Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool have an extended break from action as international football takes centre stage, giving Andoni Iraola the chance to assess his team’s start to the season.
There are still question marks over the Spaniard’s squad, with much of the summer focus on Bradley Barcola while other areas took a back seat.
However, some weaknesses have emerged, and there could still be a chance for Iraola and his side to revisit one of their attacking targets from the summer.
Elsewhere, Premier League rivals Manchester United have signed 16-year-old Liverpool winger Isaac Konde on a six-year agreement. Konde has signed a one-year scholarship, which will be followed by a five-year professional contract.
According to The Athletic, Man United and Liverpool are negotiating a compensation package, with the Merseyside club expecting the fee to reach seven figures.
Konde grew up on Merseyside and joined Liverpool as an Under-9 player in 2018. He made six appearances for the club’s Under-18s last season and will join Darren Fletcher’s Under-18s at United.
He could not train with United until Premier League approval was granted following an investigation, as is standard when a player under 16 moves between Premier League clubs. Players cannot sign professional contracts until they turn 17.
United have been keen on youth recruitment, also signing Karim Cassim and 16-year-old midfielder David Eze from Manchester City. The club are targeting high-potential players capable of reaching the first team quickly.
United and Liverpool have not exchanged first-team players since 1964. Despite their long-standing rivalry, only a handful of players, including Michael Owen, Paul Ince and Peter Beardsley, have represented both clubs, and none moved directly between the two sides.
United completed their first league double over Liverpool in a decade last season, with their second victory coming in dramatic fashion at Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko put United 2-0 ahead before Liverpool fought back through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.
Kobbie Mainoo then scored the decisive goal in a 3-2 victory that helped secure Champions League football. Now, another player has crossed football’s great red divide.
Support DaveOCKOP and enjoy the site completely ad-free. You’ll get an uninterrupted browsing experience while helping us continue to deliver the latest Liverpool news, breaking stories and exclusives. Go ad-free today.