Friday, May 31, 2024

^ ^ Arsenal dealt transfer blow as top midfield target rejects Mikel Arteta

Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi has a release clause of £51m (Photo: Getty)

Martin Zubimendi, one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets for the summer, has no interest in signing for Arsenal, according to reports.

Arsenal have long been tracking the Real Sociedad star, and were even tipped to sign him last summer before moving for Declan Rice instead.

Arteta is keen to add another defensive midfielder to his ranks, especially with Thomas Partey expected to leave, and Zubimendi’s reputation has only grown after another fine season in La Liga.

The 25-year-old’s performances have seen him named in Spain’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 alongside Gunners goalkeeper David Raya.

Barcelona have also been eyeing up his services and with a release clause of €60million (£51m), a transfer in the upcoming window seems a real possibility.

But if he does move, it now seems unlikely that the Emirates will be his destination, as Zubimendi has reportedly ruled out signing for Arsenal.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, he would only consider leaving Sociedad for one of Barcelona or Real Madrid, though it is possible that the former’s interest may waiver with the arrival of new manager Hansi Flick.

Arsenal star Declan Rice
Arsenal signed Declan Rice instead of Zubimendi (Photo: Getty)

His predecessor Xavi was very keen on Zubimendi, but the German may have other targets in mind, including his former Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich.

It is also said that Arsenal will not ponder on this disappointing development for long and have alternative targets in mind including Benfica’s Joao Neves who has also been linked with Manchester United.

Everton’s Amadou Onana, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz are also on the shortlist.

After coming agonisingly close to winning the Premier League this season, Arteta is looking to make several more big signings to get the Gunners over the line.

This includes RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who, unlike Zubimendi, has reportedly told Arsenal he is ready to move to North London.

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^ ^ Carlo Ancelotti confirms key Real Madrid team news ahead of Champions League final

Real Madrid CF Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League Final 2023/24
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed one member of his starting XI the day before the Champions League final (Picture: Getty Images)

Thibaut Courtois will start for Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday against Borussia Dortmund, confirmed Carlo Ancelotti at his pre-match press conference.

The Belgian goalkeeper has been out for the vast majority of the season due to an ACL injury and not played a single game in the Champions League as Los Blancos made their way to the final.

In his absence Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andriy Lunin have been wearing the gloves, with the latter doing the majority of the work, playing in both legs against Manchester City in the quarter-finals and Bayern Munich in the semis.

However, with Courtois returning to fitness and playing in four La Liga matches this month, the Ukrainian has fallen ill ahead of the Champions League final at Wembley and made Ancelotti’s decision pretty straight forward.

The Italian said on Friday afternoon: ‘Lunin has had the flu, it didn’t allow him to train or travel. He will travel tomorrow, he’s going to be on the bench and Courtois is going to play.’

Courtois has made a successful return to the starting XI in La Liga, not conceding a single goal in his four starts this month.

The 32-year-old also started and kept a clean sheet as Real Madrid beat Liverpool to win the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

Real Madrid CF v Real Betis - LaLiga EA Sports
Thibaut Courtois is back in the Champions League final (Picture: Getty Images)

Lunin did hint that he would not be fit for the weekend anyway, posting on social media on Thursday:  ‘I’m so sorry that I can’t prepare for the most important game of the season and the most important in my life together with the team…

‘Thank you so much for all your messages, support and encouragement!!! Here’s to the 15th.’

FBL-EUR-C1-MAN CITY-REAL MADRID
Andriy Lunin was in goal for the penalty shootout win over Manchester City (Picture: Getty Images)

Real Madrid are bidding to win their 15th Champions League/European Cup on Saturday at Wembley while Ancelotti is looking for his fifth as a manager.

‘The most important thing for me in this kind of game is to put in the players’ head what they need to do on the pitch. Clearly I am less nervous than my team is. I really focus on that,’ said the legendary Italian.

‘Emotions arrive, everyone has to manage it according to their own character. Of course, we will have emotions, maybe a bit of concern, before the game, but managing those emotions is an important thing.

‘Doing things well tomorrow we are very confident because throughout the season my team has proven two very important things. The quality is fantastic for them. Another important thing is sacrifice for the team. The collective attitude of the team.

