Image Credits: Imago Images
It has been a busy week for figures with Liverpool ties, as several secured moves across the globe.
Former Reds striker Mario Balotelli has joined Al-Ittifaq FC in Dubai on a two-and-a-half-year deal, the 14th club of his nomadic career. The 35-year-old had been a free agent since leaving Genoa in June 2025 and will be officially registered on January 12 after flying to Dubai on Friday to complete the move.
Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool academy coach Gary O’Neil has been named head coach of Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, replacing Liam Rosenior following his switch to Chelsea. He previously spent six months at Liverpool in 2020–21 as assistant to Barry Lewtas with the Under-23s.
And now another former Liverpool man in Ki-Jana Hoever is on the move with Sheffield United officially confirming the loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers for the rest of the 2025/26 campaign.
The move addresses Chris Wilder’s need for additional depth and competition on the right side of the pitch.
Hoever, who joined Liverpool’s youth academy in August 2018, became the Reds’ youngest ever player in an FA Cup competition when he made his senior debut against Wolves at Molineux in January 2019. The Dutch right-back made limited appearances during his time at Anfield before departing for Wolves in a £9 million transfer in 2020.
Since leaving Merseyside, Hoever has enjoyed spells at PSV Eindhoven, Stoke City, and most recently Auxerre in France’s top division, where he made 26 league starts during the 2024-25 campaign. Returning to Wolves this term, he has featured eight times in the Premier League before securing his move to Bramall Lane.
Manager Chris Wilder said of the deal:
“It is no secret that we need to strengthen on the right side, and during discussions about personnel in that area going forward, Ki’s name was always one which featured prominently as he possesses quality. The loan market tends to be one which intensifies later in the window, so to have this deal completed is a huge boost for us.
“Ki is still a young man, but he’s experienced plenty in his early career. To have been at some of the clubs he has represented just shows how highly rated he is. What I like about him though is the desire to go and play. He now knows what it takes to be successful at this level, and by his own admission, he’s really matured, on and off the pitch. He’s ready to take the next opportunity in his career and we’re delighted to have added him to our squad, not least for balance.”
READ MORE: Manchester City shortlist former Liverpool man as Pep Guardiola replacement
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