Sports
Liverpool Star Tipped To Join Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid
As if Liverpool’s transfer window wasn’t worrying enough, another star has now been tipped to join Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid.
With the right-back expected to join the Spanish giants in the summer, the agent of Ryan Gravenberch has now sparked speculation over the midfielder’s Anfield future.
His agent, Jose Rodriguez, publicly declared the Dutchman’s desire to one day wear the white of Real Madrid — delivering another potential transfer headache for Liverpool in the process.
Already facing uncertainty around key players like Alexander-Arnold, who is understood to be on his way to the Bernabeu this summer on a free, the Reds are also contending with Real Madrid’s interest in Ibrahima Konate.
Meanwhile, contract negotiations involving Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah remain unresolved, though there are signs of progress in both cases.
Now, the spotlight has turned to Gravenberch, who has emerged as a standout performer this season under Arne Slot.
The 22-year-old Netherlands international has played a crucial role in Liverpool’s dynamic midfield trio, slotting in alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to help power the Reds to the top of the Premier League table.
But his agent Rodriguez has revealed ambitions beyond Anfield.
“We would love him to join Real Madrid,” Rodriguez told Spanish publication Marca.
“When Ryan was 16, Barca called us. They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritised his development.
“At Ajax, he was able to develop in a way that he possibly wouldn’t have at Barca.”
Fast-forward to the present day, and Rodriguez made no secret of their admiration for Los Blancos.
“He’s good enough for Real Madrid. We would love for him to play for them.”
Despite the public praise, a move this summer appears unlikely.
“Liverpool would ask for a lot of money. I know Real have had their eye on him, but now it’s impossible,” Rodriguez added.
Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 for around £34.2 million.
Initially viewed as a squad player under Jurgen Klopp, he’s flourished since being repositioned into a deeper-lying No.6 role by Slot — a tactical shift that came after Liverpool missed out on signing Martin Zubimendi last summer.
His transformation has been vital to Liverpool’s unexpected title charge.
Tributes have poured in following the death of Nigerian non-league footballer Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, who died from a catastrophic brain injury just one day before his wife and four-year-old daughter could reach his bedside.
Adeniji, who played as a winger for Kings Park Rangers in Halstead, Essex, passed away in hospital on Friday after being admitted to intensive care on January 25 with a severe brain stem injury.
The club rallied around his family, who travelled from Nigeria to be with him but arrived after his death.
A fundraising appeal launched to support them has raised more than £16,000 of its £17,000 target to help cover expenses, including travel and accommodation.
Medical staff reportedly delayed switching off life support in the hope that his family would arrive in time to say goodbye, but the club confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement released on Saturday.
Kings Park Rangers said: “It is with great sadness that we must announce our number 17 Saburi Adeniji ‘Ola’ passed away yesterday morning. He fought so hard to still be here for when his family arrived. His wife and daughter unfortunately arrived this morning, a day late.
“He will always be a King. He will always be loved. As a friend, as a dad as a husband, as a brother and as a son. R.I.P Saburi Adeniji.”
The Essex and Suffolk Border League side waived gate fees in recent weeks, redirecting the funds as donations for the family, and observed a minute’s silence before their match against Henley Athletic. The club also organised a fundraising event to support the bereaved family.
In another message, the club said: “We are overwhelmed with the support and on behalf of everyone involved with the club.”
The fundraising page explained that the money would assist with emergency visa applications, travel expenses and accommodation while the family remains in the UK.
It also highlighted Adeniji’s devotion to his family, stating: “Saburi leaves behind a four-year-old daughter, whom he adored. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and was deeply committed to giving his daughter a good education and a better future.
“Beyond the immediate need to reunite his family, this fund will also be used to support his wife financially as she navigates life after this devastating loss and help secure his daughter’s education and wellbeing back home in Nigeria.
“This is a moment for the football world to come together players, clubs, teammates, supporters, and friends. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference to a young family facing unimaginable heartbreak.”
Leicester City have confirmed the loan signing of Joe Aribo from Southampton, DAILY POST reports. The move, according to the Foxes, is subject to league approval.
Aribo endured a difficult first half of the season at Southampton, making just seven league appearances, all as a substitute. The Nigeria international is not expected to return to the Saints, with his contract set to expire this summer.
The 29-year-old made 111 appearances for Southampton across four seasons in the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.
Aribo will now link up with his new teammates as Leicester prepare for their upcoming Sky Bet Championship fixture away at Birmingham City on Saturday.
Al-Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, boycotting Saudi Pro League games has led to several transfers being held up.
As it stands, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté and Youssef En-Nesyri cannot join new teams.
The potential move of Benzema to Al-Hilal was set to trigger a domino effect, which would have seen Kanté move to Fenerbahçe and En-Nesyri sign for Al-Ittihad. However, Ronaldo is opposed to it, believing the transfers would harm the balance and fair competition of the league.
His frustration comes from the fact that Prince Al Waleed, the outright to-be owner of Al Hilal in the summer — unlike Al Nassr, which is under PIF governance— can use his own personal funds to finalize transfers.
BREAKING: President Tinubu Makes Fresh Appointments [FULL LIST]
Trump’s Secret Deal With Tinubu’s Govt Revealed
Bandit Attacks: Nigerian Governor Shuts Down All Activities In The State
Former Super Eagles Star Loses Life Savings, Duped By A Pastor of ₦1.2 Billion
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
