There is now a “real prospect” of Liverpool completing the signing of an “extraordinary” France international as they seek to break out of their recent rut.
Van Dijk’s leadership breaks Liverpool slump
The Premier League champions are back in action away to Brentford on Saturday evening, looking to build on Wednesday’s 5-1 win away to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk revealed after the win in Germany that he held a meeting with just the players at the start of the week, following a dreadful run of form.
“On Monday everyone was sad because we lost to Man United at home,” said Van Dijk. “It was tough under the circumstances so on Monday we came together but it wasn’t a crisis meeting. Nobody wants to lose four games in a row but it was the situation we faced.
“Obviously we also had a proper debrief with the manager but we also had a separate one as players. I wanted to say some things. It’s not something I do after every game. After my meeting everyone was happy!”
Away from Liverpool’s on-pitch duties, an exciting new transfer rumour has emerged, with FSG seemingly planning to spend their way out of their recent run.
Liverpool in race to sign Champions League winner
Speaking to TEAMtalk, journalist Dean Jones claimed that Liverpool have a “real” chance of signing Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, but face competition for his signature.
“There has been a lot of uncertainty about how Camavinga fits at Real Madrid, and as part of that, I think a few clubs across Europe have been alerted, but at the moment, I do not see a transfer opening up. Xabi Alonso is working with him and wants him to become a regular.
“He gave him his first start of the season against Getafe, so this will be a case of watching now how the player takes on instruction and works his way more prominently into the side. I think there is a real prospect of him becoming an option for a Premier League club like Liverpool or Man City if things are not going well for him later in the season, but in Madrid, they seem adamant for now that we are still some way from a decision like that.”
Camavinga has a €1bn release clause in his Real Madrid contract, but stands out as a wonderful option for Liverpool, should he and Xabi Alonso fail to fully click at Madrid, resulting in Los Blancos cashing in for a more reasonable figure.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has won two Champions League crowns in his career, as well as a couple of La Liga titles, while Carlo Ancelotti has called him an “extraordinary” player, which is high praise from a legendary manager.
Camavinga would bring class, elegance and substance to Liverpool’s midfield, not to mention being able to shine at left-back, and given his age, he could mature into a genuinely world-class midfield at Anfield. Arne Slot does have great depth there, but if the chance arises to sign him, it would be foolish to say no.
