Ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Keane has backed his former club to reinforce their rivalry with Manchester City for the Premier League title.
The Reds dropped their standards tremendously as they finished fifth this season, but Keane is backing Jurgen Klopp’s side to join City and Arsenal in a three-horse race for top spot when the new campaign begins:
“It’s very difficult to say where Man City go from here, because if you win the treble, what players do you need? It depends on which players go out. If you get a couple of players that leave, I’m sure they’ll be looking to sign some players. Next season, I don’t think it’s going to be a two-horse race with Arsenal. I think Liverpool will be back in the fold, I really believe that.”
Concerning other teams, such as Chelsea and Tottenham, Keane says they won’t be in a position to compete right away under new managers:
“With Mauricio Pochettino coming in, I think Chelsea could improve, but they might need a year or two. I’m obviously hoping Tottenham will too, if they get a few new signings, but that depends on if Harry Kane stays.”
The worrying dropoff in performances this season has been largely attributed to failures to recruit in key areas of the pitch, specifically in midfield.
It seems as though the Reds are already working hard to fix it, with the arrival of Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister imminent.
Of course, bringing in new signings is one thing, and getting them to work is quite another, as Chelsea have found to their cost.
The exits of Roberto Firmino and James Milner mean Klopp is having to create a new team without its main focal point and one of its primary leaders.
There are no guarantees that it will work but, if Klopp does manage to get his new recruits playing the way he wants, they could become title contenders once again.
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Newcastle United rival Liverpool in pursuit of Nicolo Barella
Newcastle United are set to battle it out with Liverpool for the services of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
According to Sportmediaset via FCInternews.it, Newcastle United and Liverpool are keen on acquiring the services of Nicolo Barella. The 26-year-old midfielder has been in sensational form in the ongoing season and he is on the radar of multiple top clubs from across Europe.
Barella came through the ranks at Cagliari Calcio before making a move to the Italian giants’ Inter in the summer of 2019. He initially joined them on a season-long loan. The move was made permanent in the following summer on the back of his impressive performances.
The Italian international has gone from strength to strength over the past few seasons. He played a key role in Italy’s triumph in the EURO 2020.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old has been the mainstay of the Italian giants in the ongoing campaign. He has featured in 51 games and has been involved in 19 goals.
Barella has been integral to their dream run in the UEFA Champions League. He has three goals in 11 matches and has helped them reach the final where they will square up against Manchester City in a few day’s time.
His performances have attracted a lot of attention of late and despite having a contract that runs until the summer of 2026, the Italian international could be on the move in the summer.
Newcastle United and Liverpool are keen on acquiring his services. While the 26-year-old is a key member of Inter squad, they might consider selling him given their financial crisis. And, even the player might fancy a move to the Premier League.
The Magpies have just secured Champions League football for next season and they will look to add a lot more quality to their ranks. Their manager Eddie Howe is keen on strengthening his midfield and would love to have Barella in his ranks.
The Inter midfielder will bring in a lot of experience and could form a deadly partnership with Bruno Guimarães in the centre of the park. However, they are not the only club interested, even Liverpool have their eyes on the 26-year-old.
The Reds are pushing for a midfield overhaul, they have already acquired the services of Alexi Mac Allister and are looking to add a few more midfielders ahead of next season. Klopp is a big fan of Barella and would love to have him in his ranks.
