Joanna Durkan

Fenway Sports Group reportedly received more than £2 billion after selling a 38 percent stake in Liverpool to 1892 Holdings, rather than the initially reported 30 percent for £1.65 billion. The consortium, led by Amit Bhatia and backed by Jeff Bezos, now values Liverpool at about £5.5 billion and has an option to pursue majority ownership within 12 months, although FSG says it is not committed to that step. FSG will continue running the club for now, while Bhatia becomes vice-chairman and new board members join. Supporter group Spirit of Shankly has asked the independent football regulator to conduct due diligence before approval.

Liverpool host Como in two pre-season friendlies on Sunday, August 16, 2026, with kickoffs at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. BST. The matches will be shown in the UK on LFCTV and All Red Video, while US viewers can use FuboTV and Paramount+ for the late game. All Red Video will provide coverage in most other territories, and This Is Anfield will offer live text commentary, audio, replays, highlights and post-match analysis through its website and app.

Phil Thompson reflects on his lifelong connection with Liverpool, from watching the Kop as a child to captaining the club, winning major honors and later serving as a coach, assistant manager and caretaker manager. He recalls Bill Shankly’s influence and describes managing Liverpool while Gerard Houllier recovered from illness as a childhood dream fulfilled. Thompson argues that Liverpool’s enduring bond among the club, players and supporters creates a unique atmosphere at Anfield, particularly on European nights, that he believes Manchester United and Arsenal do not replicate. He also urges coach Andoni Iraola to embrace passion, commitment and collective responsibility.

Liverpool will face Como in two pre-season friendlies on August 16, with the first match taking place behind closed doors at the AXA Training Centre at 11:30 a.m. BST and the second at Anfield at 6 p.m. BST. The double-header is intended to give Liverpool's squad extended match practice before the Premier League season, with fringe players expected to feature more prominently in the first game and a likely first-choice lineup used at Anfield. Several players may have their minutes managed, while Como arrive after five summer friendlies and are coached by former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Both matches will be available via an eligible All Red Video subscription, with international kickoff times and coverage details provided.

Liverpool left-back Calum Scanlon has rejoined Cardiff City on loan for the 2026/27 season after spending the second half of the previous campaign with the Welsh club. The 21-year-old signed a new long-term Liverpool contract before returning to Cardiff, where he will play in the Championship under Brian Barry-Murphy. Injuries have limited his development, and he has made only 12 first-team appearances since the start of the 2024/25 season. Liverpool will monitor his progress while assessing his long-term future. James McConnell is also expected to leave on loan, with Preston North End reportedly his destination.

Liverpool midfielder James McConnell is reportedly close to joining Preston North End on loan for the 2026/27 season. The move would give the 21-year-old regular Championship experience after an unsuccessful loan spell at Ajax, despite his potential homegrown status for Liverpool. Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom is seeking midfield reinforcements, while Liverpool’s crowded midfield and uncertainty over several players make another temporary move likely. McConnell could still feature in Liverpool’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Como before departing.

Fenway Sports Group has sold an approximately 30% Liverpool FC stake, reportedly worth more than £1.5 billion, to 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by Amit Bhatia that includes Jeff Bezos and other investors. Bezos has invested about $1 billion but is expected to remain a passive investor without a board seat, while Bhatia becomes vice-chairman and other consortium members join the board. Supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly is conducting its own due diligence and has contacted the Independent Football Regulator, citing concerns about governance and the deal’s long-term implications. MP Zarah Sultana strongly condemned the investment, citing Amazon’s labor record and its involvement in Project Nimbus and Israeli state infrastructure. The transaction could eventually lead to majority control by the consortium, making transparency and ownership oversight central issues for Liverpool supporters.

Steven Gerrard reflected on the emotional difficulty of playing for Liverpool, emphasizing that the career highs were accompanied by setbacks, pressure and disappointing near-misses. He recalled Liverpool’s struggles to compete with Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City, particularly the failure to win the Premier League title in 2013/14. Looking back more than a decade after leaving the club, Gerrard said the difficult periods were ultimately worthwhile because they made the major moments and successes more meaningful.

