Fabrizio Romano: All Eyes On Ivan Toney Transfer Saga This Summer
Ivan Toney will be one of the big names to follow during the summer transfer window.
The England striker is expected to leave Brentford as manager Thomas Frank also confirmed in the last hours, the plan is clear: after difficult months with recent ban, Toney was open to stay at Brentford until the end of the season to return in good conditions, back to business with goals and excellent performances. But then, in the summer it will be time to look for new opportunity.
Toney appointed CAA Stellar, one of the biggest agencies in the world, just some months ago; it was clearly part of his main project to look for new top club to join in the summer after accepting the difficulties of the January transfer window where no big clubs had the chance to go and negotiate with Brentford.
Sources suggest that the Bees were initially open to discuss around £60/65m fee around October, then in November when they saw how fast the situation changed around Europe with no top strikers available... they decided to ask fee close to £100m to let Ivan Toney leave in January. It was basically impossible to make it happen due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.
In June or July, it will be different. We should keep an eye on Arsenal and Chelsea again as both clubs will be on the market for new striker; the big dream is Victor Osimhen, but Toney will be available for less money and with one year left on his contract, it could be an opportunity to follow in the next months for both London sides.
Or maybe... three, as Tottenham are still exploring the market; they decided to look for different kind of players upfront in terms of skills, but there's still long way to go and we can't rule anything out, same for Manchester United.
In order to understand United strategies, it will be crucial to see who's gonna be appointed as new director of football and what's gonna be the strategy before calling Toney a concrete target.
Some sources suggest that Ivan would like to be part of Arteta's project at Arsenal, but this doesn't mean that Gunners are the only solution for him; the race is very much open.
Chelsea had different priorities in January, a lot will depend on the next step for Victor Osimhen in order to understand Toney's future. For sure, it will take time; it's not something close or imminent at this stage.
In January 2023, some Italian club also approached player's camp to ask for deal conditions; AS Roma before signing Lukaku and also Napoli anticipating potential crazy summer bids for Osimhen, but then nothing happened... and now sources see the Premier League as the most concrete, expected destination for Toney, staying in England but moving to super top club.
His focus is now on Brentford, respecting the club and doing his best to help until the end of the season. Then, it will be time to go... we'll see where!
Fabrizio Romano is an Italian sports journalist. He was born in 1993, he lives in Milan and has over 30 million followers in total on the major social networks.
He collaborates with 888sport, CBS Sports, Sky Sport, The Guardian and has been a transfer market expert since 2011. He will take care of a column dedicated to some "Behind the Scenes" of transfers.
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Fabrizio Romano: Savio To Kickstart City Spending For Summer Of 2024
Manchester City have already prepared their first signing for the next season 2024/2025. It's gonna be Savio, the Brazilian winger who is already part of the City Football Group since he switched from Atletico Mineiro to Troyes and he's been shining on loan at Girona.
All these clubs are part of City Football Group, but the crucial step for Savio was this summer when the strategy was to send him to Girona to be a regular starter.
He's literally flying in Spain under Michel in this wonderful team: scoring goals, providing assists, and showcasing huge skills and he has clear potential as a future star. This is why Manchester City have decided to proceed with Savinho's signing as the next step for their plans next season.
The internal discussion took place in the last two-three weeks, also the player has approved this possibility as he's looking forward to joining Manchester City as the next step for his career.
Troyes, Girona and obviously Man City are all involved in this transfer as it is people in the City Football Group deciding together on the strategy, exactly as it happens for Chelsea and Strasbourg or RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg, so nothing new or surprising in the football world.
The numbers of the transfer will be made public soon, as plans are to sign the documents in the next days and complete the transfer by the end of the current month.
Savio will obviously complete the season on loan at Girona, very much focused on making history at the club and then looking forward to new chance at Manchester City in the summer.
In July, Savinho will start training under Pep Guardiola and then it will be time to make final decision on the best step for the Brazilian winger who will have opportunity to be part of Manchester City first team.
It's important to reveal that three important clubs wanted to sign Savio this coming summer.
Elite clubs in England and Germany tried to approach Man City and player's agents to discuss potential transfer for more than €35m, but City Football Group internal talks after conversations with the player made clear strategy happen; Savinho will join Man City, all clubs have been informed in the recent hours about that.
City Football Group decided to sign Savio from Brazil when he started performing at Atletico Mineiro, bringing him to Europe as soon as he turned 18.
This is the perfect example of what Manchester City want to build with their football group: Savio was able to help Girona this season, improve a lot, develop his skills and then join Man City first squad as player ready to make an impact.
