Edwards’ contract runs until the end of the current season and he is believed to have informed the hierarchy at Liverpool of his intention to leave.

Ornstein added that the situation is not final and that discussions are ongoing to keep the popular sporting director at the club.

However, the expected outcome is that the long-term relationship Edwards has with the club will come to a close when his existing contract ends.

Julian Ward, who was promoted to assistant sporting director in December, is the man expected to replace Edwards if he leaves.

Edwards was hired by Harry Redknapp to be Portsmouth’s Head of Performance Analysis in 2003 and stayed at the club for six years.

He was in the same role at Tottenham Hotspur under Redknapp for two years and joined Liverpool in 2011.

Edwards has been Liverpool’s sporting director since November 2016 and has sculpted a Premier League-winning side in a number of years alongside Jurgen Klopp and recruitment staff.

The former Peterborough United player signed the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Fabinho to the club, helping to grow Klopp’s Liverpool into one of the best sides in the world.

His sales have also been impressive as the Englishman has had a history of getting great deals for outgoing players in his time in the role.

Rhian Brewster moved to Sheffield United last summer for a fee of £24 million while Dominic Solanke, who scored one goal for the club, was sold to Bournemouth for a fee in the region of £20 million.

He oversaw the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for a massive £142 million – a move that kick-started Liverpool’s evolution into one of the greatest sides in the world.

The post Liverpool Sporting Director Michael Edwards Expected To Leave In 2022 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The centre-back put pen to paper at Anfield on Friday morning and committed his future to the club.

Van Dijk has spent three-and-a-half years at the club, joining the side from Southampton in January 2018 for £75 million.

Asked how it felt to have inked the fresh terms, Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com: “Amazing. It is something to be very proud of, that I am very proud of, that my wife and my kids are very proud of and obviously my agency.

“All the hard work we’ve put in so far continues and I am looking forward to what the future brings together with Liverpool. I’m delighted, very happy and proud.”

Van Dijk has been an established figure in the side’s defence and has made 130 appearances for the club.

In that time, the defender has scored 13 times for Liverpool and has picked up winner’s medals in the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Individually, he was voted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, UEFA Men’s Player of the Year and UEFA Defender of the Season for 2018-19, while he finished second in the 2019 Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2019.

“Since day one when I joined the club, I felt so much appreciation from the fans and from my teammates and the staff, that I could be a very important member of this football club,” Van Dijk continued.

“It has been going well; unfortunately last season for me personally has been a season to forget, to learn from and take with me, but I have enjoyed my time here and will keep enjoying it in the next couple of years altogether with all of you.”

Van Dijk is currently working his way back to full fitness after knee surgery last October curtailed his 2020-21 season prematurely.

The 30-year-old heads into the new campaign – which begins on Saturday for the Reds at Norwich City – with a full pre-season under his belt and three friendly runouts.

Van Dijk said: “I feel good. Obviously [they were] friendlies, you get your match fitness up, get into repetitions of doing things again and again.

“I feel like I am ready for the weekend, so we’ll see what the manager decides. It is going to be a totally different atmosphere and mindset for me personally as well. It is something we fight for, for the points, and hopefully we can get a positive result out of it.”

The post Liverpool Defender Virgil van Dijk Signs New Contract appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Hopeful Liverpool fans have been dealt a blow over the past 24 hours as Jürgen Klopp confirmed that Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are very unlikely to play again during the 2020/21 season.

Van Dijk suffered a devastating ACL injury in October but seemed to be making good progress off the field, leading some optimistic Liverpool fans to believe his return to action would come sooner rather than later.

“In the moment, I don’t know where these things are coming from – nobody really, no doctor, nobody really told me there’s a chance for Virgil to play in this season again.

“I don’t want to say that’s absolutely impossible but it’s not likely. It’s not likely. We don’t have to discuss these things really”, said Klopp on the Dutch international’s injury situation.

Klopp had even more bleak news on Joel Matip’s injury, saying to the official club site: “Unfortunately, we found out now after everybody looked at it that Joel will be out for the rest of the season.”

He did however confirm that Matip would be available for the next pre-season, which would suggest that van Dijk will also be ready.

