Andy Hunter

A consortium led by Amit Bhatia and including Jeff Bezos and Eduardo Saverin has acquired a 38% stake in Liverpool from Fenway Sports Group for just over £2bn, valuing the club at about £5.5bn. The agreement gives 1892 Holdings first refusal to buy a controlling stake if FSG sells or reduces its shareholding within 12 months, although FSG retains operational control and has stressed that the deal is not a formal exit strategy. Bezos is currently a passive investor through K5 Sports.

Fenway Sports Group has agreed to sell a 30% stake in Liverpool to 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by Amit Bhatia and backed by Jeff Bezos, Eduardo and Elaine Saverin, the Mittal Family Trust and K5 Sports. The deal values Liverpool at £5.5bn, makes Bhatia vice-chairman and adds Elaine Saverin and Bryan Baum to the board, while FSG retains majority ownership and operational control. Subject to regulatory approval, the investment will not immediately affect Liverpool's transfer budget or management but is expected to create longer-term commercial opportunities, particularly in India and Asia.

Dominik Szoboszlai says Liverpool are determined to respond to a disappointing title defence under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Hungary captain believes the squad is motivated, but acknowledges Liverpool would need to produce “something special” if no further reinforcements arrive after the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté. Szoboszlai also describes Iraola’s preference for addressing players the day after matches and says he would be proud to become a vice-captain, while dismissing a reported dispute over the captain’s armband.

Liverpool’s first pre-season tour under Andoni Iraola produced wins over Sunderland and Wrexham but ended in a 4-2 defeat by Leeds. The tour showed promise in Iraola’s intense, forward-thinking style and highlighted Trey Nyoni’s emergence as a serious first-team option, while Dominik Szoboszlai impressed as a leader. However, recurring set-piece and concentration problems resurfaced, and the squad remains short of depth following Mohamed Salah’s departure, Conor Bradley’s injury and limited experienced defensive cover. Iraola has less than three weeks and two friendlies to integrate returning players and secure further transfers before the Premier League opener.

Leeds United came from 2-0 down to defeat Liverpool 4-2 in a preseason friendly at Chicago's Soldier Field before 49,128 spectators. Liverpool impressed in the first half through goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak combining effectively, but both teams made multiple changes at the interval. Leeds' substitutes transformed the match: Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin twice and Sean Longstaff scored within 25 minutes. Liverpool's second-half defensive problems, particularly against long throws and set pieces, handed new head coach Andoni Iraola a first preseason defeat, while Daniel Farke's Leeds side earned an emphatic comeback win.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is pushing his players to accelerate preparations before the Premier League season begins, but injuries and players’ post-World Cup absences have left the squad particularly short of central defenders. Jérémy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez are among the unavailable defenders, while young players Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe provide limited cover. Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are expected to make their first pre-season appearances against Leeds, with Wirtz set to play behind the striker. Liverpool are also pursuing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, although his £145m valuation is a major hurdle. Uncertainty over several players and the need for defensive reinforcements mean the club’s squad-building work must intensify before the campaign starts.

Inter Milan have made fresh contact with Liverpool and are prepared to raise their offer for Curtis Jones to €35m (£30m), after an initial €25m bid was rejected. Liverpool value the midfielder closer to €40m, but his contract has only one year remaining, increasing the possibility of a sale before he can leave for free. Jones has not established himself as a regular starter and was reportedly involved in a disagreement with Dominik Szoboszlai during a preseason friendly. New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has stressed the importance of keeping Jones, but Inter’s interest may test that commitment.

Harvey Elliott says returning to Liverpool feels like a second chance after an unsuccessful Aston Villa loan, where he made only nine appearances and Villa did not complete a £35m obligation to buy. He rejects the idea that the season was wasted because Villa won the Europa League, and says he has no resentment toward the club or Unai Emery. Elliott has played in both of Liverpool’s pre-season victories under new head coach Andoni Iraola and hopes to secure a place in the squad. Iraola also confirmed that Joe Gomez is likely to miss the start of the season with a muscle injury, while Florian Wirtz is expected to begin the campaign in the No 10 role.

Liverpool defeated Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium in New York through Rio Ngumoha’s deflected 75th-minute strike. Andoni Iraola fielded an experimental team affected by travel disruption and several absences, with six starters lacking Premier League experience. Wrexham, further advanced in pre-season preparations, created opportunities but could not beat Giorgi Mamardashvili, while Danny Ward made several saves to keep the score close.

Liverpool are preparing an opening bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after receiving encouragement that the 23-year-old France international is willing to move to the Premier League. PSG value Barcola at about £145m, potentially a British record, but he has reportedly rejected a contract extension after falling down Luis Enrique’s pecking order. Liverpool have already signed Víctor Muñoz and Jérémy Jacquet this summer but want further attacking and defensive reinforcements under manager Andoni Iraola.