It's just time now to prepare documents, review contracts and then Savinho will become the first signing for Man City 2024/2025.
Fabrizio Romano is an Italian sports journalist. He was born in 1993, he lives in Milan and has over 30 million followers in total on the major social networks.
He collaborates with 888sport, CBS Sports, Sky Sport, The Guardian and has been a transfer market expert since 2011. He will take care of a column dedicated to some "Behind the Scenes" of transfers.
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2024 Africa Cup of Nations Predictions & Betting Tips
Africa Cup of Nations 2024 Betting Tips
AFCON 2024 Tournament Predictions
This weekend the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off with Senegal slight favourites in the football betting odds to retain the crown they won on penalties two years ago.
Elsewhere, there are a plethora of other superbly put together sides in the running. Indeed, this is as open a field as can possibly be hoped for, with at least six nations serious contenders, and another three far too good to be considered outsiders.
Before we break down the stand-out candidates, however, some admin is necessary, to explain why this tournament is being held in January, when originally it was scheduled for last June.
In recent months it has become the norm for AFCON to coincide with summer months in the northern hemisphere, with powerful European clubs finally getting their way about no longer losing their star players mid-season.
So it was that this competition was supposed to take place in the Ivory Coast six months ago.
Only then, an especially bad rainy season was anticipated, meaning the tournament was postponed until now. This has resulted in AFCON 2023 confusingly being held at the start of 2024.
It also means that over the next couple of weeks, stretching to four weeks for the most successful teams, Premier League clubs will be without 31 of their players, as much, or as little, as that matters.
But back to those favourites, from which Senegal have a slight edge having won AFCON last time around and furthermore reached the final in 2019.
With long-standing coach Aliou Cisse at the helm, the Lions of Teranga will no doubt be deployed in a 4-3-3 set-up, a formation that has served them very well in recent years.
At the back Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhate are rock-solid, the latter so often outstanding for Nottingham Forest this term. In midfield the vast experience of Idrissa Gueye compliments the energy of Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr.
Up front, meanwhile, the nation that exited last winter’s World Cup courtesy of England in the last 16, arguably possess the most formidable array of attacking options.
Sadio Mane’s attributes need little introduction. Alongside the former Liverpool ace, Nicolas Jackson has started to prove his worth at Chelsea with seven goal involvements in his last nine club starts.
There are goals in this team and perhaps the only negative concerning their prospects is a tough group pairing with Cameroon.
Five times winners of the tournament, the Indomitable Lions certainly head to South-West Africa accompanied by high expectations with Cameroonian journalists insisting this is their time to atone after falling short in 2021, finishing third despite hosting the event.
With Vincent Aboubaker – scorer of 37 goals in 98 international appearances – and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in their ranks, Cameroon are a match for anybody, but 12 months of poor form is naturally a worry, a litany of draws and losses not helped by Rigobert Song failing to settle on his strongest eleven.
Besides, Group C also contains Gambia, the surprise package last time who are more than capable of offering up an upset or two.
Their football may be pragmatic, bordering on the boring, but conversely goals – both for and against - follow Tom Saintfiet's team around with welcome regularity.
In Group F, Morocco should progress with ease, and moreover Walid Regragui’s men are strongly fancied in the sports betting to at least reach the last four having done precisely this against all odds in Qatar.
There is an irony to this thinking in that the Atlas Lions have yet to reach a semi-final at AFCON in nine times of trying but with a defence featuring Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saiss you can see the logic.
And going forward, Hakim Ziyech can always be relied upon to pull off something spectacular on the biggest stage.
Egypt too are widely tipped to prevail and understandably so given their fantastic track record at AFCON.
The Mo Salah-inspired Pharaohs have finished runner-up in two of the last three tournaments but ominously have enjoyed an imperious 2023, losing only once.
Lastly, there is Ivory Coast to consider, winners of AFCON in 2015. No host nation has triumphed for nearly two decades but when a country has so many attacking options they can afford to omit Wilfried Zaha they have to be taken very seriously.
Midfielder Frank Kessie is their player to watch, the ex-Milan star excelling in Saudi Arabia, and as for team form the Elephants have scored a remarkable 16 times in their last three outings.
Senegal are the team to beat. The Ivory Cast may just be the team to beat them.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.
A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.
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Jason Bell NFL Blog: Ravens Disappoint But I'm Excited To See Mahomes In The Super Bowl - He's More Talented Than Brady!
Disappointing Ravens Lost Their Character
The Baltimore Ravens to me were the most complete team in the NFL. They had a Championship defence which really didn’t let the side down too much – it was their offence that did.
