Reds clash with Juve on target duo & latest on Origi’s new deal – Thursday’s Liverpool FC News Roundup

We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, as transfer stories continue to circulate.

Liverpool Want Origi Deal Sorted

According to HLN, via Sport Witness, Liverpool are ‘in a hurry’ to tie Divock Origi down to a new deal.

The Belgian has enjoyed an unlikely Anfield resurrection this season, scoring huge goals against Everton, Newcastle and Barcelona.

At one stage, it looked likely that Origi would definitely leave, but a dramatic change of plan has seen the Reds open talks over a contract extension.

The striker isn’t being rushed into making a decision, however, as he assesses his options moving forward.

The thought of Origi staying earlier in the season wasn’t a positive one, but he has turned things around admirably and could be a key squad player moving forward.

---

AZ Alkmaar Reject Friendly Opportunity

According to Noordhollands Dagblad, via Inside Futbol, Liverpool have seen a request to play AZ Alkmaar in a friendly rejected.

The Reds were hoping to face the Dutch Eredivisie side as preparation for the Champions League final, keeping players match fit in the process.

The aim was to play it at some point in the next two weeks, but AZ have not granted Liverpool’s wish, saying they won’t be able to send a team to Spain, where the friendly would have taken place.

AZ’s players have gone on holiday after finishing their 2018/19 season and the club were unwilling to disrupt their downtime.

---

Dybala Set to Leave Juventus

Paulo Dybala is expected to leave Juventus this summer, having surprisingly fallen out of favour at the Serie A champions.

The Argentine was once the golden boy of Turin, but Cristiano Ronaldo has taken over that mantle and a fresh challenge is required.

Speaking to Argentine radio show Futbolemico, Dybala’s brother, Gustavo, says the 25-year-old has every chance of leaving, remaining coy on his next destination:

“Yes, there is a good chance he’ll leave Juventus. Absolutely. He needs a change.

“I can’t say where he’ll go, but there is a strong chance Paulo will leave. Of course he’s not happy there.

“Paulo’s not the only one, as many players are uncomfortable at Juve. He won’t be the one who will leave the Bianconeri this summer.”

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Dybala, and while a deal to bring him in feels unlikely, it cannot be ruled out just yet.

---

Rabiot Has Juve Offer

Speaking of Juventus, they have offered Adrien Rabiot a contract, if Tuttosport are to be believed (which is not necessarily the case).

The midfielder was continually tipped to join Liverpool earlier in the campaign, but the talk has quietened as time has passed.

Rabiot will definitely leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, having failed to sign a new deal, partly due to disciplinary reasons.

Man United are also thought to be in the race for the Frenchman’s signature, but who would want to move there currently?

---

18 Years Since Alaves

Thursday marks 18 years to the day since Liverpool won the 2001 UEFA Cup, completing a historic cup treble under Gerard Houllier.

One of the great forgotten finals in many ways, a crazy night in Dortmund saw the Reds eventual prevail 5-4, thanks to the Golden Goal rule.

Delfi Geli’s own goal handed Houllier’s men the trophy, following earlier goals from Markus Babbel, Steven Gerrard, Gary McAllister (penalty) and Robbie Fowler.

Let’s hope June 1 is a day we can look back on in years to come as another one which saw Liverpool seal European glory.