Wrexham will face Liverpool in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium after narrowly missing the Championship playoffs on the final day of last season. Manager Phil Parkinson says the club’s seventh-place finish, following three consecutive promotions from the National League, was a major achievement, but acknowledges that Wrexham must strengthen its squad to challenge for promotion. Wrexham are close to signing Crystal Palace full-back Danny Imray and face stronger competition from relegated, financially well-supported clubs including West Ham, Burnley and Wolves. The club’s long-term ambition remains reaching the Premier League.

Milos Kerkez says he is delighted that Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool manager, believing Iraola’s intense, high-pressing style and use of attacking full-backs will suit him better. After a difficult debut season, Kerkez is determined to step out of Andy Robertson’s shadow and reproduce the form that made him a standout at Bournemouth. He also discusses Slot’s surprise dismissal, his family’s support, his friendship with Mohamed Salah, and the guidance Robertson provided before leaving Liverpool.

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris says Chelsea’s pursuit of captain Granit Xhaka is over after Sunderland rejected an £8m bid for the 33-year-old midfielder. Le Bris insists Xhaka wants to remain at Sunderland and help shape the club’s future. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso reportedly hoped to reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen player. Le Bris also says Sunderland expects a quieter transfer window than last summer, despite the club’s return to the Premier League and qualification for the Europa League.

Federico Chiesa hopes Andoni Iraola’s appointment as Liverpool manager will give him a fresh start after two frustrating seasons under Arne Slot, during which he made 36 appearances but started only five matches. Although linked with a return to Italy, Chiesa says he is currently focused on proving himself at Liverpool, where he has two years left on his contract. He also criticized the club’s narrow Champions League qualification last season, saying Liverpool must improve domestically and in Europe, and expressed his desire to return to Italy’s national team.

Liverpool began Andoni Iraola’s tenure with a 4–2 friendly win over Sunderland in Nashville. Kieran Morrison gave Liverpool the lead before Sunderland responded through Enzo Le Fée and Timur Tutierov, but Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas secured the victory. Joe Gomez’s early injury was the major concern, leaving two inexperienced teenagers at centre-back and intensifying questions about Liverpool’s defensive depth following Ibrahima Konaté’s move to Real Madrid and Giovanni Leoni’s ongoing recovery.

The Premier League’s summer transfer window has produced record fees, including major moves for Morgan Rogers to Chelsea and Elliot Anderson to Manchester City. Across the league, clubs are assessing squad depth, replacing departing players and preparing for domestic and European campaigns. Arsenal need defensive cover and wide options; Chelsea require a centre-back, striker and left-back; newly promoted Coventry, Hull, Ipswich and Sunderland need broad reinforcement; and Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham face significant decisions over key players and further recruitment. Financial regulations, European competition and uncertainty over high-profile departures are shaping many clubs’ remaining priorities.

Andoni Iraola says trusted members of his former Bournemouth coaching staff will be important to his first season at Liverpool. Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper will work on defensive and attacking set pieces respectively, alongside Liverpool analyst Lewis Mahoney. Liverpool conceded 23 set-piece goals in the previous season, among the highest totals in the league, making improvement a priority for Iraola’s new coaching team.

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola says the success of Basque and Spanish coaches is rooted in collective responsibility rather than individual athletic excellence. He wants Liverpool players to prioritize teammates, accept rotation and contribute through pressing, effort and defensive work so supporters can identify with the team. Iraola presents himself as an assistant to the players rather than the protagonist, declining to promote the story of his earlier decision to reject Liverpool in favor of Athletic Club. He sees similarities between the two clubs in their identity, academy links and sense of belonging, and says his move from Bournemouth to Liverpool happened quickly after three successful seasons.

Fenway Sports Group is in preliminary talks with a consortium led by former Queens Park Rangers co-owner Amit Bhatia over the sale of an estimated 30% stake in Liverpool for about £1.35bn, valuing the club at roughly £4.5bn. Bhatia is believed to have backing from steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been approached but has not decided whether to participate. The investment would provide significant funding for Liverpool’s transfer ambitions while FSG retained overall control. The club has previously sold minority stakes to RedBird Capital Partners and Dynasty Equity, and negotiations are expected to continue without immediately affecting summer transfer plans.

Liverpool FC and Merseyside Police analysed almost 700,000 ticket registrations in a joint investigation into ticket touting. More than £1.2 million in assets linked to organized touts has been seized, two people have been convicted and another is due in court. Liverpool blocked or cancelled 67,663 suspected fake accounts, issued 432 lifetime bans and imposed 115 indefinite suspensions, mainly for unauthorized ticket sales, while also sanctioning abuse, assaults and tragedy chanting. Authorities warned supporters not to buy from touts because they risk losing money and being refused entry.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola says Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson remain central to his plans despite transfer speculation involving Real Madrid and Juventus. He wants to add players rather than lose established stars, while acknowledging that Liverpool are short of defensive options. Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitiké are expected to miss several more months, potentially forcing Liverpool into the transfer market, while other injured players are closer to returning. Several senior players will join the squad’s US pre-season tour later.