The game against the Chiefs showed us that it is all about playing your best football and being in form at that exact moment.
The Ravens didn’t stick to what had been working so well for them and they got pushed out of the running element of the game. In the playoffs, you have to be able to do what you do best, even if the opposition try to stop it.
The Ravens didn’t do what they had been doing all season, despite the fact that it was what got them to the playoffs in the first place.
They were trying to pass and be a drop-back team, it just didn’t work. They lost their character at the most valuable time. That was the most disappointing part – they didn’t go out playing their way. I feel for them.
Mahomes has more talent that Brady
The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes have had to overcome so much this season. They’ve had a great storyline and they’ve completely morphed into a new identity, now they’re back in the Super Bowl.
That is what Tom Brady had to do every year and we’re witnessing that with Mahomes now.
We may never see this again, because we’re seeing a guy in Mahomes who has more talent than Tom Brady, who has the ability to chase greatness.
He is changing the way he goes about his game and that is what great players are to do. I’m excited to see him in the Super Bowl.
Purdy can be “that guy” for San Fran
San Francisco have a team philosophy that is directed by one person, Kyle Shanahan, and it has worked.
The only thing that has prevented him from winning the Super Bowl is not having a guy like Patrick Mahomes; Brock Purdy can become that guy, but it will be hard to slay the dragon that is Mahomes.
Confidence is key in the Super Bowl and Brock Purdy came back and made plays when the game was on the line against the Lions, so he will be full of confidence.
Not only does he now believe that he can get it done, but his teammates believe as well. That is a formula for success.
Kelce will be rolling for the Super Bowl
Kyle Shanahan has to outwit Steve Spagnuolo’s Chiefs defence. That is the key.
This is what is so fascinating, when you look at the two teams, they are stacked with experience in play calling and head coaching but I don’t think Shanahan can outwit Andy Reid, so it will be all about who cracks first.
The thing about Chief’s head coach, Andy Reid, is that he knows how to win a game and he doesn’t tend to get pushed away from his own strategy. This game will be about who panics first. I just don’t know who that is going to be.
Looking at Kansas City’s playmakers, Travis Kelce is not young so rest will be important, but he seemed so fresh last game. He is going to have two weeks off and that is when he can get on a roll.
The way Rashee Rice is playing as well, he sees the game in the same way as Mahomes so they’re both comfortable. That allows Kelce to find those open spaces. You watch them and just think ‘this is what great NFL football looks like’.
Former NFL star Jason Bell has a wealth of American football experience, playing in 82 regular season games during his time in the league.
Now making regular television appearances at NFL events in the UK, Bell is one of the best pundits on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
The former Houston Texans cornerback will provide his expert insight into the latest news and upcoming games throughout the 2023 NFL season.
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Fabrizio Romano: The Five Best Transfers In The January Window
It was a quiet transfer window around Europe. No big movements, no big deals but some interesting surprise deal took place. And we're here to vote the best five transfers of the January transfer window!
Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen to Borussia Dortmund
Credit to Borussia Dortmund as they've been smart, creative and fast. Sancho is a fantastic signing on loan for a decent fee, while Maatsen is underrated and the left back is already making an impact at the club. Two excellent signings in a complicated window.
Sacha Boey to Bayern
It was quite difficult for Bayern to find the perfect right back as they tried for Mukiele, Trippier... but then they got a fantastic player in Boey.
Aggressive and fast, he is the ideal fit for Tuchel's brand of football. They needed that kind of player, the negotiation with Galatasaray was more than difficult but credit to Bayern for getting a top signing done in January.
Kalvin Phillips to West Ham
The competition was crazy from different countries but West Ham's director Tim Steidten has been working on this one in the best way. Silent, concrete and perfect behind the scenes.
He convinced Kalvin to join and then agreed on good terms with Man City. Moyes needed that kind of player, Phillips needed... a chance to prove himself. And he has that at West Ham.
Arthur Vermeeren to Atletico Madrid
One for the future, give this boy some time to adapt.
But Atletico's Andrea Berta probably did it again after signing a gem like Samuel Lino out of nowhere two years ago in January and now performing as a superstar.
Vermeeren can bring quality, creativity, and freshness to Simeone's squad, but again - in the long term he will prove an excellent talent for a reasonable fee. A great call for Atléti.
Radu Dragusin to Tottenham
The fight with Bayern was crazy but Dragusin respected his word and decided to join Spurs ahead of the German champions.
Ange Postecoglou was also crucial in the direct exchange with Dragusin when he had the chance to speak to the defender. A proper warrior in Serie A, this was a smart move for Tottenham as they always find good opportunities in Italy.