Liverpool have assessed Real Madrid forward Endrick but are reportedly discouraged by the Spanish club’s preference for another temporary loan, while Liverpool want a more permanent attacking addition. Endrick spent the latter part of last season on loan at Lyon and is expected to seek regular playing time elsewhere, with Aston Villa and Roma also interested. Despite the structural disagreement, his versatility and explosive style could address Liverpool’s need for attacking depth while Hugo Ekitike is sidelined and Alexander Isak carries the main central burden.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says the club is in another period of transition and must continue building for sustained success under manager Andoni Iraola. He believes Liverpool still need further signings to compete across the Premier League, domestic cups and Champions League. Van Dijk also explained that he requested to miss the club’s US pre-season tour after a demanding campaign and World Cup, choosing extra physical and mental recovery time before returning to training.

A consortium led by Amit Bhatia is reportedly close to purchasing roughly a one-third stake in Liverpool Football Club for about £1.4 billion, with Jeff Bezos and Eduardo Saverin among the investors. Fenway Sports Group would retain control, but supporters fear the transaction could lead to a future full takeover and prioritize profit over Liverpool's identity, history and fan community. Others see the investors' wealth as offering potential for increased capital, commercial growth and stronger on-field investment, while acknowledging that the deal would not provide an unrestricted transfer budget.

Darwin Nunez publicly welcomed Ronald Araujo to Liverpool, praising the club’s supporters and telling his fellow Uruguayan that he is now a Red. Araujo is completing a loan move after undergoing a medical and is expected to join Liverpool training ahead of the final pre-season friendlies. The versatile centre-back is viewed as useful defensive depth under Andoni Iraola, while Nunez’s message highlights his enduring affection for Liverpool despite leaving the club.

Andoni Iraola says Liverpool currently cannot sustain the intensity of his high-pressing style for a full match, with fitness limitations and a lack of squad depth contributing to consecutive pre-season defeats after two-goal leads. Returning senior players are still being managed after late training arrivals, while Liverpool remain short of reinforcements. Ronald Araujo is expected to strengthen the defence, but concerns remain at right-back, on the wings and in midfield, particularly if Curtis Jones leaves for Inter Milan.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe must begin the 2026/27 season on loan because he does not yet meet UK work-permit requirements. Liverpool could bring the 18-year-old centre-back back in January if he earns the 15 points required for a Football Association Governing Body Endorsement, primarily through regular minutes at a strong domestic club and possibly in European competition. An international appearance for Austria could also help. Liverpool may alternatively appeal to the FA exceptions panel if Ndukwe earns 10 to 14 points, although securing a suitable short-term loan could be difficult if clubs expect him to remain for the full season.

Jeff Bezos is reportedly close to joining an Amit Bhatia-led consortium, alongside Eduardo Saverin, in a deal to acquire roughly one-third of Liverpool Football Club for about £1.4 billion. Fenway Sports Group is expected to remain the controlling shareholder and could announce the agreement within days. The investment may benefit Liverpool through exposure and sponsorships but would not automatically increase its transfer budget, while concerns remain over the consortium’s potential influence on the club’s identity and future. Bhatia previously transferred his stake in QPR to avoid multi-club ownership issues.

Bradley Barcola has returned to Paris Saint-Germain for pre-season after reportedly giving Liverpool the green light on personal terms. Liverpool remain keen to sign the winger, but PSG’s £145 million valuation is significantly above what the English club is prepared to pay. Reports that Liverpool submitted a €115 million bid have been dismissed by club sources, and negotiations will continue unless PSG lowers its demands. With three weeks remaining in the transfer window, Liverpool may have to consider alternative attacking targets.

Liverpool confirmed that Ronald Araujo will wear the No. 33 shirt during his season-long loan from Barcelona, with an option to make the transfer permanent for €55 million (£47.1 million). Araujo said the number is personally and religiously significant because he wore it at the start of his professional career and associates it with his faith. His shirt will display “R. ARAUJO,” and he described the move to Liverpool as the ideal and necessary step at this stage of his career.

Eighteen-year-old Liverpool defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe impressed again during 45 minutes against Monaco, recording 96% passing accuracy and leading the first-half defensive statistics for contributions, tackles, clearances and duels won. Supporters praised his composure and physicality and urged Liverpool to find a way around his UK work-permit problems. Because he cannot play for Liverpool officially this season, he is expected to go on loan, with the club’s choice of destination viewed as important to his development.