Liverpool have, of course, strengthened their defensive area with the acquisition of Ben Davies from Preston and loan signing of Ozan Kabak from Schalke 04.

The pair should provide much needed experience and quality to Liverpool’s backline. Klopp has been relying on makeshift centre backs in the form of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho as well as the inexperienced Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips in recent months.

Liverpool play Brighton tomorrow evening so it’s likely that at least one of the new signings will make their debut in a Liverpool kit.

The post Jürgen Klopp confirms Matip and van Dijk to miss remainder of season appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

2020 is finally coming to an end after a long, bizarre and extraordinary – for all the wrong reasons – 12 months.

It’s been a unique year of football. The suspension of the Premier League for a number of months, Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years and the absence of fans in football stadiums made for one of the most peculiar Premier League years in recent memory.

There have also been several key performers over the past year, but which of those make our Premier League team of 2020?

GOALKEEPER

ALISSON – LIVERPOOL

Alisson has proven himself as an indispensable member of the Liverpool squad since joining from Roma in 2018.

The Brazilian’s importance was not only demonstrated as he helped his team to a league title for the first time in 30 years, but also during his absence. Backup keeper Adrian came into the team on several occasions to replace the injured Alisson, but despite his best efforts, he was unable to emulate the latter’s performances.

Known for not only his excellent shot stopping skills, but also his elite distribution among other attributes. He displayed his goalkeeping acumen against Newcastle on Wednesday as he made a number of important saves.

Alisson is still only 28, also, meaning he could continue to dominate for years to come.

Honourable mentions: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Arsenal), Nick Pope (Burnley).

RIGHT-BACK

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – LIVERPOOL

Although Alexander-Arnold hasn’t been quite as good this season as he was last thus far, but his worth to the Liverpool squad is still invaluable.

Alexander-Arnold contributed to the 2^nd most assists in the league last season, only topped by Kevin De Bruyne. His passing range is undoubtedly one of the best in the league, and inarguably the best in his position.

His performances last year earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year. He was also honoured as PFA Young Player of the Year.

At only 22, Alexander-Arnold has a long and decorated career ahead of him. We could be looking at a Liverpool captain in the making.

Honourable mentions: Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion), João Cancelo (Manchester City).

LEFT-BACK

ANDREW ROBERTSON – LIVERPOOL

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold make up the best full-back pairing the league so it would be unfair not to include Robertson, especially considering his consistency over the past year.

Robertson put up 12 assists in the league this season on his way to a PFA Team of the Year inclusion. The Scottish international has started this season in a similar vein of form, coming up with 5 assists so far.

Not only is Robertson masterful in his attacking output, he’s also one of the most defensively accomplished left-backs in the league.

He has arguably been Liverpool’s most consistent player this term in a season riddled with injury problems and surprise results – despite sitting 1^st in the table.

Honourable mentions: Lucas Digne (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea, Leicester City).

CENTRE-BACKS

JAMES TARKOWSKI – BURNLEY

This might come as a strange selection to some, but James Tarkowski has quietly proven himself as one of the best centre-backs in the league over the past few seasons.

Tarkowski joined Burnley in 2016 and has been ever-present since.

Burnley rely very much – maybe overly so – on their defensive quality and Tarkowski, along with his partner Ben Mee, have that in abundance. In fact, no defender has kept more clean sheets in the league this year than Tarkowski.

The centre-back helped Burnley to a respectable 10^th place finish last season. Burnley have struggled so far this season but have showed signs of a resurgence in recent weeks.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK – LIVERPOOL

Van Dijk has barely featured in the Premier League this season due to an ACL injury suffered in October. His form before the injury, though, more than warranted an inclusion in this team.

Van Dijk was key in ensuring Liverpool captured the evasive Premier League trophy last season after coming so close in 2018/19.

His performances earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year alongside fellow Liverpool defenders Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Van Dijk has all the attributes of a world-class defenders. His positional awareness, physicality and elite tackling ability make him one of the best defenders in recent memory. He also possess one of the best passing ranges of any centre-back worldwide which compliments Liverpool’s style of play to a tee.