‘Being able to prove throughout the season – sacrifice plus quality – are going to be key for tomorrow’s game.’

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Thursday, May 30, 2024

^ ^ Bunny Shaw lands top prize at ‘special’ 2024 Women’s Football Awards

Khadija Monifa 'Bunny' Shaw celebrates a goal for Manchester City in the Women's Super League
Khadija Monifa ‘Bunny’ Shaw won the WSL Golden Boot this season (Picture: Getty)

Bunny Shaw scooped Player of the Year at the 2024 Women’s Football Awards, in partnership with Metro, on a ‘special’ Thursday night in London.

Metro teamed up with the Women’s Football Awards for the second straight year as Lionesses duo Mary Earps and Georgia Stanway also walked away with prizes.

England manager Sarina Wiegman, meanwhile, was crowned Manager of the Year at a star-studded event which featured a number of famous faces on the carpet.

Dame Kelly Holmes, Gemma Owen, Katherine Ryan, Lianne Sanderson and Adele Roberts were in attendance as were several male footballers – Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings, Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

It was Shaw who walked away with the top prize, beating Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, after the Jamaica international remarkably scored 21 goals in 18 games for Women’s Super League (WSL) runners-up Manchester City.

Earps and Stanway were named World Cup Hero and International Player of the Year respectively and Lionesses hero Steph Houghton was picked for the Inspirational Role Model Award after her recent retirement from women’s football.

FA Cup winner Earps helped England reach the World Cup final in 2023, securing the Golden Glove with a series of impressive performances, while Stanway has just landed her second German title in a row with Bayern Munich.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Winner of the Inspirational Role Model award, Steph Houghton poses in the winners room during
Steph Houghton won the Inspirational Role Model award (Picture: Getty Images Europe/KATE GREEN)

‘It is hard to believe that until last year an event of this magnitude, which specifically celebrates the achievements of women in football, did not exist,’ Metro Editor-In-Chief Deborah Arthurs said.

‘The Women’s Football Awards are about shining a light on grassroots greatness as well as the superstar players on the pitch and the inspirational personalities working tirelessly off the football field, too.

Sarina Wiegman, Manager of England, reacts during a training session at St Georges Park
Sarina Wiegman led England to the World Cup final last year (Picture: Getty)

‘There is still much more to do to support the growth of women’s football and continue the momentum we’ve seen in recent years. It is something I am passionate about and will continue to push for at Metro.’

Full list of Women's Football Awards 2024 winners

Unsung Hero Award – sponsored by Southport FC

Winner: Jane Purdon

Inspirational Role Model

Winner: Steph Houghton

World Cup Hero – sponsored by Visa

Winner: Mary Earps MBE 

Highly Commended: Aitana Bonmati

Brand of the Year

Winner: Adidas 

Highly Commended: Barclays

Best Breakthrough Business

Winner: ScottishPower

Highly Commended: Rept Sports 

Marketing Campaign of the Year – sponsored by BioWaveGo

Winner: Venus – MoveYourSkin 

Highly Commended: Panini

Women’s Football Broadcaster or Journalist of the Year – sponsored by RWinvest

Winner: Alex Scott MBE

Highly Commended: Kate Abdo

Best Social Media Campaign

Winner: The FA – Lionesses

Highly Commended: Adidas – Play Until They Can’t Look Away

Football Player of the Year – sponsored by Snapdragon 

Winner: Bunny Shaw 

Highly Commended: Sam Kerr 

Football Business of the Year 

Joint winners: 

EA Sports

Wasserman

Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award

Winner: Premier League 

Highly Commended: Moore Kingston Smith

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award – sponsored by the Premier League

Winner: Tottenham Hotspur – Women’s Football Development Centre

Highly Commended: Standard Chartered & Liverpool FC

Off The Pitch Award – sponsored by Standard Chartered

Winner: Katie Gritt 

Highly Commended: Ellie Cross 

International Football Player of the Year – sponsored by Linklaters

Winner: Georgia Stanway 

Highly Commended: Lucy Bronze

Best Fan Engagement Award – sponsored by TikTok

Winner: Manchester United

Highly Commended: Brighton & Hove Albion & American Express

Grassroots Initiative of the Year – sponsored by Indivisa

Joint winners: 