Fabrizio Romano is an Italian sports journalist. He was born in 1993, he lives in Milan and has over 30 million followers in total on the major social networks.
He collaborates with 888sport, CBS Sports, Sky Sport, The Guardian and has been a transfer market expert since 2011. He will take care of a column dedicated to some "Behind the Scenes" of transfers.
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FA Cup Review: Fourth Round (2023/24)
THE Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round weekend provided truly outstanding thrills and spills.
There was a monumental giantkilling whilst another unfancied team ruffled the feathers of their massive Premier League adversaries.
Here are the main stories catching my eye…
SENSATIONAL STONES!
Our last remaining Non-League representatives Maidstone United dramatically executed one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of all-time in triumphing 2-1 at Ipswich Town.
Firstly, let me put everything into context. Maidstone occupy fourth spot in the National League South whereas 1978 FA Cup winners Ipswich Town are second in the Championship.
Significantly, these two sides sit 98 places apart in the football pyramid rankings although the Tractor Boys made 10 team changes from their previous League outing.
In addition, it is worth highlighting the incredible match stats. Ipswich racked up 78% possession plus 38 shots including 13 on target and 11 corners. Maidstone’s return was 22% possession, just two shots – both on target – and 0 corners.
Indeed, Ipswich rattled the woodwork three times during totally one-sided first half exchanges.
However those two Maidstone shots on target resulted in vital counter-attack goals via Lamar Reynolds (43 minutes) and Sam Corne (66 mins) overshadowing a Jeremy Sarmiento deflected strike for Ipswich on 56 minutes.
Reynolds’ dinked chip having run from his own half to open the scoring was simply sublime.
Visiting keeper Lucas Covolan amassed a lexicon of sprawling stops throughout leading to tremendous joyful celebrations amidst the 4,600 Maidstone fans at full-time.
By knocking out three EFL opponents so far, they have become the first club situated beneath English football’s top five divisions to reach the FA Cup Fifth Round since Blyth Spartans of the Northern League in 1978.
The Stones will now travel to face either Sheffield Wednesday or Coventry City. It could well be worth betting on a further major upset!
NOTABLE NEWPORT
Slumbering below halfway in League Two, Newport County gave 12 times FA Cup winners Manchester United a scare at sold-out Rodney Parade.
There was so much interest in this tie that temporary seating was installed to help accommodate the 9,086 crowd.
Yes, United scored twice within the initial 13 minutes where Bruno Fernandes and teenager Kobbie Mainoo converted.
But back came Newport to level things through a Bryn Morris 30 yard masterblaster (36 minutes) and Will Evans poking in at close range (47 mins) to defy FA Cup odds.
Evans really personified the FA Cup’s unique magic. A former farmer who has only played professionally for two years scoring against the team he supported as a schoolboy!
County boss Graham Coughlan said afterwards: “When we got to 2-2, I was dreaming and I thought we had United. They were certainly a bit rattled! Our own cup final would’ve been a replay at Old Trafford so it was so unfortunate we didn’t make it.”
The Premier League big boys eventually rallied to seal matters by virtue of Antony (68 mins) and £72 million summer signing Rasmus Højlund (90+4 mins). Yet the Newport County players thoroughly deserved their proud standing ovation on the final whistle.
Manchester United will visit Bristol City or Nottingham Forest in Round Five.
WREXHAM BOW OUT
Also from League Two, Wrexham manufactured a stunning effort to forge ahead at Championship hosts Blackburn Rovers on Monday night before succumbing 4-1.
With 7,000 away supporters giving vociferous backing, the Hollywood club drew first blood on 19 minutes when Andy Cannon smashed home 16 yards out following a sweeping move. “Cannon has delivered a cannon,” enthused one TV commentator.
Nevertheless, Blackburn drew on their six times FA Cup winners’ pedigree to muster goals by Sammie Szmodics (32 and 45+1minutes), Sam Gallagher (34 mins), and Sondre Tronstad (59 mins).
Szmodics has netted 21 times this season – incorporating five in two FA Cup games – cementing his position of the Championship’s leading marksman.
Next up, Rovers will entertain Newcastle United for a place in the Quarter Finals.
Tony is an experienced football broadcaster who has worked for Clubcall, Capital Gold, IRN Sport, talkSPORT Radio and Sky TV.
His devotion to Queens Park Rangers saw him reach 50 years without missing a home game in April 2023.
Tony is also a Non-League football expert having visited more than 2,500 different football grounds in his matchday groundhopping.
