Villarreal High on Confidence Ahead of Liverpool Tie, Says Parejo

12 April 2022, Bavaria, Munich: (L-R) Villareal's Gerard Moreno, Etienne Capoue and Juan Marcos Foyth celebrate their victory after the final whistle of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-final second leg soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and Villarreal CF at Allianz Arena. (dpa)
12 April 2022, Bavaria, Munich: (L-R) Villareal's Gerard Moreno, Etienne Capoue and Juan Marcos Foyth celebrate their victory after the final whistle of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-final second leg soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and Villarreal CF at Allianz Arena. (dpa)
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Villarreal High on Confidence Ahead of Liverpool Tie, Says Parejo

12 April 2022, Bavaria, Munich: (L-R) Villareal's Gerard Moreno, Etienne Capoue and Juan Marcos Foyth celebrate their victory after the final whistle of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-final second leg soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and Villarreal CF at Allianz Arena. (dpa)
12 April 2022, Bavaria, Munich: (L-R) Villareal's Gerard Moreno, Etienne Capoue and Juan Marcos Foyth celebrate their victory after the final whistle of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-final second leg soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and Villarreal CF at Allianz Arena. (dpa)

After eliminating Juventus and Bayern Munich from the Champions League, Villarreal have "all the confidence in the world" that they can get past Liverpool and reach the final of Europe's elite club competition, midfielder Dani Parejo said.

The Spanish side won the Europa League last season and followed up that impressive European campaign by reaching their first Champions League semi-final in 16 years.

"On the basis of the teams we have beaten, not only this year, but also last year in the Europa League, and now the journey we have had in this Champions League," Parejo told reporters ahead of the first leg at Anfield later on Wednesday.

"Knocking out Juventus and Bayern was very important for us because it showed we can reach a level where we can compete with these teams."

Parejo credited owner Fernando Roig and vice president Jose Manuel Llaneza for the club's success. Billionaire Roig became Villarreal's president in 1997 and was the architect of their rise to becoming one of the top sides in Spanish football.

"When you look at the club, which was taken over by the Roig family 23 or 24 years ago along with Jose Manuel Llaneza, they have played European competitions for many years ...," Parejo said. "This isn't a coincidence.

"That is work, consistency, and trust in a project while taking loving care of it, giving it importance and letting people work. I believe that when you trust in a project and you put love into it, the chances to succeed are much higher."



Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
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Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP

Liverpool have agreed to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million ($92 million), according to reports on Monday.

The Premier League champions switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle's refusal to sell Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150 million by the Magpies, AFP said.

Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike, but Liverpool look set to win the race for one of Europe's hottest young stars.

It is believed the Reds have agreed to pay a potential further £10 million in add-ons to sign the 23-year-old Frenchman, whose overall price tag could reach £79 million.

Once the transfer is completed, Ekitike will link up with Arne Slot's side on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain.

He was an unused substitute during his side's pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday, with Eintracht boss Dino Toppmoller admitting Ekitike's impending departure was "a bitter loss".

Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo Jota's recent death in a car crash in Spain.

The Reds are also believed to be willing to sell Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while Colombia forward Luis Diaz has been the target of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool have already splashed out £116 million on Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz, as well as signing defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also linked up with Arne Slot's side since the end of last season after agreeing his move from Valencia in 2024.