Man City’s former financial advisor gives his verdict on whether the club will win or lose their legal battle against the Premier League

Man City’s former financial advisor gives his verdict on whether the club will win or lose their legal battle against the Premier League

given his view on City’s legal case
The title winners sued the Premier League on Tuesday over new financial rules
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Manchester City’s former financial advisor has given his view on whether or not the club are likely to win their legal case against the Premier League.

The club sued the Premier League on Tuesday over new financial rules, claiming they are victims of ‘discrimination’ and that regulations approved by rivals are aimed at curtailing their success in a ‘tyranny of the majority’.

City argue that the league’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, which prevent clubs from determining the price of deals with companies linked to their owners, are unlawful.

A private hearing starts on Monday and its verdict could have wide-ranging consequences on the 115 charges aimed at City for alleged breaches of the league’s accounting rules.

Pep Guardiola’s side could be fined or even relegated if they are found guilty in that case, for which a hearing is set for November.

Man City chairman makes FFP case admission as he gives Guardiola contract update.

Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insists that the Premier League’s financial fair play case against them is “taking longer than what anyone hoped for”.

The Citizens were hit with 115 charges of relating to FFP breaches dating back to 2009 in February 2023 with the Premier League club denying any wrongdoing.

Man City won the Treble in 2023 and their fourth consecutive Premier League last season as Pep Guardiola cemented himself as one of the greatest managers in English top-flight history.

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To many critics of the club, which is supported by the vast wealth of owner Sheikh Mansour, the Premier League charges cast a shadow over their success.

And Man City chairman Al Mubarak admits the shadow of the charges over their successes has been “frustrating” while claiming the Citizens have wanted the case sorted out sooner.

Al Mubarak said: “Of course, it’s frustrating. I think the referencing is always frustrating. Having it being talked about the way it’s being talked about. I can feel for our fanbase, and everyone associated with the club, to have these charges constantly referenced.

“I think we as a club have to respect that there is a process that we have to go through, and we’re going through it. It’s taking longer than what anyone hoped for, but it is what it is, and I’ve always repeated, let’s be judged by the facts, and not by claims and counterclaims.

Guardiola’s contract runs out at the end of next season and there are reports that he is now likely to leave the club, with the Man City boss himself admitting that he is “closer to leaving than staying”.

On Guardiola’s contract situation, Al Mubarak added: “We have had this conversation many times before, you know that, over the years of the contract. Pep has always been fully committed to this club, fully committed to every contract that he has signed with us.

“This decision on his future is always a decision that we will take together, and I have no doubt that we will find, as always, we have done, the right solution that works for Pep and works for us.

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Man City chairman makes FFP case admission as he gives Guardiola contract update
Joe Williams 2 hours ago
Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Pep Guardiola
Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Pep Guardiola celebrate with the Premier League title.
Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insists that the Premier League’s financial fair play case against them is “taking longer than what anyone hoped for”.

The Citizens were hit with 115 charges of relating to FFP breaches dating back to 2009 in February 2023 with the Premier League club denying any wrongdoing.

Man City won the Treble in 2023 and their fourth consecutive Premier League last season as Pep Guardiola cemented himself as one of the greatest managers in English top-flight history.

Euro 2024 is nearly here. Book your Germany hotel today with Marriott Bonvoy

To many critics of the club, which is supported by the vast wealth of owner Sheikh Mansour, the Premier League charges cast a shadow over their success.

And Man City chairman Al Mubarak admits the shadow of the charges over their successes has been “frustrating” while claiming the Citizens have wanted the case sorted out sooner.

Al Mubarak said: “Of course, it’s frustrating. I think the referencing is always frustrating. Having it being talked about the way it’s being talked about. I can feel for our fanbase, and everyone associated with the club, to have these charges constantly referenced.

“I think we as a club have to respect that there is a process that we have to go through, and we’re going through it. It’s taking longer than what anyone hoped for, but it is what it is, and I’ve always repeated, let’s be judged by the facts, and not by claims and counterclaims.