You can follow Tony on Twitter at @TonyIncenzo.
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Fabrizio Romano: Xavi And Barcelona To Part Ways After Tricky Spell At Camp Nou
Barcelona are prepared for a new era as Xavi Hernandez has announced his decision: he's set to leave the club at the end of the current season.
No way back for Xavi, even if Barça will win the Champions League in May he won't change his mind as he's prepared to try new chapter and spend some time with the family after difficult times as Barcelona manager in the recent months.
Xavi felt that the atmosphere around the club and specifically the team was already very negative since July.
At the beginning of the season the situation started to be complicated, then Xavi understood that in any case he was going to part ways with Barcelona at the end of the season and he decided to make it public after one more, disappointing defeat against Villarreal playing at home.
What's next for Barcelona? It's worth to clarify that the president Joan Laporta will decide together with the board, specifically the director Deco who's gonna support in the decision process to find the best manager for Barça job.
It's going to take some time, nothing is imminent or close at this stage. It's gonna be about ideas, internal discussions and also contacts with some important agents, this is not a fast process also because Barça can't fail after this disappointing season and the strong words from Xavi in press conference.
Let's clarify that nothing is close with Youth team manager and former Barça CB Rafa Marquez; he's always been in the rumours but nothing is close or imminent with the Mexican coach, just one of the names discussed.
Barcelona have also not made any contact with former club's midfielder Thiago Motta who's doing fantastic job at Bologna, but sources say he's expected to stay in Serie A next season too.
More candidates will follow for sure, for example Roberto de Zerbi is appreciated by both Liverpool (Xabi Alonso and De Zerbi are in the list for sure) and Barça, but it's still too early to decide on his future, also because he wants to focus on second half of the season at Brighton.
Someone in the board appreciates Imanol, doing excellent job at Real Sociedad; but contacts didn't take place so far. Many rumours about Jurgen Klopp, that's obvious but he announced that doesn't want to coach any club next season and there's no contact from Barça side.
Barcelona will take their time, it's a crucial process for the club in a crucial moment for the team.
They can't make any mistake, the process is just at the beginning and expect more names to follow up in the list.
Fabrizio Romano is an Italian sports journalist. He was born in 1993, he lives in Milan and has over 30 million followers in total on the major social networks.
He collaborates with 888sport, CBS Sports, Sky Sport, The Guardian and has been a transfer market expert since 2011. He will take care of a column dedicated to some "Behind the Scenes" of transfers.
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Fabrizio Romano on Jurgen Klopp Leaving Liverpool
It's an historical week for Liverpool. One of the best managers in the history of the club, Jurgen Klopp, has decided to leave at the end of the season closing a fantastic 9 year chapter winning every possible title.
This was a shocking decision also for the players. Yes, because one of the secrets of this story is about the timing; Jurgen Klopp told the squad about his decision on Friday morning.
Direct, honest communication to tell the players that his plan is first of all to win all possible titles together this season, keeping the focus on doing special things in the present but the future will be away from Anfield for Jurgen Klopp.
His speech was really appreciated by the players; Klopp wants to leave with trophies, sources close to the German coach believes that timing is perfect to avoid any leak in the next weeks during the second, crucial half of the season and also to push the squad to make something special and win the final titles of Jurgen Klopp's era at Liverpool, definitely a different way to say goodbye in May.
Why leaving the club, so? Klopp said the truth: he has not spoken to any other club or negotiated any contract elsewhere, he's just tired after nine years in charge at Liverpool with daily hard work and also his feeling when it was time to rebuild the squad last summer was not the same he had in the past.
"It's time to stop", he told his backroom staff and then Liverpool board before informing the squad on Friday.
Liverpool are expected to face a real revolution in the summer because Klopp will leave but also all the members from his backroom staff have decided to do the same; it's over, time to refresh the staff and have new project with new head coach.
The crucial part will also be about the new director of football; another key decision has been made about Jorg Schmadtke, German director appointed last summer and very close to Jurgen Klopp. He's also leaving the club, with Liverpool prepared to review the strategy.
Sources guarantee that the intention is to get a new director in the next months and then decide on the future manager, with multiple candidates in the list; but the director will be instrumental to decide who's the best manager for present and future project.
It's not easy to replace a legend of the club like Klopp; Liverpool owners are aware of this and that's why they want to build the best structure behind the future manager, conversations will start very soon to make first decisions after Klopp shock and then proceed with the first steps of the new era.
Meanwhile, Klopp will only be focused on Liverpool and sources guarantee that he won't listen to any proposal until May.
