Saturday is the anniversary of the most important match-up between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Reds often got the better of Spurs in commanding fashion during Jurgen Klopp’s time as manager.
The most memorable of these was five years ago this weekend, as the two teams met in the Champions League final. Liverpool got themselves ahead through an early Mohamed Salah penalty and never looked back.
It was just one of many victories Klopp enjoyed against Tottenham. Another came off the pitch, as the Reds pipped Spurs to Luis Diaz in 2022. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was so angry by the manner in which Liverpool pinched Diaz, he committed to a period of hostility between the clubs.
Fast forward a couple of years though, and Tottenham could finally get payback for Diaz’s move to Anfield.
Tottenham leading the race for Santiago Gimenez
On the face of it, if Liverpool are heading up against Spurs for a player this summer, then there should only be one winner.
Yes, Liverpool have lost Klopp, a trump card to play in convincing any new signing. But in Arne Slot they’ve brought in a coach with excellent pedigree, too.
The Reds are back in the Champions League, while Spurs will be in the Europa League next season. Nevertheless, Ange Postecoglou’s team are still a relatively attractive proposition.
That is seemingly the view of Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, anyway. Gimenez has been linked with a move to Liverpool this week, as the Reds look to add another forward to their squad.
READ MORE: Five realistic forward players Liverpool could sign for Arne Slot this summer
But speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop, journalist Graeme Bailey says that Tottenham are currently in the driving seat for the Mexican.
“I think Spurs like him a lot, they’ve been doing work on him,” says Bailey. “I’d be making them favourites in that race at the moment.
“I haven’t heard too much on Liverpool,” the journalist adds. “I know there’s the links with Arne Slot but how much impact the manager’s going to have on the search for players, I don’t think Liverpool are built like that. They might be asking about his players but I don’t think he would drive that.”
Santiago Gimenez could be the answer for Liverpool
Gimenez looks primed for a move up the footballing ladder this summer. He’s had a fantastic two seasons at Feyenoord.
As Liverpool look to add a new forward to Slot’s squad, signing Gimenez would make a lot of sense.
The 23-year-old is quick, tall and is more clinical than the Reds’ current options. Added to that Gimenez knows the way Slot wants to play and could provide a reference point for the rest of the forwards.
Having said that, the Mexico international seems set to have an enormous price-tag.
According to 90min, Feyenoord would want to see the record for a sale in the Eredivisie matched if they are to sell Gimenez. That currently stands at the £87m Man United paid for Antony in 2022.
For that price, we don’t think either Spurs or Liverpool are winning this one.