UEFA Playmakers – Disney

McDonald’s – Fun Football 

Football Business Trailblazer – sponsored by Women in Football

Winner: Sharon Brittan

Highly Commended: Anna Deignan

Women’s Football Champion of the Year – sponsored by Panini 

Winner: Yvonne Harrison

Highly Commended: Fara Williams MBE

Young Football Player of the Year – sponsored by Nutriburst

Winner: Maya Le Tissier

Highly Commended: Laura Blindkilde-Brown

Football Club of the Year

Winner: Chelsea

Highly Commended: Brighton and Hove Albion FC

Manager of Coach of the Year – sponsored by Moore Kingston Smith

Winner: Sarina Wiegman CBE 

Highly Commended: Emma Hayes

Metro Women’s Football Ally Award

Winner: Jermaine Jenas

Game Changer Award

Winner: Victoire Cogevina Reynal 

Highly Commended: Jill Scott MBE

Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by SHEIN

Winner: Kerry Davis

Elsewhere, England star Maya Le Tissier was crowned Young Player of the Year and pundit Jermaine Jenas scooped the Metro Women’s Football Ally Award.

Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher, who co-hosted the event alongside Eni Aluko, said: ‘The atmosphere in the room tonight was fantastic. The Women’s Football Awards is a special event and the winners are all incredible people.

‘This was a true celebration of the women’s game. I am looking forward to seeing the sport continue to grow at a phenomenal rate and I’ll do what I can to help.’

Meanwhile, BBC favourite and former Arsenal and England star Alex Scott picked up the award for Women’s Football Broadcaster or Journalist of the Year.

There were also emotional scenes as Kerry Davis was handed the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Davis was added to the Football Black List in March – which recognises the most influential black people in British football – and is widely viewed as a trailblazer in the sport. She represented Croydon, Liverpool and Napoli while amassing 82 England caps between 1982 and 1998.


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^ ^ Former Arsenal star desperate to avoid Gunners in Champions League next season

Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka played for Arsenal for seven years (Photo: Getty)

Arsenal hero Granit Xhaka admits he really doesn’t want to come up against his former side in next season’s Champions League.

The Switzerland captain is set to play in the UCL for the first time in seven years after helping Bayer Leverkusen to win an invincible league and cup double.

Remarkably, Xabi Alonso’s side lost just one of their 53 games in 2023/24, their only defeat coming against Atalanta in the Europa League final.

Xhaka, 31, played a pivotal part, scoring in the game that clinched the Bundesliga title as well as grabbing the winning goal in the DFB-Pokal.

They’ll look to defend their crowns next season whilst competing against Europe’s very best teams, including Arsenal who qualified for the Champions League after finishing runner-up to Manchester City in the Premier League.

Thanks to UEFA club coefficient, both the Gunners and Leverkusen have been seeded in Pot 2, which in previous years would mean they could not be drawn against each other until after the group stage.

However, the UCL format is radically changing in 2024/25, with four groups of nine teams and at least two clubs from the same pot in any group.

Bayer Leverkusen star Granit Xhaka
Xhaka won an invincible league and cup double in his first year at Bayer Leverkusen (Photo: Getty)

But when asked how he felt about the possibility of coming up against his former teammates, Xhaka said: ‘If I’m honest, I don’t want to play against them.

‘Everyone knows what a beautiful seven years I had there, but if it’s so, for sure, to enjoy it.’

Arsene Wenger signed Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach back in 2016 in a deal upwards of £30million but his first few seasons at the Emirates were not his best.

He was made captain in 2019 but was stripped of the armband just a month later after clashing with fans during a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace and it seemed his time in North London was over.

Mikel Arteta encouraged the midfielder to stay however, and he would end up becoming one of the manager’s most reliable and important players, and by the time of his departure last summer had transformed into a firm fan favourite.

Overall, he would make 297 appearances for Arsenal, winning two FA Cups and two Community Shields.