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Guardiola’s contract runs out at the end of next season and there are reports that he is now likely to leave the club, with the Man City boss himself admitting that he is “closer to leaving than staying”.

On Guardiola’s contract situation, Al Mubarak added: “We have had this conversation many times before, you know that, over the years of the contract. Pep has always been fully committed to this club, fully committed to every contract that he has signed with us.

“This decision on his future is always a decision that we will take together, and I have no doubt that we will find, as always, we have done, the right solution that works for Pep and works for us.

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“It’s hard to put into words what Pep has given this organisation, this club. You can look at just records, for history’s sake and there I think he’s racked up every record, almost, in the book. And these are records that I think will be very, very hard in the future to ever break.

“From winning six out of the last seven Premier Leagues, to winning four in a row, to the number of wins, the records go on and on and on. I think what his impact has been on football. English football has changed with the evolution to the type of football that Pep has brought into the league.

“Since 1926, five teams have attempted to win four times in a row. Five teams. Huddersfield, Arsenal, Liverpool in the 1980s and then Manchester United, who attempted it twice. None of them succeeded. In over 100 years of English football, never has any team been able to achieve four championships in a row.

“So, once that sinks in you start really appreciating the magnitude of what was achieved. The difficulty, the challenge, the tenacity required.”

TRANSFERSJulian Alvarez now ‘very likely’ to leave Manchester City – Three European giants interested as price tag set

Manchester City are now ‘very likely’ to see Julian Alvarez leave the club during the upcoming summer market, according to a new report.

The Argentina international has enjoyed an exemplary start to life with Manchester City, having joined the club from River Plate in the summer market of 2022, going on to claim a historic Treble at the first time of asking.

While the first campaign often saw Alvarez play back-up to Erling Haaland, despite recording a commendable number of appearances in the process, the now-24 year old took on plenty more responsibility during the recent 2023/24 season.

The injury to Kevin De Bruyne in the opening game of the Premier League season saw Pep Guardiola call upon Alvarez to occupy the attacking midfield responsibilities alongside Phil Foden, and to a great deal of success too.

However, despite that up turn in opportunities and responsibilities at the Etihad Stadium, reports are beginning to intensify concerning the future of Julian Alvarez beyond the upcoming summer market.

According to the information of Argentine journalist Hernán Castillo, it is now ‘very likely’ that Julián Alvarez will leave Premier League champions Manchester City, but not to La Liga’s Atlético Madrid – following their reported interested on Tuesday.

The report goes on to claim that Alvarez’s Manchester City exit would be to a ‘bigger club’ than Atlético Madrid within the European game, with a follow-up report siding with that suggestion.

As per the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, Julian Alvarez has ‘bigger clubs’ than Atletico Madrid wanting him during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Those clubs are said to include Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, while it is said to be ‘likely’ that Manchester City will cash in if someone offers a transfer fee of £80 million.

However, the challenge could come when searching for a player with the long-term potential and intense work-rate in numerous positions within a Pep Guardiola system.

Back on the field and Manchester City have already had a say on Julian Alvarez’s immediate playing future, having given the player the green light to represent Argentina at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, should he be selected for action.

Premier League ‘chalk up £20m’ legal bill in Man City case amid Erling Haaland £175m ‘clause’
Manchester City are set to challenge the Premier League over regulations separate to those regarding the 115 charges of financial breaches.

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The Premier League trophy seen with Manchester City ribbons
The Premier League trophy seen with Manchester City ribbons (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

News broke on Tuesday evening that Manchester City are set to sue the Premier League over ‘unlawful’ financial regulations in what is a separate case to their battle against the 115 allegations of financial wrongdoing.

The Blues are seeking damages over Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules that were first enacted in 2021 on the back of the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s takeover of Newcastle United. The regulations attempt to prevent deals between associated parties from being inflated above fair market value.

City are claiming that such rules as discriminatory to clubs who have ties outside of London, and in particular those with links to Gulf states. The Premier League and Man City have been approached for comment.

