Your Liverpool FC morning digest for July 19, 2022.
Manchester United have just paid for Liverpool transfer
Eyebrows might have been raised when it emerged Liverpool had placed a £4m asking-price on Ben Davies’ head earlier this summer.
After all, the defender only cost the Reds an initial £500,000 when signed from Preston North End 18 months ago and had failed to ever make a competitive appearance for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Loaned to Sheffield United last season, the centre-back endured a mixed stint as the manager who signed him, Slavisia Jokanovic, swiftly lost his job and he was limited to 23 Championship appearances as the Blades suffered defeat in the play-offs.
That didn’t stop the defender from being the subject of vast interest back at Anfield, though, with Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Celtic all credited as the 26-year-old sat out Liverpool ’s pre-season tour of the Far East as a result.
However, it was Rangers who won the race for Davies’ signature after agreeing to meet his asking price. Liverpool have banked an initial £3m for the centre-back with a further £1m to potentially follow in add-ons. Having had to accept slightly less than their initial £42.5m and £17m reported asking-prices for Sadio Mane and Takumi Minamino, it reiterates the success of sporting director Julian Ward’s negotiations with the Scottish outfit that the club is set to receive their desired £4m package.
Read the full story, here.
'Very difficult' - Manchester United signing Lisandro Martinez 'confused' after facing Liverpool star
Manchester United suffered their worst ever season in Premier League history last year, with their total of 57 goals conceded the most they have conceded in a single campaign. As a result, it has perhaps been no surprise to see new manager Erik ten Hag look to strengthen his defence in recent weeks.
Tyrell Malacia became the Dutchman’s first signing after the left-back was signed from Feyenoord in a deal worth up to £14.7m at the start of the month, while he is set to reunite with Lisandro Martinez after the Red Devils agreed a £57m deal with Ajax for the centre-back over the weekend.
Given his significant fee, it would be a surprise if he wasn’t first choice ahead of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Raphael Varane and Axel Tuanzebe this season. After all, standing at just 5ft 9, the Argentina international won more aerial duels per 90 minutes than United captain last season.
And by moving to the Premier League, when Martinez takes on Liverpool, he is set to again come up against one of the most difficult opponents he has faced in his career to date.
Read the full story, here.
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