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^ ^ Man Utd star at risk of missing start of the new season with Olympics decision looming

Manchester United star Ajeandro Garnacho
Garnacho could have a busy summer ahead (Picture: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Manchester United face the possibility of being without Alejandro Garnacho for the start of the new Premier League season with Argentina planning to call him up for their Olympics squad.

The United winger enjoyed a superb 2023-24 campaign under Erik ten Hag, becoming a key member of the first-team.

The 19-year-old ended the campaign with 10 goals and five assists to his name, including his Goal of the Season against Everton and his side’s opener in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Garnacho’s progress has not gone unnoticed at international level. While born in Madrid, the winger has declared for Argentina, making his senior debut last summer and featuring in the March international break with five senior appearances to his name.

The world champions have a busy summer ahead with the Copa America kicking off in June with an Under-23 squad heading to Paris for the Olympics.

Garnacho is firmly contention to make both squads with TNT Argentina reporting Javier Mascherano, in charge of the Olympic team, has decided to name the United star in his squad.

Argentina begin their Copa America campaign on 20 June with the competition running until 14 July with La Albiceleste a hoping to go all the way.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
If he’s still in charge, ten Hag could have a big selection problem (Picture: Robin Jones/Getty Images)

There could be a very quick turnaround for players like Garnacho with the Olympics campaign from 25 July to 9 August.

Garnacho, along with Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, could find themselves playing in both competitions.

The new Premier League season meanwhile kicks off one week after the conclusion of the Olympic on 16 August, with any players involved in the Olympic campaign expected to be handed a rest before returning to club action.

Reports in Argentina claim United have not yet responded to Argentina’s request for Garnacho to be part of their Olympic squads.

Clubs do have the option to block their players being called up with Arsenal set to take such action with William Saliba.

France could face similar problems in attempting to persuade Real Madrid to release Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.


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^ ^ Man Utd consider extending Mason Greenwood contract this summer

Mason Greenwood
Greenwood’s spell at Getafe came to an end last week (Picture: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Manchester United may opt to extend Mason Greenwood’s contract this summer to help facilitate a permanent move away from Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old is to return to United after a season-long loan spell at Getafe, where he scored 10 goals in 36 appearances.

Greenwood has not played for United since his arrest in January 2022 for attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault. All charges were dropped in February last year.

His form in Spain has attracted interest from a number of European clubs with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund considering signing him this summer.

Greenwood’s current contract expires in 2025 but as is custom at the club, United have the option to extend that by a further year.

United are considering exercising that option, iNews report, but only in order to secure a satisfactory transfer fee for their academy product if he is sold.

United are looking to raise transfer funds by selling Greenwood and by extending his deal, they will be in position to let him leave on loan this summer with an obligation to buy – an arrangement likely to be more suitable for those interested clubs.

Mason Greenwood
Greenwood attracting interest from across Europe (Picture: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

United are thought to be looking for a fee of around £40m for Greenwood with interest high in the English striker.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe appeared to open the door to Greenwood being given a second chance at United earlier this year, suggesting the club would revisit the issue this summer.

A permanent sale however is thought to be the club’s priority.

Getafe had been keen to retain Greenwood for another season but a return appears to be off the table.

In a message on Instagram following Getafe’s final game of the season, Greenwood wrote: ‘Incredibly grateful to the Getafe family and fans for an amazing season.

‘Thank you for making me feel welcomed and one of your own. I enjoyed every second, alongside my teammates and club.

‘A bitter sweet ending, but it was a pleasure to play for you, I wish you all the best.’


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Wednesday, May 29, 2024

^ ^ Chelsea confirm Sonia Bompastor as new women’s head coach to succeed Emma Hayes

A picture of Sonia Bompastor
Sonia Bompastor takes over at Chelsea (Picture: Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Sonia Bompastor as the new head coach of their women’s team to replace the long-serving Emma Hayes.

Bompastor has signed a four-year contract at the Blues, arriving from Lyon where she won seven major honours during her three years in charge.

She is tasked with filling the void to be left by Hayes, who ends her 12-year stay with the club.

Bompastor’s final game in charge of Lyon was this season’s Champions League final in Bilbao, where Barcelona won 2-0.