READ MORE: Man City ‘sue Premier League’ in discrimination case

READ MORE: Kevin De Bruyne contract stance

Amid the initial battle over Profit & Sustainability Rules breaches, the Premier League is said to have racked up a massive bill in legal fees. Meanwhile, City are supposedly set to carry on with contract renewal plans with Erling Haaland.

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The Times claims the Premier League has seen its legal wage bill quadruple from around £5m to a staggering £20m in the past year alone. The League is thought to be having to focus attention on the new APT case rather than the 115-charge hearing due to the potential severity of the outcome.

If Man City are successful, then it could lead to other clubs setting up contracts with associated entities with no oversight from the Premier League. City are said to have employed top lawyers in the case, also spending big on three KCs and a regulatory law specialist.

MEN Sport says: “There is only so much that can be commented on given the legalities surrounding the matter. What seems obvious is the strain both the FFP case and the APT case is having on all parties involved.”

Haaland contract worry
Haaland could be in line for a new deal as Man City attempt to future-proof their squad and avoid a mass exodus in 2025. That’s according to the Mirror, which says a £175m contract clause within the striker’s contract has become active.

This is set to decrease through each of the three seasons left on his current deal. There are fears that director of football Txiki Begiristain could leave alongside Pep Guardiola next summer.

The worry is also that players will lose the appetite to stay at the Etihad Stadium too, including Kevin De Bruyne and Haaland, who has been frequently linked with Real Madrid. Securing Haaland’s future is said to be a priority for City in the coming months.

MEN Sport says:“While virtually no club could afford his current supposed buy-out clause, it seems wise to amend the caveat given it decreases with each year that passes. The fear that others leave along with Guardiola – whose contract expires next year – is real, if the Catalan indeed decides to call time.

“As with Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, the exit of such a talisman would lower City’s ability to attract and keep hold of players. Haaland may well go at some point but ensuring he doesn’t ultimately leave for less than his value will be essential in fuelling the next era within spending limits.”

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Pep Guardiola’s dream Man City line-up next season after Bruno Guimaraes transfer.

Pep Guardiola will already have an eye on how he wants Manchester City to line up next season.

City finished the campaign with the Premier League title after beating Arsenal and Liverpool to the trophy. The triumph was the Etihad club’s fourth consecutive league crown and sixth during Guardiola’s tenure as manager.

There was a sense of disappointment at the end of the campaign after City lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Guardiola’s side also missed out on the Champions League after losing to eventual winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

Pep Guardiola will already have an eye on how he wants Manchester City to line up next season.

City finished the campaign with the Premier League title after beating Arsenal and Liverpool to the trophy. The triumph was the Etihad club’s fourth consecutive league crown and sixth during Guardiola’s tenure as manager.

There was a sense of disappointment at the end of the campaign after City lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Guardiola’s side also missed out on the Champions League after losing to eventual winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

Work will already be underway for City’s preparations for next season. Part of that will involve potential transfers, and already there have been several rumours surrounding the possibility of new signings as well as potential departures.

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Pep Guardiola will already have an eye on how he wants Manchester City to line up next season.

City finished the campaign with the Premier League title after beating Arsenal and Liverpool to the trophy. The triumph was the Etihad club’s fourth consecutive league crown and sixth during Guardiola’s tenure as manager.

There was a sense of disappointment at the end of the campaign after City lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Guardiola’s side also missed out on the Champions League after losing to eventual winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

READ MORE: “I have to think”: Kevin De Bruyne casts doubt on Man City future

READ MORE: Man City ‘sue Premier League’ in discrimination case that could impact 115 charges hearing

Work will already be underway for City’s preparations for next season. Part of that will involve potential transfers, and already there have been several rumours surrounding the possibility of new signings as well as potential departures.

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Ederson has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer. Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian, but it remains to be seen if he will still be a City player at the start of the campaign.

City have Stefan Ortega in their ranks, who deputised impressively when called up this season. However, they may still hope to have Ederson at their disposal and fend off interest from Saudi Arabia in the process.

In terms of incomings, the one player who continues to be linked with City is Bruno Guimaraes. The Newcastle star is rumoured to be set for a move away from St James’ Park due to the club’s financial situation after missing out on Europe.