Andoni Iraola will make his first appearance at Anfield as Liverpool head coach when Liverpool face Monaco in a friendly, although his competitive home debut will come against Nottingham Forest on August 29. Iraola previously visited Anfield three times as Bournemouth manager between 2023 and 2025, losing each match 3-1, 3-0 and 4-2. The article reviews those games, Liverpool's title-winning 2024/25 season, and Iraola's comments about Anfield's pressure, atmosphere and his desire to earn supporters' acceptance as Liverpool manager.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Ronald Araujo’s playing style did not fully suit Barcelona’s high defensive line and emphasis on line-breaking distribution. Although Flick praised Araujo’s character, ability and leadership, past mistakes and emotional struggles also contributed to the decision to allow the captain to leave. Liverpool have agreed an initial loan deal, with an option to make the transfer permanent for €55 million, while Andoni Iraola is expected to help the 27-year-old regain confidence and form.

The article provides international viewing information for Liverpool’s pre-season match against Monaco, including a 2:30 p.m. BST kick-off on August 2, 2026. LFCTV and All Red Video are listed for the UK and much of the world, while CBS Sports Network via FuboTV is available in the United States and Ligue 1+ offers another streaming option. Andoni Iraola is set to make his first Anfield appearance as Liverpool head coach, with Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Cody Gakpo starting and new signing Victor Munoz on the bench.

Liverpool’s strong first-half performance against Monaco featured goals from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz and suggested Andoni Iraola’s preferred high-intensity style is taking shape. However, a heavily changed second half exposed a sharp drop in quality beyond the starting XI, with supporters and analysis warning that Liverpool lack the depth to compete across four competitions. Further defensive and attacking additions are urged before the transfer window closes, although midfield recruitment appears unlikely.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola expects Jeremy Jacquet to make his first pre-season appearance against Como next week after the centre-back’s return from shoulder surgery was delayed by discomfort. Jacquet has missed Liverpool’s warm-up matches, including the 3-2 defeat to Monaco, but is nearing full fitness. Liverpool’s defensive situation will also be eased by the expected arrival of Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo on loan.

Liverpool will host Monaco at Anfield on August 9, 2026, in a pre-season friendly kicking off at 2:30 p.m. BST. It will be Andoni Iraola’s first home match as Liverpool head coach, with senior players including Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz returning after the club’s US tour. Jeremie Frimpong is expected to be available, while several players may have their minutes managed. A potential XI includes Alisson, Frimpong, Van Dijk, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Munoz and Isak. The match will be streamed on All Red Video, with international viewing options, replay and highlights also available.

Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who can operate on either flank and has already gained senior and international experience. His pace, dribbling, directness and ability to receive under pressure are highlighted as key strengths, while decision-making, crossing, attitude concerns and limited physical development remain weaknesses. The transfer is presented as strategically attractive because Mbaye would initially count as an under-21 player for registration purposes, could qualify as homegrown later, and would offer Liverpool a relatively low-cost long-term development project.

UEFA has increased the Champions League yellow-card suspension threshold from three bookings to four for the 2026/27 season, giving players more leeway as the competition expands from a maximum of 13 to 17 matches. Yellow-card tallies will still reset after the quarter-finals, while UEFA is also removing its stadium clock restriction after 45 and 90 minutes. The change is expected to reduce suspension risks for Liverpool and other clubs, following criticism from Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk and previous cases such as Alexis Mac Allister’s ban. The article also outlines the clubs already qualified for the 2026/27 Champions League.

Liverpool have reportedly been offered Tottenham defender Djed Spence, although journalist Ben Jacobs says it is unclear whether Liverpool or Manchester United are interested and characterizes the situation as agent-driven. Victor Munoz is available for a pre-season friendly against Monaco, while Jayden Danns is nearing a return from injury and could be loaned out. The roundup criticizes Liverpool’s limited recruitment for leaving manager Andoni Iraola short-handed, particularly after Mohamed Salah’s departure and Hugo Ekitike’s injury. Elsewhere, Real Madrid completed the signing of Yan Diomande, Salah joined Trabzonspor, UEFA maintained its boycott of FIFA tournaments, and Barcelona entered the race for Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Liverpool have been identified as a potential rival to Arsenal in the pursuit of Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. The 28-year-old’s ability to play at centre-back and right-back fits both clubs’ reported needs, but Villa’s £60 million asking price is considered too high. Liverpool may seek a versatile defender later in the transfer window, though a significantly lower fee would likely be required for a move to become viable.