Van Dijk has been sorely missed for Liverpool so far – despite Fabinho filling in capably – and his return will be a massive boost to members of the club and fans alike.

Honourable mentions: Michael Keane (Everton), Fabinho (Liverpool), Çağlar Söyüncü (Leicester City), Jannik Vestergaard (Southampton).

MIDFIELDERS

KEVIN DE BRUYNE – MANCHESTER CITY

Kevin De Bruyne arguably had his best season in a Manchester City shirt last season which is no mean feat considering his displays in previous seasons.

De Bruyne won PFA Player’s Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season last term in a spectacular season.

The Belgian equalled Thierry Henry’s long-standing record for most assists in a Premier League season as he finished with 20 assists. He also surpassed his career best for most league goals in a season, scoring 13.

Manchester City have failed to live up to their remarkably high standards this season and De Bruyne’s form has also dipped as a result. He is still, however, one of the best players in the league and it’s only a matter of time before he gets back to his best.

BRUNO FERNANDES – MANCHESTER UNITED

Bruno Fernandes only arrived at Manchester United in January but has already established himself as one of the best players at the club, if not the best.

Nobody was quite sure how Fernandes would fare in the Premier League given the jump in quality but he has proved his doubters wrong and has taken to the league like a duck to water.

In fact, Fernandes has contributed to more Premier League goals (32) than any other player in the league, despite missing the first month of the year.

He has completed transformed the fortunes of Manchester United since joining and is very much the focal point of the squad. They currently sit 2^nd in the table with much thanks due to the creativity and goalscoring instincts of the Portuguese international.

A Premier League Player of the Season award – as well as other honours – is very much in sight for Bruno Fernandes if he continues his impressive form.

JORDAN HENDERSON – LIVERPOOL

Jordan Henderson should be a shoo-in for any team of the year.

The Liverpool captain’s ability has been called in question numerous times over the year but he has proved his doubters wrong time after time.

Last season he captained his side to their first Premier League title in 30 years. This season the responsibility upon his shoulders has increased tenfold given the absence of several key players and the introduction of numerous youth players into the first team, a pressure which he has taken into his stride.

Henderson received several honours for his performances and leadership last season, including but not limited to; Liverpool Fans’ Player of the Season, FWA Footballer of the Year and an inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year.

Henderson is often underrated by fans but his value to the Liverpool squad and system is immeasurable.

Honourable mentions: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur/Southampton), Tomáš Souček (West Ham United).

RIGHT-WINGER

MOHAMED SALAH – LIVERPOOL

Currently leading the Premier League scoring chart with 13 goals, Mohamed Salah has had a fine start to the season. The Egyptian needs just 6 more goals to match his total of 19 league goals last season.

Himself, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have formed a potent attack over the years which would be the envy of most – if not all – clubs in world football.

Salah’s direct movement, close control and remarkable finishing is perfect for Liverpool’s system. His finishing is of such high quality that he’s significantly outperforming his expected goals of 8 this season (according to understat).

Reports of Salah’s desire to leave Anfield have been circulating in recent weeks to the dismay of Liverpool fans. No doubt Salah’s departure would be a monumental loss but he remains at Anfield and has shown no signs of unhappiness other than rumours.

Honourable mentions: Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United).

LEFT-WINGER

HEUNG-MIN SON – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Few footballers have had a more accomplished 2020 than Heung-min Son.

The Tottenham forward has been one of the Premier League’s top performers – particularly this season – over the past year. Not only that, though, he also completed mandatory service for the South Korean military for a period of 3 weeks between April and May, during which he finished in the top 5 over 150 other trainees in basic military training.

He has moulded a formidable partnership with Harry Kane over the course of the season so far. The pair have combined with each other for a total of 32 Premier League goals during their times at Tottenham. For context, that’s just 4 goals off Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard’s record of 36.

In total this season, the pair have combined with each for 12 goals, just 1 goal off equalling the record of 13 set by Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton during the 1994/95 season.

Son is joint 2^nd in the Premier League scoring charts with 11 goals, the same tally as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jamie Vardy.

Honourable mentions: Sadio Mané (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).

STRIKER

HARRY KANE – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

There are a number of Premier League strikers deserving of an inclusion in this team, namely Jamie Vardy, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Ings. We’ve gone with Harry Kane, though.