If City were to sign Guimaraes, he could be one of the first names on the team sheet in midfield alongside the likes of Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne. Guardiola would also have Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis and Julian Alvarez, who could all operate in midfield when needed.

The forward third will still see Erling Haaland and Phil Foden as two of the first names on the team sheet for City. The final position will have competition among several players, including Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish, while Oscar Bobb has emerged as a member of the first team this season.

City dream XI for 2024/25 season: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Guimaraes, De Bruyne; Silva, Foden, Haaland

What is Man City’s legal case vs Premier League, does it involve the 115 charges and can they win?
Club’s arguments, covered in 165-page document, include claims they are being unlawfully targeted by rivals to stifle their success

On Tuesday it was revealed that Manchester City have launched a legal assault against the Premier League, with the Abu Dhabi-owned club challenging sponsorship rules, while claiming they are victims of “discrimination” from rival clubs.

It is an unprecedented action which could ultimately undermine the competition’s 115 charges against the champions.

Here Telegraph Sport delves into the exact nature of the legal case and whether City can win.

What are the Premier League’s associated party transaction (APT) rules?
APT safeguards were originally introduced in December 2021 after the Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of Newcastle United. By then, it had already been alleged, initially via the Football Leaks dossier of private emails, that Manchester City had concealed payments made by their owner, Sheikh Mansour, through third parties and disguised them as sponsorship revenue.

Protections were brought in by rival clubs with two key themes in mind: to stop clubs using inflated sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners, and to ensure fair market value on player trading between teams under multi-club ownerships.

Last season, there were repeated attempts by other clubs – opposed primarily by City – to further tighten the restrictions. Since the 2021 rule was introduced, Newcastle have secured major uplifts on sponsorship agreements, including a £25 million-a-year front-of-shirt deal with Saudi events company Sela.

Player dealing was also a source of concern as the injury-hit club were expected to raid the Saudi Pro League in January. Eventually, in February, rules – which further restricted loans and purchases between related clubs – were passed on just 12 votes rather than the usual threshold of 14, reduced because of two rare abstentions. The key sticking point was understood to be around the personal liabilities directors have to assume for their clubs breaking financial regulations.

What are City arguing?
Within a 165-page legal document, City claim they are being unlawfully targeted by rivals to stifle their success. The club argues the league’s democratic system of 14 clubs being able to implement rule change gives the majority unacceptable levels of control.

City are seeking “damages for the losses which it has incurred as a result of the unlawfulness of the FMV [fair market value] rules”, the claim states. One potential target that could have been delayed as a result of the rule is winger Sávio, on loan last season at Girona, part of the City Football Group empire.

The rules were “deliberately intended to stifle commercial freedoms of particular clubs in particular circumstances, and thus to restrict economic competition”, the claim, first reported by The Times newspaper, says.

“There is no rational or logical connection between a club’s financial non-sustainability and its receipt of revenues from entities linked to ownerships.”

In his summary of the case, Daniel Gore, a senior associate at law firm Withers, says City are “challenging the contract which exists between the clubs themselves and the league”.

What do rivals fear?
Some clubs believe the first shots have been fired in a war that could ultimately lead to the end of all financial controls.

City will know they are not alone in seeking to loosen constraints. Chelsea and Newcastle both have shirt sponsors with close links to their ownership. Smaller regimes, however, are desperately hoping the Premier League is successful over the next fortnight. The 12 clubs who voted through the rule changes in February should be counted on to rally behind the top tier.

Gore warns the consequences for all clubs could be significant. “These rules provide a shield against an unrestricted sporting arms race between the most-wealthy owners, funnelling money into their club through parties they control and increasing the notional profitability of their club,” the lawyer says.

“If a challenge to the legality of these APTs can succeed then it is not inconceivable that someone might try to challenge the overarching Profitability and Sustainability rules more generally and this could reverse the moves to ensure that clubs operate within their means – something people may argue has increased the overall competitiveness of the Premier League and reduced clubs going insolvent.”

