Liverpool news: Klopp dealt blow in chase for Uruguay star as 'miracle of Istanbul' relived

If this week as been about bidding farewell to club stars at Anfield, then next week the business of bringing new players through the door will truly begin.

Jurgen Klopp has already been dealt the body blow of missing out on Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, but the appointment of Jorg Schmadtke as new sporting director is seemingly imminent. And the German will have little time to get settled into the new role.

Liverpool undoubtedly need reinforcements to bridge the gap between themselves and champions Man City next season. Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister has been heavily linked with a move, with a number of other players around Europe seemingly in Klopp’s sights.

Here are the latest headlines from around Anfield.

PSG strike a blow in the battle for Ugarte

Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte after Paris Saint-Germain triggered the £52million release clause in his contract with Sporting CP.

Ugarte, 22, has been linked with a move to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp tries to bolster his midfield options this summer. The Portugal international has impressed in Portugal this season, making 46 appearances across all competitions and also excelled as they beat Tottenham in the Champions League.

However, according to Correio da Manha, Ugarte has agreed a mega-money move to PSG on a five-year contract. Klopp is now likely to turn his attention to Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

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Manuel Ugarte of Sporting CP

The Dutchman’s compatriot, Rafael van der Vaart, claims the Bayern Munich man is a better version of Jude Bellingham, but much depends on whether the German club are willing to let him leave. They only signed him from Ajax last summer, but have since changed manager.

Read the full story here

Gerrard reflects on the ‘miracle of Istanbul’

Gerrard could have left Liverpool both the summer before and summer after Istanbul

Liverpool fans might not be able to smile too much about their current luck in the transfer market, but yesterday there was no shortage of rejoicing as they marked the 18-year anniversary of that night in Istanbul.

And captain that night Steven Gerrard has reflected on the night where the Reds fought back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties, and dramatically claim the Champions League: “The best night of my life,” he told liverpoolfc.com.

“An incredible game, and an incredible night for every Liverpool fan. “I can’t see it ever being beaten.”

Few Reds supporters will disagree.

Liverpool women’s side confirm a summer clearance

Rhiannon Roberts is leaving Liverpool

It’s not just the men’s side looking to overhaul the squad this summer.

Liverpool FC Women haved confirmed that Megan Campbell, Charlotte Clarke, Ashley Hodson, Carla Humphrey, Leighanne Robe and Rhiannon Roberts will all leave the club when their current deals expire at the end of the season. The side are currently seventh ahead of the final weekend of the Women’s Super League season.

The departing players all helped secure the Reds’ survival in an impressive return to the top flight this season. it followed them winning the Women’s Championship in 2021-22.