The international break has barely started, and the news cycle is already turning towards the match between Manchester City and Liverpool which is still 11 days away. As it’s a top of the table clash between the only two clubs to have won the Premier League in the last six seasons, it’s little wonder it is already drawing attention.
City goalkeeper Ederson has pulled out of international duty with a foot injury. The cynical among the Reds’ fanbase will have noted that this means Alisson Becker will play for Brazil while his counterpart rests, with the natural assumption being that the latter will return at the Etihad on Saturday week.
We shall have to see what happens there. This international break is also the last before the hectic festive football period, which partly coincides with the reopening of the transfer window. With no club matches for two weeks, the volume of rumors linking players with moves is certain to increase.
There are a couple of new stories in this area which may or may not influence Liverpool’s chances of success this season. Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news going on at the other clubs.
Real Madrid want Bundesliga trio
Bayer Leverkusen has made a phenomenal start to 2023/24 under the stewardship of former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso. The club leads the Bundesliga and is going well in the Europa League, alerting the big boys to the talent on its roster.
According to SPORT (via Football Transfers), Real Madrid are keen to sign the Leverkusen trio of Victor Boniface, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz. As Alonso is rumored to be the Spanish side’s preferred successor for Carlo Ancelotti, perhaps they are looking to secure players he might want already?
Brazilian winger Antony has been very underwhelming at Manchester United. Despite a hefty price tag, a return of eight goals and three assists in 56 appearances does not befit a player reportedly signed for $106m (£85m/€98m).
Yet sources have told Football Insider that Erik ten Hag has no intention of selling the misfiring forward. With Jadon Sancho still out of the reckoning, it appears United can ill afford to dispense with another winger.