What does this mean for City’s 115 charges?
Launching the legal challenge now is a key part in City’s aggressive strategy to weaken the league ahead of their biggest fight of all in the autumn.

Time and resources spent preparing for next week’s case eats into the top tier’s legal team preparations for facing a City legal team again in November. In terms of the precedent set by evidence raised next week, the challenge next week to the fundamental mechanism of a two-third’s majority vote could prove particularly destabilising in the autumn.

“It is hard to see how effective governance could take place without a threshold such as this, so Man City’s challenge could plunge the Premier League’s governance structure into chaos and make it harder for any decision to take place,” explains Gore. “This move might be seen by some sceptics as Man City trying to manoeuvre the narrative and legal arguments in its favour, ahead of its own defence of the 115 charges.”

Dan Chapman, a sports lawyer and partner at Leathes Prior, says his “immediate instinct”, however, is that an unlawful verdict in a fortnight should “not be of major significance to the 115 charges”.

“If City thought that rules were unlawful to which they were subject over many, many years and were now, only in 2024, raising that, I do not see that would likely be a terribly attractive argument for any regulatory commission hearing the charges based on the laws as they then were,” he adds.

“I can understand if they establish the APT rules introduced in 2021 are unlawful that it would mean anyone charged post-2021 would have something to say about it, but I do not immediately see the direct link between this and the bulk of the 115 charges.

“That said, of course, symbolically, I suppose, if City were to win this case, it certainly gives them a significant moral high ground or PR footing to argue that a lot of the charges that they face, under the historical regulations, would not necessarily be brought under whatever amended regulations emerge from the outcome of these proceedings.”

🚨BREAKING: After 9 Years, Talented Player Ready To Say Goodbye To Man City

TRANSFERSManchester City ‘firmly focussed’ on £100 million midfielder – Two first-team stars could be involved in ‘compromise deal’

Officials within the Etihad Stadium remain ‘firmly focussed’ on the signing of Newcastle United and Brazil international midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The 26-year-old is widely expected to be at the centre of somewhat of a transfer scramble in the coming months, with a number of clubs admiring his abilities and some keen to take advantage of the fact that the Magpies are held to a nine-figure release clause.

While some clubs may not be willing to trigger such a clause at its £100 million valuation, there is likely to be negotiations to be had over offering a deal that comes close to such an amount or appeals to Eddie Howe and his coaching staff in terms of makeweight personnel.

Manchester City are one of those clubs, alongside their Premier League title rivals for the last two seasons Arsenal, with a number of uncertainties within their first-team midfield ranks as the summer market approaches.

Bernardo Silva continues to hold some uncertainty over his future, having eyed a move away from the Etihad Stadium for the last three seasons, while Kalvin Phillips is highly likely to find a way out of the club on either a permanent or temporary agreement.

Now, according to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, Etihad Stadium bosses remain firmly focused on signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United this summer.

However, while it has been well-documented that the Brazilian international has a £100 million release clause valid the end of June, both the midfielder and Manchester City are hopeful of a ‘compromise deal’, as per the

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Former Manchester City player Sergio Aguero looks on during the Manchester City Training Session ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final o…Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Sergio Aguero reacts with four words fans will love as Manchester City send birthday message
Mon 3 June 2024 19:00
Tom Procter
Manchester City sent a birthday message to Sergio Aguero at the weekend, and the Etihad Legend gave a response fans will love.

Manchester City recently secured their fourth straight Premier League title, beating West Ham United on the final day of the season to edge out Arsenal.

That was Pep Guardiola‘s sixth as City manager, and the eighth in the club’s history.

The very first, of course, came back in 2012 – and it could not have arrived in more dramatic fashion.

City fans will never forget the emotions of going 2-1 down against QPR, before turning it around to win and break Manchester United hearts.

The man responsible for arguably the most famous Premier League goal ever was Sergio Aguero, and on Sunday he sent a message to City fans after seeing the club use it to mark his birthday…

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Sergio Aguero reacts as Manchester City use 93:20 goal to make legend’s birthday
Manchester City’s Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero celebrates his late winning goal with team-mates during the English Premier League football mat…
Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages
There will likely never again be a final day quite like the 2011/12 Premier League season.

