“I was looking non-stop" - Former Liverpool coach claims he urged the Reds to sign Bayern Munich star
Former Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has said that he urged the club to sign Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer in the past. He said that the German was one of two options he recommended but they failed to sign them.
Achterberg joined the Reds as a goalkeeping coach in 2009. In a recent episode of Aldo Meets podcast, he spoke about how he recommended Neuer to the club when he was still at Schalke 04. He said (via TBR Football):
“I was looking non-stop. I enjoyed it as well. You could say what you wanted. The first goalie I said to Comolli was Neuer at Schalke, I said he would be good for us, but then he said he’s going to Bayern."
He added that he also recommended Samir Handanovic, saying:
“The second one I said Handanovic who was at Udinese, and he said he doesn’t like it. I watched him against Ireland, he’s physical, a good shot stopper, and a good size.”
Neuer, meanwhile, joined Bayern Munich from Schalke in 2011 for €30 million. He went on to become a club legend, keeping 244 clean sheets in 521 games, helping them win numerous trophies. The German is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, if not the greatest.
Fabrizio Romano provides update on Liverpool's pursuit of Premier League star
The Reds are reportedly the only club in Europe's top five leagues who has yet to make a signing this summer. They have been linked with many players, though, and one of them is Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Merseysiders are highly interested in signing Gordon but have yet to make an official bid. He reported (via Give Me Sport):
"Something more, guys, because I already told you two or three days ago that the appreciation of Liverpool for Anthony Gordon remains strong. As of today, there is still no bid from Liverpool to Newcastle, so we can't talk about the negotiation and we can't confirm the situation now.
"What I can confirm, once again, is the appreciation of the player internally at Liverpool. In several meetings that the club have had, the name of Anthony Gordon has been discussed, and he’s really highly rated. Liverpool believe he’s a top, top player."
Gordon joined Newcastle United from Everton in January 2023 for a reported fee of €45.60 million. He contributed 11 goals and 10 assists in 35 Premier League games last season.