Despite suffering an injury which kept him out for months at the start of the season, Kane has managed to rack up the same amount of goal contributions as Jamie Vardy (26).

Kane has proven himself not only as one of the deadliest finishers in the league, but also as one of the best creative outlets. He has by far the most assists to his name this season with 10, his closest competitors in Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne have 7 to their name respectively.

Tottenham started the season magnificently but have dipped in form over the past few games, collecting just 2 points in their last 4 games.

They’ll be hoping, with the help of Harry Kane among others, for a positive result against Leeds at the weekend to kickstart their 2021.

Honourable mentions: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Danny Ings (Southampton).

The post 2020 Premier League team of the year: Bruno Fernandes, Mohamad Salah, Harry Kane.. appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

A Merseyside Derby is always a tense affair. There are no shortage of controversies when the two clubs meet and Saturday afternoon was no different. Within the first ten minutes of the top of the table clash, Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk hobbled off the pitch. For Liverpool fans, the sight of their defensive anchor exiting the game through injury may almost feel as bad as the heavy defeat they suffered at the hands of Aston Villa a couple of weeks back.

“As bad as Roy Keane on Haaland”

Former Ireland international Tony Cascarino didn’t hold back when voicing his opinion. A cross into the box which resulted in Everton stopper Jordan Pickford lunging at Van Dijk in an attempt to win the ball. Except Pickford got nowhere near the ball, instead taking out the Dutchman. In any other game this is a straight red card and a penalty to Liverpool. However, VAR decided to overlook the blaringly obvious red card offence and was more concerned about a potential offside. Pickford somehow got away with it. The same cannot be said for Van Dijk unfortunately. He now faces a lengthy spell on the side-line having undergone knee surgery on a ruptured ACL. He took to social media last night, vowing to return back “better, fitter and stronger than ever before”.

pic.twitter.com/rpdxFZViwq

— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) October 18, 2020

Jordan Pickford may still face a retrospective ban after Liverpool appealed the decision after the game. Any potential ban for the goalkeeper will only paper over the cracks at Liverpool, who will have to now rely on Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, at least until January. A huge blow for the Premier League champions. Van Dijk transformed a lacklustre defence when he arrived midway through the 2017/18 season. The statistics don’t lie either, as Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson highlighted; during Van Dijk’s first two full seasons at Anfield, Liverpool won 75% of the games he started in contrast to 40% when he was missing from the starting line-up.

Problems at Liverpool?

Yet things haven’t been all rosy for Liverpool this season, even with their star defender in the team. Jurgen Klopp was quick to shoot down Roy Keane after their win against Arsenal. The former Manchester United midfielder alluded to Klopp’s men being “sloppy” at times. But does Keane have a point?

Liverpool have conceded 13 goals so far this season, including three at home to Leeds United on the opening day and seven away to Aston Villa. This tally exceeds one third of the total number of goals they conceded last season (33). After the first five games last season, Liverpool had only conceded four goals.

‘You can’t judge a team after five games’ is what any football fan would rightly respond when statistics of this nature are being waved about. Considering the quick turnaround and a subsequent lack of pre-season, this is a valid point.

However, this form isn’t all that new. Since Klopp’s side were knocked out of the Champions League back February, the defence hasn’t performed to the high standard we are used to seeing. In the final 12 games of last season’s campaign, Liverpool shipped 18 goals. This was over half over last season’s total in only less than a third of the fixtures. Again we will fall back on ‘the hard to judge’ verdict as it is inevitable for the a team, who were so dominant and who had the league wrapped up with a month of games left, to take their foot off the gas.

So is there actually a problem at Liverpool or is the title-winning season too high of a metric to compare to? Only time will tell of course. A Virgil Van Dijk-sized hole in the defence will certainly impact their title defence. On the other hand, rivals Manchester City and Chelsea both have their respective frailties to deal with. It has been a unique beginning to the new campaign as Everton and Aston Villa occupy first and second spot. It makes for a compelling season, with a host of teams vying for the top spot.

The post Van Dijk Injury Update – Woe for Liverpool appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.