‘Can’t wait to start’… former Liverpool icon Roberto Firmino returns to Premier League after Saudi struggles
Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has taken another step in his nascent managerial career.
Kuyt has long since held ambitions of being a head coach, even once opening up the idea of returning to the touchline at Anfield as Steven Gerrard’s assistant.
Looking at the way things have panned out since he suggested that scenario back in 2021, that’s never going to happen. Gerrard’s disappointing journey as a coach has been well documented, however Kuyt himself hasn’t had the best time of things either.
Having taken the top job at Dutch second division side ADO Den Haag in 2022, Dirk only last 16 games before being fired.
Now though, the 43-year-old has been given another chance. Again, it’s at a second division side, this time in Belgium with Beerschot. Taking to X on Thursday night, the Antwerp based club officially announced the hiring of Kuyt.
“I can’t wait to start this new challenge with a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” the Dutchman is quoted as saying. Best of luck, Dirk!
Kuyt takes on Beerschot job
This may not be a particularly glamourous appointment for Kuyt, but it’s a big chance for him all the same.
Although he didn’t do well at Den Haag, the former Liverpool icon wasn’t exactly given a fair crack of the whip, either.
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Having spent a year or so out of the game, Kuyt will be desperate for things to go better this time around.
With Beerschot currently sitting second in the Belgian second division, there’s a real chance for them to go back up to the big time.
Dirk Kuyt
Photo by Pim Waslander/Soccrates/Getty Images
If he can navigate them there, then who knows where things can then go.
Unfortunately for Dirk though, he now looks unlikely to make it back to the the Anfield dugout – at least as a head coach.
He’s clearly an intelligent guy and was an excellent player, but with all the respect in the world it feels a long way from Beerschot to Liverpool.
So, although we’ll keep a close eye on how Kuyt is doing, it still feels like if the Reds want one of Rafa Benitez’s former charges to take over at some point, it’s going to have to be Xabi Alonso. Still, you’ve got to be in it to win it. All the best Dirk, go and smash it.
Roberto Firmino could make a return to Premier League after Saudi struggles
Brentford are making contingency plans over Ivan Toney’s possible exit
Did defeat by Man United expose a chink in Aston Villa’s armour?
We are just days away from the January transfer window opening – and Premier League clubs will be eager to bolster their squads at a crucial stage of the season.
All eyes will be on the likes of Manchester United, who are likely to oversee a handful of exits amid doubts over the futures of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Casemiro.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City should also be busy as they look to strengthen their teams and get a real foothold in the title race.
Tottenham and Newcastle have also been linked with players next month after being hit with an injury crisis this season.
Mail Sport breaks down all the latest transfer rumours and gossip as we prepare for a busy window.
Premier League teams are circling for ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino after his struggles at Saudi Arabia
Premier League teams are circling for ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino after his struggles at Saudi Arabia
Premier League clubs are circling for ex-Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino after struggles to adapt to life at Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli – who are open to loaning him out in the New Year. Clubs from Turkey – and elsewhere in Saudi – are also interested in the Brazilian. (talkSport)
Tottenham outcast Hugo Lloris is in talks with MLS outfit Los Angeles FC after falling out of Ange Postecoglou’s plans. Negotiations to sign the veteran goalkeeper and former World Cup winner are understood to be in its final stages. (Mail Sport)
Crystal Palace are eyeing a swoop for PSG forward Hugo Ekitike – who is available to sign on loan this January – with the player likely to arrive should Jean-Philippe Mateta leave. The club are also targeting French midfielder Pierre Ekwah. (Standard)
Brentford are reportedly in talks to sign MLS striker Brandon Vazquez amid fears Ivan Toney could leave
Brentford are reportedly in talks to sign MLS striker Brandon Vazquez amid fears Ivan Toney could leave
But Arsenal could receive a blow in their bid to sign Toney with Brentford ‘desperate’ to keep him
But Arsenal could receive a blow in their bid to sign Toney with Brentford ‘desperate’ to keep him
Brentford have opened talks to sign USA and FC Cincinnati striker Brandon Vazquez amid concerns they could lose Ivan Toney in January. The MLS outfit are supporting the player’s bid to play in Europe. (Goal)
However, Brentford boss Thomas Frank is ‘desperate’ to keep hold of Toney with his side being sucked into a relegation battle amid their poor form. It comes as a major blow to Arsenal, who were hoping to sign him after his ban finishes. (The Sun)
Chelsea are set to complete a deal to sign Senegal prodigy Pape Daouda Diong from AF Darou Salam in his home country. The 17-year-old, who watched from the stands at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago, will join in the summer of 2025. (Fabrizio Romano)
Borussia Dortmund are preparing a ‘big bid’ for Manchester United teenage star Dan Gore after a long-term interest in the youngster. The Bundesliga club want to continue their policy of signing promising stars and plan to make an enquiry over his signature in January. (Football Insider)
Barcelona are targeting a move for Douglas Luiz after his impressive season with Aston Villa
Barcelona are targeting a move for Douglas Luiz after his impressive season with Aston Villa
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Barcelona are weighing up a move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz after his impressive season – with Deco a huge admirer of the Brazilian. The LaLiga side are seeking a new midfield pivot after Oriel Romeu’s struggles to establish himself in the team. (Sport)
Sevilla, Lyon and Freiburg are the three main clubs pursuing Man United youngster Hannibal Mejbri over a January loan deal, with the player not set to go to AFCON with Tunisia. United are also planning talks to extend his deal. (Fabrizio Romano)
Man United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Benfica teenager Joao Neves after boss Roger Schmidt ruled out any January exits. The German coach insisted ‘we need these player and no one wants to leave’ amid speculation over Neves and Antonio Silva, who is a target for Real Madrid. (Goal)
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