Dominik Szoboszlai has signed a new Liverpool contract running to 2031 after months of negotiations, committing the Hungary captain to the club following a 13-goal season. Aston Villa are close to signing João Gomes from Wolves for €45m and are also advancing deals for Johan Manzambi and Pervis Estupiñán, while Lucas Digne is expected to join Paris Saint-Germain. Leeds are finalising a £34m move for Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, who is set to replace Pascal Struijk, and Coventry City have added Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda as their third signing since promotion.

Michael Edwards has resigned as chief executive of football for Fenway Sports Group after the company shelved plans to acquire a second club, a key part of his remit when returning to Liverpool in 2024. His departure, confirmed by FSG after he informed them of his intention to step down in 2025, adds uncertainty to Liverpool’s leadership structure as sporting director Richard Hughes is linked with a move to Al Hilal. FSG may not replace Edwards directly, and Mike Gordon is expected to take a more active role. Edwards leaves believing Liverpool is well positioned for continued success.

Liverpool made an unsuccessful attempt to sign Kylian Mbappé when he was emerging at Monaco, with Jürgen Klopp detailing a clandestine meeting involving a private jet used to negotiate with the player’s family. Despite Liverpool’s efforts, Mbappé ultimately joined Paris Saint‑Germain. Klopp noted previous failed pursuits of other players and described the episode as an expensive but fruitless non‑transfer.

Experts told a House of Lords committee that match-fixing has expanded rapidly across global sports, with organised crime infiltrating areas such as chess and darts and using betting markets to profit and launder money. Moses Swaibu warned that technological advancements have outpaced regulatory awareness, leaving athletes vulnerable, while Madalina Diaconu highlighted growing international coordination among crime syndicates and the need for stronger cooperation between sports bodies, betting operators and law enforcement. The Macolin Convention was cited as a potentially effective tool, with successful operations in Belgium and Spain demonstrating its value in dismantling major criminal networks.

Controversy surrounding Fifa’s reversal of Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension escalated as Donald Trump confirmed he lobbied Gianni Infantino to review the decision, prompting strong reactions from Belgium, Uefa and political figures. Kylian Mbappé condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for racist comments, while France appealed Michael Olise’s yellow card. Additional updates included Brazil’s public criticism of its national team after elimination, Senegal’s logistical struggles, transfer news, England’s injury concerns and fan reactions to World Cup performances.

Everton agreed a deal worth up to £25m to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, with the midfielder committing to a five‑year contract. Tottenham completed a club‑record £85m signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, with both managers praising their new players’ qualities and potential. Newcastle moved toward a £43m transfer for Bazoumana Touré as part of reshaping their squad following Sandro Tonali’s expected departure to Spurs.

Brighton reached a £50m agreement to sign Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic after Jan Paul van Hecke moved to Spurs for £52m. Spurs also secured Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and added Andy Robertson on a free transfer. Liverpool completed the £60m signing of Rennes centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, who has recovered from a shoulder injury and will join a reshaped defensive lineup under Andoni Iraola. Chelsea signed Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra for £47m, the first acquisition under Xabi Alonso, while continuing their summer rebuild with additional incoming players.

Live coverage detailed developments around the 2026 World Cup, including England’s buildup to their match against DR Congo, France’s dominant performances, Mexico’s emotional knockout victory marked by crowd fatalities, and multiple managerial departures including Marcelo Bielsa and Ronald Koeman. Transfer updates featured major moves involving Premier League and European clubs, while analysis highlighted tactical expectations for England and DR Congo. Global reactions included political messages of support, diaspora celebrations, and concerns over local government decisions in Mexico City.

Everton are close to completing permanent deals for Tyrique George from Chelsea and Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. Negotiations with Chelsea are advanced, with a structured fee expected to reach near the original £25m valuation through add-ons. Hackney is set to join for £16.5m rising to £25m, with a medical expected soon after interest from other clubs. Both players are on track to finalize moves by the end of the week.

A Premier League disciplinary commission ordered Everton to pay Burnley nearly £40m in compensation after ruling that Everton’s breach of profitability and sustainability rules contributed to Burnley’s 2022 relegation. Everton, already penalized with a points deduction for the same breach, condemned the decision as flawed and have appealed. Burnley argued Everton gained an unfair sporting advantage, with the ruling opening the door to further club‑versus‑club legal actions, particularly if other clubs such as Manchester City are found guilty of financial breaches. Everton maintain they believed they were compliant at the relevant time and say the decision sets a dangerous precedent. Burnley’s award includes compensation and accrued interest, with the club emphasizing fairness and competitive integrity.

