Kieran Horn

Liverpool are expected to begin their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United without several injured players. Joe Gomez’s muscle injury should keep him out until around September 4, while Giovanni Leoni is targeting a November return after a lengthy ACL layoff. Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain months away, with both potentially returning in November or December. Alexander Isak appears fit after starting Liverpool’s last three friendlies, although manager Andoni Iraola remains cautious about managing his workload.

Paris Saint-Germain have agreed to sign Ajax winger Mika Godts for approximately £48 million, taking their attacking spending to around £150 million and intensifying competition for places. The crowded frontline could make Bradley Barcola the likeliest player to leave, strengthening Liverpool’s prospects of signing him. Liverpool remain unwilling to pay PSG’s valuation, reportedly well into the triple figures, and have paused negotiations while considering alternatives including Ibrahim Mbaye and Said El Mala. Yankuba Minteh is now unlikely to be pursued because of a foot injury, while Liverpool are also expected to receive interest in Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo.

Trabzonspor are reportedly pursuing Darwin Nunez after reaching an agreement to sign his former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah. Nunez, who moved from Liverpool to Al Hilal, has struggled for regular playing time and match sharpness, making a move to Turkey a potential career crossroads. Besiktas have also been linked with the Uruguay striker, while Liverpool are reportedly considering other attacking targets rather than re-signing him.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reflected on the team’s World Cup semi-final exit, expressing pride in inspiring young players despite the disappointment. He acknowledged highs and lows in his performances, as pundits criticised his role in conceding Argentina’s equaliser, while others pointed to defensive lapses. Teammates offered supportive messages, and the tournament closed with England’s Bronze match victory after Pickford was replaced by Dean Henderson. Scotland and Senegal players from Everton also exited earlier in the competition.

Victor Munoz arrives at Liverpool as a World Cup winner with Spain, joining Andoni Iraola’s squad after a four‑week break that will see him return in mid‑August. Though unused throughout the tournament, he trained with the squad and is expected to benefit from the experience without added fatigue. Liverpool paid £35 million to sign him after hijacking Newcastle’s bid, with his debut potentially aligning with a challenging season opener against the Magpies. Several players, including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch, are set to rejoin the squad ahead of pre‑season fixtures, while Alexis Mac Allister will be eased back following a demanding World Cup campaign.

Liverpool plans to continue paying Arne Slot for the remainder of his contract even if he becomes the Netherlands’ new head coach, with the club prepared to supplement his first-year salary to match his former Anfield earnings. The arrangement avoids a large immediate payout and allows the Royal Dutch Football Association to appoint Slot without compensation obstacles following Ronald Koeman’s departure. The article also notes Andoni Iraola’s early actions as Liverpool’s new manager and his preference for short-term contracts.