Rakitic to be used as bait for Coutinho? Plus Liverpool eye James and Lucas is off to Turkey

Transfer rumours: Rakitic bait for Coutinho?

According to a report from the Liverpool Echo, Barcelona are weighing up a move for Coutinho and would be throwing in Ivan Rakitic as bait as well as a sizeable fee.

The Croatian has struggled to replicate his form prior to the transfer from Sevilla in 2014 and has come under fire for his form this season. It appears that Barcelona are willing to let him move on.

Liverpool eyeing Rodriguez

Reports from the Mirror claimed that Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez. The Colombian appears to have fallen out of favour with coach Zinedine Zidane and is reportedly looking for a move away from the Bernabeu.

Rodriguez has a contract until the end of June 2020 and is likely to be valued at £65m. However, all hopes of signing Rodriguez would largely depend on the Reds qualification for Champions League next season.

Lucas agrees to Reds exit

Lucas Leiva is understood to have agreed to join Turkish giants Galatasaray at the end of the campaign. Having signed from Gremio in 2007 for a fee of £5m, the Brazilian turned out over 350 appearances for the Reds but sees his first-team chances dwindled over the last few years.

Jurgen Klopp often turns to the likes of Emre Can, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum for the middle third which restricted Lucas role in the midfield. Lucas was deployed in defence numerous times this term and is understood to be frustrated at a lack of opportunities. Reports claimed that Galatasaray have already agreed to a deal with Liverpool to sign Lucas for a fee in the region of £2.5m.

Figo’s Gerrard regret

Steven Gerrard produced a Man of the Match performance as Liverpool Legends team beat Real Madrid Legends 4-3 in an entertaining clash in aid of the LFC Foundation. The former Liverpool skipper rolls back the years as he bossed the Liverpool midfield with style. Gerrard, who recently took up a role on the Liverpool coaching staff following his retirement, had a hand in all four Reds goals – scoring one, setting up two and winning a penalty.

Luis Figo admitted he once wanted Steven Gerrard to join Real Madrid and believes that he would have fitted in well at the Bernabeu. When asked if he would have liked to have seen Gerrard join him in Madrid, the Portuguese said: “The moment in life when we had the possibility to play together, that wasn’t possible. I think it is a pity because everyone wants to play with the best.’’

“I think Gerrard showed in his career he was one of the best footballers in his position. It was a pity but for Liverpool, it was lucky because he could show his quality and talent here, at Anfield.”

You'll never walk alone

How will Arne Slot change his team to win the Champions League in 2026

Despite closing in on their twentieth Premier League title, Liverpool are in need of a rebuild in the summer. In fact, recent losses to Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain have highlighted some notable issues Arne Slot needs to address. The back-to-back defeats to the Ligue 1 giants and the Toon Army ended Liverpool’s Champions League and […]

Read More
Man betting on football

The Key Liverpool Betting Markets to Watch for 2025

Football bettors love wagering on Liverpool FC betting markets not only because of the team’s popularity and their knack for giving thrilling performances and averting high-stakes encounters with opponents throughout fixtures. You can assess Liverpool FC’s Novibet football betting odds to make fixed bets during the pre-game stage or more versatile live bets while spectating […]

Read More
tired football player yawning holding ball

Players Staying Home Before Matches – The True Secret Behind Liverpool’s Success This Season

It was perhaps somewhat of a surprise to many when after just a couple of months it looked as though there would be no hangover effect of new Liverpool manager, Arne Slot taking charge of the club, with the Reds storming to the top of the Premier League. What did seem to be the general […]

Read More