He has no intention to negotiate with other clubs or discuss different projects right now, he wants to show total respect to Liverpool and won't accept any other conversation in this moment, waiting for the future that for sure will not be in Premier League.
End of an era, but also new project due to start soon. Important, crucial months ahead for Liverpool Football Club.
Fabrizio Romano is an Italian sports journalist. He was born in 1993, he lives in Milan and has over 30 million followers in total on the major social networks.
He collaborates with 888sport, CBS Sports, Sky Sport, The Guardian and has been a transfer market expert since 2011. He will take care of a column dedicated to some "Behind the Scenes" of transfers.
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Jurgen Klopp Net Worth - How Much Does The Liverpool Manager Earn?
Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest football managers of his generation
Successful at Dortmund and Liverpool, Klopp was amassed an enormous net worth
Read below for more on Klopp’s career to date and earnings
Asserting himself among the best in the world at Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp has become a world star as Liverpool manager, though he has recently revealed that he will leave the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Those who bet on football will be familiar with Klopp’s achievements in Germany and England, winning trophies, producing entertaining football and inspiring fan bases.
Liverpool have ascended the Premier League odds under Klopp. He brought Anfield its first league title of the Premier League era, re-establishing them as title contenders after years in the relative doldrums.
Klopp Leaving Liverpool
The Liverpool manager, who has spent the last nine years at Anfield, announced in January 2024 that he was to step down at the end of the season, citing "running out of energy" as the main reason for his decision.
"I told the club already in November. I can understand that it's a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it - or at least try to explain it.
"I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.
"It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again."
Sometimes divisive, but universally respected, Klopp’s achievements as a manager will be remembered for decades to come.
His integrity and values as a man are at least as significant in his appeal to neutrals and Liverpool fans alike. Let’s take a look at Klopp’s career and life to date.
Jurgen Klopp Salary
According to Goal, Jurgen Klopp’s salary is somewhere in the £10 million ballpark. Sportekz claimed Klopp was the Premier League’s second-highest paid manager in 2020-21, a place he’s unlikely to have lost in 2021-22.
Klopp’s weekly wage is comparable to that of the best Premier League strikers. Given his impact on every club he has managed, it’s hard to argue with that.
He has taken Liverpool back to the top, developed numerous players, and collected silverware.
Jurgen Klopp Net Worth
Jurgen Klopp’s net worth is reportedly in the region of £40 million. While this is dwarfed by the $120 million figure for Jose Mourinho, this ranks pretty strongly alongside many other managers in EPL predictions.
Rafael Benitez, the last Liverpool manager to win the Champions League before Klopp, comes in at £22 million. Estimates for Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel sit around £15 million.
Most of Klopp’s net worth has obviously been amassed through salaries and bonuses, but his wealth will have had a boost from endorsement deals.
He has a partnership with Warsteiner, a German beer company. Not only does Germany have a rich tradition of beer drinking, Klopp is also personally connected to the industry.
The Liverpool manager said, "My grandparents owned a small brewery and I do enjoy a good beer."
On top of the collaboration with Warsteiner, Klopp has also worked with car manufacturer Opel, Philips, and Sky Deutschland.
During Liverpool’s partnership with New Balance, he was a brand ambassador, often donning the club merchandise on the sidelines.
Jurgen Klopp Wife
Jurgen Klopp has been married twice. His first wife was called Sabine, and the couple spent over a decade together before getting divorced in 2001.
There are minimal news stories about this relationship given Jurgen’s status in world football at that point in time and their desire to keep their lives very private.
Jurgen met his second wife, Ulla Sandrock, at a pub in the 2005 Oktoberfest. The couple didn’t hang around, tying the knot in December of the same year.
Sandrock has a child from a previous marriage – a son named Dennis.
Jurgen Klopp Son
Jurgen Klopp’s son is called Marc. Born in 1988, Marc followed in father’s footsteps, taking up a career in professional football as a right-back.
Starting out with FSV Frankfurt as a youth player, Marc moved on to Klein-Karben before a switch to Darmstadt in 2009.
He was at Dortmund with his father for a couple of years, though he never broke through to the first team.
After a short spell away from the game, Marc played in the Kreisliga for VfL Kemminghausen 1925. Injuries effectively ended Marc’s career, and he retired from the game midway through the 2010s.
Jurgen Klopp Teams Managed
Jurgen Klopp has managed three teams: Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.
Upon retiring as a player in 2001, Klopp took over as Mainz manager. He had played for the club for just over a decade, racking up 340 appearances.
It took only a couple of seasons for Klopp to make his mark, guiding Mainz to the Bundesliga in 2004. Relegation followed in 2006/07, though, and Klopp resigned in 2008.
