasm from the fans.
"Hopefully it will lead to special things."
Slot: I must convince the players - regardless of my predecessor
Arne Slot on his message to the players:
"That's a general feeling - it's nothing to do with who worked here before.
"As a manager, you go to bed at night and think about what you're going to do, and what you're going to tell the players, every day.
"People tend to think we are only thinking about the tactics board - which we do as well - but it's also about convincing players and the way to talk to them.
"That has nothing to do with being the successor of Jurgen - it's part of the job to think about how to get the best out of the players as an individual or as a team."
Slot: Van Dijk, Salah have hunger to stay and win
Arne Slot on whether he feels Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are still hungry to win trophies having spoken to them:
"I think in general every top player wants to win. I am hoping Virgil wants to win the Euros first, and then when he comes back after a few days of holidays, he will want to win like all players.
"They have the hunger to win. If you don't have that, you're not playing for a club like Liverpool."
On whether he felt Van Dijk and Salah's hunger to stay at Liverpool when talking to them:
"I did, yes."
On Cody Gakpo's performances for Netherlands at the Euros:
"Cody has had a very good tournament, like his last one. The World Cup was really good for him as well. He has been impressive until now and I can only hope that he can continue doing so in the upcoming games."
Hughes: Slot's style suits Liverpool players
Richard Hughes on criteria used to appoint Slot:
"That playing style that attracted us to Arne is based on subjective footballing opinion and data, as you would expect.
"In all the metrics, Arne's Feyenoord team came out really well, playing front-foot, attacking football, with intelligence and passion.
"It think it blends really well with our current squad, our supporters and football club as a whole.
"It depends on the players you have and the players you would like to recruit. This style of playing that Arne has is the most attractive to watch, in my opinion.
"I believe it will be so in the opinion of the fans and that is the most important thing.
"There is a duty here to play that kind of football and grab games by the scruff of the neck.
"It's not going to be a hugely different style to what has been successful in the past. We hope to emulate that."
Slot looking forward to facing Guardiola
Arne Slot on facing Man City boss Pep Guardiola:
"It's something to look forward to but I think there are many more good managers in this league, which is normal. English people like to believe this is the best league in the world and I believe this as well.
"It's normal that if you work in such a league, there are many good managers who you are going to face and Pep is one of them, that's for sure.
"I'm lucky enough that I lived in an era where I saw his Barcelona team. Then, when Pep left, there was a new era and that was the rivalry between Liverpool and Man City.
"I've seen a lot of that rivalry and I am looking forward to working here, but not specifically to playing against Man City because there are many nice teams we are going to face, starting with Ipswich of course, which is at this moment the most important one."
Slot: Klopp leading chant was 'special'
Arne Slot on advice from Jurgen Klopp:
"We've spoken about many things but no more than normal. It stays between us.
"Him singing the song for me was special because there are not many managers the fans sing for.
"I was fortunate enough that after a few years at Feyenoord they started to sing for me.
"But coming over here, without having worked here or winning a game, there are already fans singing for you - that's a good start!"