Scotland defended cancelling a planned training match with Norway after criticism from Ståle Solbakken, citing injury concerns, while Christian Eriksen returned home after collapsing during a friendly. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States despite holding a valid visa, prompting concern from Somali sports officials. Divock Origi announced his retirement at 31, Everton extended Vitalii Mykolenko’s contract, and Newcastle moved to sign goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen. Spain managed injury issues ahead of the tournament, Israel released Palestinian player Rand Halawani from detention, and the University of Reading’s supercomputer ranked Argentina as favourites to win the World Cup.

Fifa is expanding its AI‑driven social media protection service for the 2026 World Cup to limit the abusive messages players and teams encounter online. The technology filters offensive comments across major platforms and can trigger bans for offenders. Premier League clubs, including Tottenham and Arsenal, already use similar AI systems from Respondology, which reports removing large volumes of hateful content. Rising concerns about online abuse, heightened by high‑profile incidents involving England players, and expectations of increased hostility during the tournament underpin the push for wider adoption, with clubs viewing the tools as vital for safeguarding players’ mental health.

Liverpool’s leadership acted swiftly to appoint Andoni Iraola as head coach amid growing supporter unrest and competition from major European clubs. Iraola’s track record of improving players, managing disruption, and implementing an aggressive attacking style is seen as central to reversing the team’s decline following Arne Slot’s troubled tenure. Recruitment priorities include two wingers and a right-back, with additional signings possible later in the window. Liverpool believe Iraola can unlock the potential of recent big‑money arrivals such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak while rebuilding a defence weakened by injuries and departures. Although uncertainty remains in the club’s hierarchy and squad, Iraola inherits a talented group, Champions League qualification, and a short two‑year mandate to ignite a revival.

Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach on a two‑year deal following Arne Slot’s dismissal, selecting him over several shortlisted candidates for his alignment with their preferred attacking style and Premier League track record. Sporting director Richard Hughes led the pursuit, aided by Iraola’s clear desire to join and an existing strong relationship between their representatives. Iraola plans to bring several Bournemouth staff members to Liverpool, though final backroom decisions are pending. Club leadership views him as ideally suited to revitalise the squad and implement a high‑pressing approach after a disappointing season.

Liverpool are close to appointing Andoni Iraola as head coach after agreeing a two‑year contract in principle, with negotiations led by sporting director Richard Hughes progressing swiftly. Iraola plans to bring several staff members with him, while Arne Slot’s coaching team will depart. Liverpool aim to finalise the appointment before the World Cup begins. Ibrahima Konaté is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer after failing to reach a new contract agreement.

Kenny Dalglish confirmed he is receiving cancer treatment after an accidental social media post revealed his condition, thanking medical staff and requesting privacy for his family. Liverpool FC expressed support for the 75-year-old club legend. John Barnes also disclosed he had undergone prostate removal following a cancer diagnosis and urged men to address health concerns openly.

Everton are pursuing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, valued at £10m–£15m, as David Moyes seeks to strengthen his squad, but several Premier League clubs are also interested. Hackney is expected to leave after Middlesbrough failed to win promotion and recently returned from injury following a playoff run marked by a Southampton spying incident.

Arne Slot expressed gratitude to Liverpool supporters in an open letter after being dismissed as head coach, emphasising that the club remains positioned among Europe’s strongest teams. He highlighted the squad’s lasting foundations, the emergence of a new generation and the importance of securing Champions League qualification. Slot reflected on the emotional impact of Diogo Jota’s death and the attack on fans following the trophy parade, praising the community’s unity and compassion. He concluded with confidence in the club’s future and appreciation for the support shown throughout his tenure.

Liverpool plan swift talks with Andoni Iraola as they seek to appoint a new head coach before the World Cup, with Sebastian Hoeness and Pierre Sage also under consideration. Iraola is viewed as the frontrunner due to his availability and strong record at Bournemouth. Arne Slot was dismissed following a performance review led by Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, with Fenway Sports Group backing their assessment. Interest from other clubs underscores Liverpool’s urgency, while Virgil van Dijk publicly thanked Slot for their achievements together.

Arsenal supporters turned out in large numbers across north London to celebrate the club’s Premier League title despite their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, while more than 400 arrests were made in Paris during celebrations. Live coverage tracked reactions from players, managers and fans, updates on World Cup squad selections, transfer news, and buildup to the Women’s FA Cup final. Commentary highlighted Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta and PSG’s narrow victory on penalties, alongside wider football developments involving Liverpool, Scotland and other clubs.