City had their noses in front heading to the final round of fixtures and on any other day, the team would have wiped the floor with strugglers QPR.

But there was a first league title at stake, and nerves were in the air.

City took the lead against QPR through Pablo Zabaleta, but the visitors hit back through Drjibril Cisse. The nerves then took hold, with Jamie Mackie giving QPR a shock lead. Meanwhile, United were leading against United.

City found a late equaliser though through Edin Dzeko, before potentially the most famous Premier League moment of all-time took place; Sergio Aguero collected a pass from Mario Balotelli and evaded a challenge from Taye Taiwo before lashing home at the near post.

Always in my heart 🩵 https://t.co/HCJWiQ2uXW

— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) June 2, 2024
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Scenes of bedlam ensued, and Aguero etched his name into the City history books forever.

On Sunday, the club posted on X to mark Aguero’s 36th birthday, and simply had to share his famous goal. Aguero replied ‘Always in my heart’. He also added a blue heart for good measure.

What a player
READ MORE: Who is Sergio Aguero? Step inside the life of the Premier League icon with 260 Man City goals
It is lovely to see Aguero acknowledging the post from City, and he clearly still cares deeply about the club and the fans.

Quite simply, his goal against QPR in 2012 was one of the most extraordinary moments in the history of football.

He will forever be adored by City fans for that moment alone, but of course, he was a sensational player during his 10 years at the club.

Undoubtedly, he is one of the greatest strikers the Premier League has ever seen. Not only was he lethal, but he was also a brilliant technician and creator, as evidenced by his 65 assists for the club.

He was truly fearsome, and it was a pleasure to see him don the sky-blue shirt.

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Cody Gakpo is Loving Life At The Red,As He Now Target Personal And Collective Success In His Second Year At The Club

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One year of Cody Gakpo at Liverpool: ‘I love being here’
INTERVIEWOne year of Cody Gakpo at Liverpool: ‘I love being here’
PUBLISHED 16 MINUTES AGO
By Glenn Price
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Cody Gakpo is loving life at Liverpool as he now targets personal and collective success in his second year at the club.

Thursday marked exactly 12 months since an agreement was reached for the Dutch forward’s transfer from PSV Eindhoven, marking the beginning of his journey at Anfield that has seen him score 14 goals from his half-century of appearances.

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Gakpo feels totally settled on Merseyside and credits the love given to him from the supporters as a reason for his quick adaptation period.

The No.18 told Liverpoolfc.com: “A year with obviously really good moments, some lesser-good moments, but I’m happy to be here and hopefully beautiful moments to come.

“I really feel at home and I think the club is amazing. It’s like a big family. The supporters are amazing every game and show love to all of us. I appreciate it and I love being here.”

On his aims for year two, the 24-year-old stated: “I hope to achieve a lot – on a personal level as well. But as a team we have big dreams and big goals. We are working on that.

“I think it always takes some time for every player in a new place to settle a little bit but I felt [at] home quite fast.

“It’s an amazing club and hopefully many more beautiful moments will come for me and for the team.”

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Jürgen Klopp’s Reds currently sit top of the Premier League at the halfway point in the campaign.

They begin the new calendar year by welcoming Newcastle United to Anfield on Monday night, with Gakpo and his teammates looking to maintain their occupancy of first place.

He continued: “I think we are doing really good from the beginning of the season and we have a good group.

“This game, even though we are in first place, we just go into this game like it’s a really important game – like every other game.

“Of course it brings pressure to be in the top position in the league but I think we don’t see it like that. We are just really focused on that one game we have to play in that moment, and I think that’s also a strength of the team.

“They [Newcastle] have a really good team. Obviously we have to work really hard, we have to fight together, stick together even through the difficult moments maybe that will come in the game – hopefully not but it’s a world-class team as well.

“It’s hopefully going to be a great game with us on top at the end.”

PUBLISHED 16 MINUTES AGO
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