Flanno to Celtic is a no-go

[Frogfish]

Liverpool are not looking to sell Jon Flanagan this summer – despite reports linking the defender with a move to Celtic.
Stories emanating from Scotland this week suggested that former Reds boss Brendan Rodgers was keen on taking Flanagan to Parkhead on loan, but that Liverpool were only willing to consider a permanent switch for the 23-year-old.

The ECHO understands, though, that Flanagan is very much part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans for the season, and that the club is highly unlikely to allow him to leave.
The Scouser has featured in both of Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies so far, and will do so again at Wigan Athletic on Sunday. There has been no contact from Celtic, or any other club, for the full back.

Flanagan signed a new three-year contract at Anfield back in March, having proven his fitness following 18 months out with a serious knee injury.

He told the ECHO earlier this month that he had returned to Melwood early this summer in a bid to get “super fit” for the new campaign, and his ability to operate in either full-back position makes him a more than useful option for Klopp, who has spoken glowingly of the Academy graduate in the past.

Flanagan made eight appearances for the Reds last season, captaining the side at Southampton in March. Having admitted he struggled for match fitness after so long on the sidelines, he says his knee is now “perfect” and that he is keen to catch Klopp’s eye during pre-season.

 

[KopRed]

I'm confused.

How does not willing to sell equate to "Liverpool were only willing to consider a permanent switch for the 23-year-old".

 

[rurikbird]

I'm confused.

How does not willing to sell equate to "Liverpool were only willing to consider a permanent switch for the 23-year-old".

It doesn't – reports in Scotland claimed that Celtic enquired about a loan, but we only were willing to consider a permanent switch. But when Echo enquired to their sources at the club about this, they denied the whole story.

Who is right? I think there is no smoke without fire. Flanno was given a new contract soon after recovering from the injury lay-off, which seemed to be a somewhat sentimental decision, but he needs to show that he fits Klopp's style of play or he will be shipped out, contract or not. So far Randall seems to be a far more natural fit for Klopp.

 

[Judge Jules]

Up to a point, yes, but based on what I've seen of him so far I don't think he's anywhere near as good defensively as Flanno.

Basically what I take from all this is that things could go either way for Flanno at LFC. Klopp's willing to give him time, but also willing to let him go if a good offer comes in. Every player has his price.

 

[gkmacca]

I think there is no smoke without fire. .

I think when it comes to summer stories about players there often IS smoke without fire. But I agree with you that Flanno has much still to prove. There were so many niggling complications following his initial injury I think he needs to really work hard now and it seems as though that's exactly what he's doing. I think Klopp loves his attitude, has seen that he has the potential to be a very good right back, and knows that the fact that he can also play well on the left will be really useful in terms of options over a long season, so there'll be patience.

 

[Frogfish]

I think there is no smoke without fire.

Especially considering Rodgers was deflecting, not denying, when queried about this yesterday.

 

[Frogfish]

Up to a point, yes, but based on what I've seen of him so far I don't think he's anywhere near as good defensively as Flanno.

Basically what I take from all this is that things could go either way for Flanno at LFC. Klopp's willing to give him time, but also willing to let him go if a good offer comes in. Every player has his price.

Yes & Yes.

Just because Randall has done well in his two 45 mins pre-season outings against non-league opposition doesn't for one second erase his poor performances when given the chance last season, looking exceptionally weak defensively. He's young and may improve but I'd hate to be relying on him as our RB vs. Rashford or Hazard for example.

 

[keniget]

I've not seen enough from Randall to suggest he's got enough quality to play for us and Flannagan has to prove himself all over again after the last year.

We're desperately short in the fullback department.

 

[rurikbird]

Yes & Yes.

Just because Randall has done well in his two 45 mins pre-season outings against non-league opposition doesn't for one second erase his poor performances when given the chance last season, looking exceptionally weak defensively. He's young and may improve but I'd hate to be relying on him as our RB vs. Rashford or Hazard for example.

I don't recall him being defensively challenged last season – did I forget something (or did you mistake him with Moreno 🙂)? I thought the knock on him was what seemed like the general lack of quality, especially in the attacking third. But I'm not the only one to notice that he looks like he took a step forward this season, even considering the poor opposition.

 

[Frogfish]

I don't recall him being defensively challenged last season – did I forget something (or did you mistake him with Moreno 🙂)? I thought the knock on him was what seemed like the general lack of quality, especially in the attacking third. But I'm not the only one to notice that he looks like he took a step forward this season, even considering the poor opposition.

He was constantly beaten or out of position when playing for the 1st XI last season. Seemed very easy to get around, as well as lacking quality in the final third. Maybe I'm being too harsh on him but I've not seen anything to suggest he can take the step up. Tranmere and Fleetwood are mere training exercises so let's see what happens when we meet a fairer test.