The former France international will be joined by her Lyon assistant coaches Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin in the capital.

Paul Green, Chelsea general manager, said: ‘The sporting directors and I conducted a thorough and considered recruitment process to identify Emma’s successor.

‘Sonia’s vision, coaching philosophy and winning mentality made her the outstanding candidate.

Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona: Semi-final Second Leg - UEFA Women's Champions League
Hayes is taking the USA job (Picture: Getty)

‘She is a world-class coach with a proven track record of success on the biggest stages that will instantly command respect from the dressing room.’

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: ‘Sonia is the ideal candidate to build on Emma’s legacy and take the team forward.

‘She brings a wealth of experience from managing at the highest levels and winning trophies as a player and a coach.

‘Her ethos and values align with Chelsea Football Club. We are all looking forward to having her on board.’

Hayes meanwhile has joined the United States women’s national team.

She ended her hugely successful spell at the club by securing a seventh Women’s Super League – this their fifth in a row – having also won five FA Cups and two League Cups.


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^ ^ Vincent Kompany speaks out after being appointed Bayern Munich manager

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany has replaced Thomas Tuchel as Bayern Munich boss (Photo: Bayern Munich)

Vincent Kompany has officially been appointed Bayern Munich manager after his departure from Burnley was confirmed.

The Manchester City legend became the surprising frontrunner to replace Thomas Tuchel after his Clarets side were relegated from the Premier League.

The 38-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the German giants after they paid Burnley around £10.2million in compensation.

‘I’m looking forward to the challenge of FC Bayern. It’s a great honour to be able to work for this club – FC Bayern is an institution in international football,’ the former Belgian international said.

‘As a coach, you have to stand for who you are as a person: I love having the ball, being creative – and we also have to be aggressive on the pitch and courageous.

‘I’m now looking forward to the most basic things: working with the players, building a team. When the foundation is in place, success will follow.’

Kompany, one of the Premier League’s greatest ever captains and one of the best centre-backs of his generation, began his managerial career in 2019 with Anderlecht.

Former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany
Kompany’s Burnley were relegated from the Premier League this season (Photo: Getty)

He joined Burnley in 2022 upon their relegation from the top-flight and instantly set about transitioning the traditionally defensive club into one that plays free-flowing attacking football.

His plan succeeded, with the side winning the Championship title at the first attempt with a staggering 101 points, but they never came close to replicating that form in the Premier League.

They would win just five games out of 38 to finish 19th in the table, though the club were hopeful of retaining the manager for the long-term.

Bayern Munich star Harry Kane
Kompany will have the chance to manage England captain Harry Kane in Munich (Photo: Getty)

‘We can confirm that Burnley Football Club has come to an agreement that will allow Vincent Kompany to leave Turf Moor,’ a statement from the Clarets read on Wednesday.

‘Whilst we were initially confident in retaining our manager, the changing dynamics of the situation made this impossible. We understand the allure and prestige of a club like Bayern Munich and respect Vincent’s ambition to explore new opportunities.

‘We wish only the best for Vincent and would like to put on record our appreciation for his dedication every single day he was a part of this football club.

‘Our priority remains the stability and success of Burnley FC, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that our ambition is realised – namely our return to the Premier League.

‘We have started the search for a new manager and will make an announcement in due course.’

Kompany joins Bayern off the back of their worst season in many years, after they finished third in the Bundesliga and failed to win a trophy despite the heroic goalscoring efforts of Harry Kane.

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Tuesday, May 28, 2024

^ ^ Timo Werner speaks out after extending loan spell at Tottenham from RB Leipzig

Tottenham star Timo Werner
Timo Werner joined Tottenham on loan in January (Photo: Getty)

Timo Werner says he is looking forward to having an ‘incredible’ season with Tottenham after his loan deal from RB Leipzig was extended.

The Chelsea flop made a shock return to the Premier League in January when he joined Spurs on a short-term deal.

Tottenham had the option to make the transfer permanent this summer for around £15million, but amid mixed form his future was up in the air.

The forward adjusted well to Ange Postecoglou’s tactics and provided decent depth but would record just two goals and three assists in 14 appearances.