His Heavy Metal Football got a bigger stage when he took over at Dortmund later that year. The project of Klopp’s gegenpressing and some sensational recruitment saw Die Schwarzgelben win the league title in 2010/11.
Despite losing some of their best players, Klopp guided Dortmund to the 2012/13 Champions League final.
Departures and fatigue began to take its toll on Klopp and the club. He left Dortmund in 2015. Joining Liverpool a matter of months later, Klopp got his first taste of football outside of Germany.
His heart on his sleeve nature was a perfect match for Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp Honours
Jurgen Klopp has collected numerous team and individual honours during his managerial career. Here are the highlights:
Bundesliga – 2010/11, 2011/12
DFB Pokal – 2011/12
Premier League – 2019/20
Champions League – 2018/19
German Football Manager of the Year – 2011, 2012, 2019
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach – 2019, 2020
Premier League Manager of the Season – 2019/20
BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year – 2020
Jurgen Klopp Eye Surgery
Some time during the 2021 offseason, Jurgen Klopp underwent a small procedure on his eyes. It was a topic the Liverpool manager was asked about when fans and media realised he was no longer wearing his trademark glasses.
With wealth similar to that of Pep Guardiola’s net worth, Klopp isn’t exactly short of the cash to go for a procedure like this. Interestingly, Klopp didn’t go for a permanent laser treatment on his eyes. Rather, he referred to it as a ‘correction’.
Speaking to BILD, he said, "It's actually totally private, but I can explain it to you once too. I've been wearing glasses since I was 10 years old - that's 44 years.
"The problem in recent years was that the glasses could no longer correct my poor eyesight. The solution to this was a minor intervention. It wasn't lasering or anything, but it made me see very well without glasses at the moment."
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
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Which Premier League Players Are At The 2024 Africa Cup Of Nations?
Teams losing players for AFCON is something to consider when weighing up Premier League odds in the coming weeks. Some have lost integral members of their squads, while others will be unaffected by the tournament hosted in Ivory Coast.
International football has been put on the back burner in Europe through the winter months, but this is a hectic time in the sporting calendar with AFCON and the Asian Cup taking place during European club seasons.
With injuries already causing major issues across the Premier League in 2023-24, international duties through January and February will stretch teams even thinner.
For the players, this is an opportunity to make history. Sure, they will have one eye on their club team’s results, but every AFCON is a massive event. Here are the Premier League players named in AFCON squads…
Arsenal – Mohamed Elneny
Mohamed Elneny has played a grand total of one Premier League minute this season. As AFCON begins, Arsenal are on a poor run, having been knocked out of the FA Cup and spluttered in the league.
Elneny’s absence isn’t going to make too much difference to Mikel Arteta, but it further depletes their depth with Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira sidelined through injury.
Aston Villa – Bertrand Traore
Like Elneny, Bertrand Traore has been out of favour at his club side. He is, however, a crucial member of the Burkina Faso team, and has the second-most caps of the squad for AFCON.
Traore has been dealing with a knock over the last few weeks, and has not appeared for Villa since early November. At least Burkina Faso boss Hubert Velud does not need to worry about fatigue with the former with his skipper.
Bournemouth – Dango Ouattara, Antoine Semenyo
Representing Burkina Faso and Ghana respectively, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo are significant losses for Bournemouth. They have combined for 29 appearances in the first half of the season, 16 of which have been starts.
Bournemouth have some challenging games to come, including Liverpool, West Ham and Nottingham Forest. Andoni Iraola will be crossing his fingers for no further injuries while Ouattara and Semenyo are unavailable.
Brentford – Yoane Wissa, Frank Onyeka
Brentford have lost five Premier League matches in a row. They will be thankful that they have no more league fixtures until Ivan Toney returns from suspension, particularly with Yoane Wissa heading off to AFCON.
*Odds subject to change. Max stakes applies. T&C apply.
With four goals and an assist, Wissa is one of just three Brentford players with more than two goals this term.
While Frank Onyeka has predominantly been a substitute, he will still be missed while representing Nigeria. Brentford are dealing numerous injuries, and Onyeka is a very useful squad player for Thomas Frank.
Chelsea – Nicolas Jackson
It’s been a difficult first few months in London for Nicolas Jackson. The former Villarreal striker now gets a chance to be a hero for his country, as Senegal look to become the first nation to win consecutive AFCON titles since Egypt in 2010.
Only Cole Palmer can better Jackson’s tally of seven Premier League goals for Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino is still searching for an effective attacking formula, and there has been a setback for Christopher Nkunku after his return from injury.
