The Kenny Dalglish Stand announced
Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish is to have a stand named after him, to honour his widespread contribution across the club. The Anfield Centenary Stand is to be renamed as a part of the club’s 125-year anniversary celebrations. Dalglish has been involved with the club across a period of four decades, where he has been a player, manager and a member of the board. He currently holds the position of non-executive board director.
He scored 172 goals during his 515 appearances for the club and has lifted 19 major trophies, both as a player and a manager. Owner John W Henry said ““It is a testament to Liverpool’s history and status that we are not lacking in truly great individuals, whose names could easily grace a stand at Anfield.
“But in Kenny Dalglish we have a person who carries such immense significance to the fabric of this club, so it feels somewhat incumbent on us to recognise this in a manner that is befitting to the man.
“Kenny’s contribution to Liverpool goes beyond goals scored, points amassed and silverware placed in the cabinet. His values are Liverpool’s values – he represents what is best about this football club.”
An official renaming ceremony is to take place later on this year.
Van Dijk verbal
The transfer saga surrounding Virgil Van Dijk has been ongoing for a while now, but we may have had the biggest breakthrough so far. It was looking increasingly likely that the Dutchman would be headed to Chelsea, but reports are suggesting that he has given a verbal confirmation to Jürgen Klopp that he will join Liverpool, provided that they qualify for the Champions League.
Preseason tournament revealed
Liverpool are set to take part in the Audi Cup at the Allianz Arena in Munich, ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. The other three teams expected to take part are Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, although the latter’s involvement in the tournament will rely upon any Europa league qualifying rounds they need to take part in. The tournament is set to take place on 1st and 2nd August.
Strong interest in Malaga striker
The ongoing hunt for a new world class striker has led Liverpool to join a host of other top European sides who are keeping an eye on Sandro Ramirez. The former Barcelona man has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season for Malaga, and a number of Premier League teams, including Everton and Tottenham, are also interested in the 21-year-old. It is believed that there is a £5million release clause in his contract.
Support for Iago Aspas
Liverpool fans everywhere will be hoping that former Red, Iago Aspas can put a dampener on Manchester United’s party tonight. The Spaniard, who is widely regarded as a Liverpool flop and is often ridiculed for a certain corner he took, has been in a rich vein of form this season for Celta Vigo, scoring 17 goals in La Liga. Manchester United travel to Celta tonight for the semi-final of the Europa League, in the hope of advancing to the final before ultimately winning the tournament and a Champions League spot for next year. I would personally like to wish Iago Aspas the best of luck in ensuring that that does not happen.