Liverpool are considered very unlikely to sign both a centre-back and a right-back this summer, with any move for a versatile defender capable of covering both positions more likely to occur late in the transfer window, if at all. Journalist David Lynch says defensive reinforcement is not currently a priority, as Liverpool focus on attack, despite injuries leaving Virgil van Dijk as the only fit senior centre-back and limiting options at right-back. The club is also exploring moves for PSG wingers Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool has confirmed that 23-year-old winger Victor Munoz will wear the No. 23 shirt for the 2026/27 season. The number was last worn by Luis Diaz and has previously been associated with Jamie Carragher, Xherdan Shaqiri, Emre Can and Robbie Fowler. Munoz’s shirt will display “VICTOR M.V.”, reflecting his compound maternal and paternal surnames, Munoz Villanueva, as it did during his time at Osasuna. He could make his Liverpool debut against Monaco after joining pre-season training, although a brief cameo is considered more likely. Jeremy Jacquet’s No. 5 is the only other newly confirmed squad number, while several numbers remain available.

Victor Munoz has reported for Liverpool’s pre-season at the AXA Training Centre after voluntarily cutting his post-World Cup holiday short. The £34.5 million signing met teammates and underwent fitness tests as he begins adapting to Andoni Iraola’s squad. His early return gives him additional time to build relationships and compete for a starting place, while Liverpool continue pursuing attacking reinforcements including Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mabye.

Former Liverpool set-piece coach Aaron Briggs discussed his December sacking, saying the poor results hurt but that he has no regrets. Liverpool conceded 12 set-piece goals and scored only three in the league during his tenure, despite efforts involving analysts, coaches and players. Briggs said the club supported attempts to fix the problems, which often came from second and third balls, and denied any falling-out with manager Arne Slot. He now works in UEFA’s game insights department, while Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper have taken over defensive and attacking set-piece duties under Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool hope 19-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni can return to first-team training before the end of August and become available for selection in September, nearly 10 months after suffering an ACL tear. Leoni has resumed individual running and ball work but has not yet joined full training. Liverpool are expected to avoid rushing him back, with a Carabao Cup fixture potentially providing a less pressurised route into senior action. Leoni says his knee feels good and that he can see the end of his rehabilitation, while Liverpool’s defensive situation remains a concern because Joe Gomez is injured and Jeremy Jacquet is being managed.

Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to join Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor on a two-year deal after leaving Liverpool following nine seasons at Anfield. Trabzonspor shared footage of the 34-year-old wearing the club’s kit while traveling to Istanbul and announced his expected arrival for transfer negotiations. The move is described as a surprise because Salah had been expected to remain in one of Europe’s top five leagues or join a Champions League club. Trabzonspor finished third in the previous season and must navigate a Europa League playoff.

Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, making contact with his new agent Jorge Mendes and preparing to approach PSG. The 18-year-old Senegal international is reportedly prioritising Liverpool despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen, while PSG are seeking more than €40 million. Mbaye can play on either wing and is valued for his pace, technical ability and one-on-one skills. His age would allow Liverpool to register him outside the Premier League’s senior non-homegrown quota, with the potential to qualify as homegrown from 2029/30. Liverpool’s interest in Mbaye is described as additional to their pursuit of PSG teammate Bradley Barcola, while Tottenham’s continuing interest in Cody Gakpo could affect Liverpool’s attacking options.

Liverpool regard Bradley Barcola as their leading attacking target, but Paris Saint-Germain’s valuation of £145 million, or more than €150 million including bonuses, is preventing an official bid. Liverpool reportedly prefer a deal closer to £100 million and are exploring alternatives, including Ibrahim Mbaye, who is valued at roughly £34.2 million to £42.8 million. The club aims to have five wingers next season, including a younger player to develop, and could potentially sign Mbaye alongside a more experienced option.