He missed the last month of the campaign with a thigh injury as his side missed out on Champions League qualification, with Spurs set to contest the Europa League in 2024/25.

It was reported that the club were looking to keep the 28-year-old but only on loan and that news was confirmed on Tuesday.

‘We are delighted to announce an agreement for Timo Werner to rejoin us on loan from RB Leipzig for the 2024/25 season, with an option to make the deal permanent,’ a statement from Tottenham read.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7her_mN3mU

Werner himself was keen on remaining in North London after his form in Leipzig dipped, and sent a message to Spurs fans upon the announcement.

‘Happy to be a Spurs next year! Looking forward to see you all in the stadium for an incredible season,’ he posted on Instagram.

It is said that the new buy-out clause is worth just £8.5m, with his contract with his parent club currently expires in 2026.

Werner is set to be back to full fitness by early June and will have a full pre-season with Tottenham having not be selected in the Germany squad for theiur homeEuro 2024

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^ ^ Women's Football Weekly: Steph Houghton on her career & retirement

Ben Haines and England Women's record goal scorer Ellen White talk Euro 2025 qualifiers as England prepare to face France. Ellen also sat down for a very special interview with former Lionesses captain Steph Houghton on her retirement.

Ellen and Steph talk through their time together on England camps as roommates and Steph’s highlights with England, as well as playing for Team GB at two Olympic games.

Steph talks her decision to retire and what she is looking forward to post football. Plus Wales and Manchester United midfielder Hayley Ladd drops by ahead of their qualifier against Ukraine.

Timecodes: 0:10 Intro 02:10 Steph Houghton with Ellen 24:43 Champions League 30:00 Jess Carter & Euro qualifiers 33:24 Hayley Ladd & Wales



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^ ^ ‘We will see…’ – Ryan Gravenberch sends message to incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot

Liverpool FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Ryan Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich last summer (Photo: Getty)

Ryan Gravenberch is hopeful he is in Arne Slot’s plans and says he wants to stay at Liverpool ‘for years to come’.

The box-to-box midfielder has enjoyed a decent first season at Anfield following a £34million, deadline day move from Bayern Munich.

He made 38 appearances, helping Liverpool win the Carabao Cup and finish third in the Premier League in Jurgen Klopp’s final season in the dugout.

It’s a great turnaround having struggled to get game time in Munich, and he has been rewarded for his efforts with a place in the preliminary Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, alongside club teammates Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.

‘That’s why I’m satisfied with my season at Liverpool. I wanted to make more minutes and I succeeded,’ Gravenberch told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

‘I have played good matches, but also lesser ones. No, I’m not as tired as I am after a season where you’ve played everything. I haven’t played everything.

‘Can that freshness be an advantage? Well, I’m ready if you ask me. Anyway, first let’s be part of the final selection.’

Dutch EredivisieFeyenoord Rotterdam v Excelsior Rotterdam
What will Arne Slot’s Liverpool look like? (Photo: Getty)

But after the Euros, should he make the final squad, will come a fresh challenge for Gravenberch and his Liverpool teammates: impressing new manager Slot.

Aside from a few key players, it is not clear which Reds stars will be in the former Feyenoord boss’ plans, though Gravenberch believes he would be a good fit.

‘A top club, I hope to play here for years to come. And soon a Dutch trainer with Arne Slot,’ the 22-year-old added.

‘No, I’ve never spoken to him. Not even during my time as an Ajax player.

‘But he is a trainer who likes attacking football. That should suit me, you would think. We will see.‘

Given he has a contract until 2028, it seems likely Gravenberch will get his wish of staying at Anfield for at least a few more years, but for now his focus will be on making Ronald Koeman’s 26-man squad.

Holland take on Canada and Iceland in pre-tournament friendlies next week, while in Germany a tough group stage of France, Austria and Poland awaits.

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^ ^ Ruben Amorim responds to Manchester United fans calling for Chido Obi-Martin debut

Chido Obi-Martin has hit the ground running after leaving Arsenal to join Manchester United (Getty) Ruben Amorim has suggested that Chi...