Crystal Palace – Jordan Ayew
Crystal Palace notched a vital win in Jordan Ayew’s last Premier League match before joining up with Ghana for AFCON. Ayew put in perhaps his best performance of the season in the win, including an assist for Michael Olise’s opening goal.
That assist was Ayew’s fifth of the campaign. His 3.4 expected assists this season is more than Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and James Maddison.
Everton – Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye is into his mid-thirties, but he’s still an asset for Everton and continues to be a key player for Senegal. The former PSG midfielder has a whopping 107 caps to his name, which is the most in an experienced Senegal squad.
While Gueye is not posting the same eye-popping numbers he did earlier in his career, he’s still up at 2.3 tackles and almost an interception per match. Sean Dyche is one of the best managers to navigate Gueye’s absence, though.
Fulham – Fodo Ballo-Toure, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey have combined for 24 Premier League starts this season. Fodo Ballo-Toure has only made four substitute appearances in the league, but his inclusion in the Senegal squad leaves Fulham a bit thin down the left.
Don’t be surprised to see the west London club delve into the transfer market this January. They will be desperate to avoid the slump that saw them slide down the table last season.
Liverpool – Mohamed Salah
Of all the players away at AFCON, Mohamed Salah’s absence has the potential to have the greatest impact on Premier League winner betting odds.
Liverpool are top by three points as of 10th January. Salah is tied with Haaland in the Golden Boot race. The Egyptian has had four more goal involvements than any other player, and will likely be unavailable for the majority of the tournament, with Egypt expected to go on another deep run.
The fixture list has been kind to Liverpool during Salah’s absence until they face Chelsea on 31st January and Arsenal on 4th February.
Luton – Issa Kabore
An already thin Luton squad is being tested further with Issa Kabore’s absence. The right wing-back is second on the team in tackles per 90, and has played 1,053 minutes already in the Premier League.
Luton have a must-win against Burnley on the 12th before facing Brighton, Newcastle and Sheffield United.
Manchester United – Andre Onana, Sofyan Amrabat
Despite some high-profile blunders, Andre Onana has the sixth-best post-shot expected goal plus/minus in the Premier League this term. After a lengthy transfer saga following his excellent World Cup showings, Sofyan Amrabat has played just 612 league minutes.
With Casemiro still sidelined through injury, even more pressure falls on the young shoulders of Kobbie Mainoo while Amrabat pursues Morocco’s second AFCON.
Nottingham Forest – Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Ibrahim Sangare, Moussa Niakhate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Ola Aina
Nottingham Forest have been hit the hardest of any team. Six players are heading to Ivory Coast for AFCON, and five of those have made double-digit league starts this season.
Cheikhou Kouyate is the only player to have started fewer than 10 times, and the ex-Crystal Palace man has still made 10 appearances in total.
*Odds subject to change. Max stakes applies. T&C apply.
The Forest faithful will have been thankful for their two wins at the end of 2023. Nuno Espirito Santo will be hoping the new manager bounce can carry them through a difficult few weeks.
Sheffield United – Anis Ben Slimane, Yasser Larouci
The draw away to Aston Villa seemed to give Sheffield United some hope. Defeats to Luton and Manchester City again leave the Blades looking doomed.
Yasser Larouci and Anis Ben Slimane are not exactly integral members of the squad, but Chris Wilder needs all the help he can get at the moment.
Tottenham – Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma
Tottenham have arrested their slump with five wins from six across all competitions. Ange Postecoglou has already added Timo Werner in the January window, and rumours about a midfield acquisition are inevitable.
Rodrigo Bentancur has returned from injury at the right time, but Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg are the only other options in their two-man midfield.
Losing Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma at the same time is a real blow for Postecoglou. Both Mali and Senegal are fancied to progress, too.
West Ham – Mohammed Kudus, Nayef Aguerd
Scorer of four goals in five matches before departing for AFCON, West Ham will sorely miss Mohammed Kudus. David Moyes has other options in the final third, but losing Kudus as he was hitting a purple patch is disappointing.
Nayef Aguerd’s deputies are not of the same calibre. Moyes will at least be confident his replacements can hold the fort for a few weeks.
Wolves – Rayan Ait-Nouri, Boubacar Traore
After putting together a winning run in the league, Wolves lose Rayan Ait-Nouri and Boubacar Traore for a few weeks. Ait-Nouri has been a regular down the left, while Traore has been handed just three league starts.
Only three points off seventh place in the table, Wolves’ Premier League status is all but locked up for next season. They shouldn’t be hit too hard by these absences.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
