Jake Bayliss

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch predicts that Liverpool will neither win the 2026/27 Premier League nor finish in the top four, instead backing Arsenal for the title followed by Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. He believes Liverpool’s recent departures, including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, have not yet been adequately replaced. Crouch remains positive about new manager Andoni Iraola and expects Liverpool to challenge again after strengthening over several transfer windows. The club has added Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo, while considering a move for Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool are close to signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo on loan, with an option to buy, to address a shortage of fit centre-backs. Araújo can also play right-back and is expected to undergo a medical. His Uruguay teammate and former Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez has previously praised him as humble, cheerful, family-oriented and a good friend. Araújo, who became Barcelona captain in January, has made 213 appearances for the club and won three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.

Liverpool have made an enquiry for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche as the club seeks to reinforce its wide options after Mohamed Salah’s departure. Akliouche is also a target for Paris Saint‑Germain, whose bids have been rejected. Takumi Minamino, his Monaco teammate and former Liverpool player, previously praised Akliouche’s talent and character. Manager Andoni Iraola has acknowledged the need to add wingers as the club continues its summer rebuild.

Alexis Mac Allister and his mother discuss Argentina’s historic rivalry with England ahead of the World Cup semi‑final, with Silvina Riela describing how living in England changed her previously negative perceptions shaped by the Falklands conflict. She reflects on anti‑English sentiments in Argentine football while expressing personal detachment due to her granddaughter’s English birth. Mac Allister emphasises respect for England, acknowledging the political and historical backdrop while framing the match as a competitive but respectful encounter.

Liverpool continue early transfer-window activity with interest in Yan Diomande, Ayyoub Bouaddi and other potential additions under new manager Andoni Iraola. Lille suggest Bouaddi could command a fee near £100m, while Joe Cole advises Diomande to choose Liverpool over PSG despite reports of his preference for the French club. Virgil van Dijk enters the final year of his contract but remains central to Liverpool’s plans as speculation surrounding several squad members persists.

One year after Diogo Jota and his brother Andre died in a car crash in Spain, new details confirm a tyre blowout caused their vehicle to veer off the road before catching fire, with no other cars involved. The brothers were driving to Santander so Jota could avoid flying following lung surgery. Portugal’s national team continues to honor him during the World Cup, with players wearing wristbands and manager Roberto Martinez describing Jota as an inspirational figure. The Civil Guard’s investigation found evidence of a blowout and is preparing a full report for judicial review.

Liverpool continue efforts to strengthen their attack with interest in PSG’s Bradley Barcola and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande. PSG have ruled out selling Barcola despite his hesitance over a new contract and a valuation exceeding £116m. Diomande has confirmed he expects to leave Leipzig but favours PSG over Liverpool while focusing on international duties. Liverpool have already signed Victor Munoz as new manager Andoni Iraola reshapes the squad following last season’s fifth-place finish.