Mark Whiley

Mohamed Salah received a mixed but largely critical reaction from Turkish media and Trabzonspor supporters after making his first start for the club in a 1-0 Europa League play-off loss to Ferencvaros. Reports said he failed to meet expectations and appeared divided from fans, although Fanatik praised Ferencvaros's close marking and Salah's effort. Salah joined Trabzonspor late, and his performance included six shots, four chances created, 31 completed passes from 38, and an expected-goals value of 0.41. He is expected to return against Istanbul Basaksehir before Trabzonspor's second leg against Ferencvaros.

Liverpool will begin the 2026/27 Premier League season without the gold champions’ badge on their shirts after the honour passed to Arsenal. The club opens its campaign away at Newcastle United in the first match of the Andoni Iraola era, with Alexander Isak set to face his former team. Liverpool’s defence remains a concern as Virgil van Dijk acknowledges that new signings Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo will need time and competitive matches to build an effective partnership.

Liverpool are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but PSG’s reported £145 million asking price is considered excessive. PSG’s moves for Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts suggest the club may be preparing to sell Barcola, whose value could decline with two years remaining on his contract. Liverpool are advised to hold firm and use PSG’s need to balance its finances to negotiate a lower fee; supporters largely oppose paying the current valuation.

New Germany manager Jürgen Klopp has been warned by DFB sporting director Rudi Völler that the national team should improve defensively and emulate Spain’s possession-based, attacking and disciplined style rather than Argentina’s controversial conduct and tactics. Klopp, who accepted the role out of national pride after Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation, has warned that he will leave if the media mistreats him or intrudes on his family’s privacy, while also accepting that the DFB could end his tenure.

Tony Bellew confronted Eddie Hearn during a DAZN broadcast over the possibility of staging the anticipated Anthony Joshua–Tyson Fury fight in the United States. Bellew argued that British fans would provide most of the pay-per-view audience and insisted the bout belonged in a major UK stadium, while Hearn said Saudi boxing officials, Nick Khan and Netflix preferred New York’s Madison Square Garden. Hearn maintained that he and Joshua wanted a UK venue but might not control the final decision, which could be made after Joshua’s fight in Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool accelerate summer recruitment as Andoni Iraola oversees pre-season preparations in the United States. The club wins the race to sign highly rated youngster Samuel Martinez, who will remain at Atletico Nacional for another year despite strong interest from Bayern Munich and other European clubs. Attention shifts to potential wide options, with PSG talent Ibrahim Mbaye expected to leave and viewed as a possible target following diminished prospects of signing Yan Diomande. The squad continues its rebuild after last season’s disappointing title defence and Mohamed Salah’s departure.

Curtis Jones’ uncertain future at Liverpool has been influenced by strained relationships with former managers Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, whom Jason McAteer says did not fully trust him. Interest from Tottenham and Inter Milan persists, but new manager Andoni Iraola has expressed confidence in the midfielder, potentially offering a fresh start. Amid organisational instability at the club, McAteer argues that retaining Jones would provide continuity, with the option to revisit a transfer in January if necessary.

Vegard Heggem’s Liverpool career was cut short by persistent injuries after an impressive start, leading him to retire at 28 and pursue his passion for salmon fishing by opening the Aunan Lodge in Norway. He reflects positively on his time at Liverpool despite limited appearances, recalling key moments such as scoring twice in front of the Kop and being substituted for Steven Gerrard’s debut. Heggem, part of Norway’s 1998 World Cup squad, remains connected to football while running his fishing lodge, which features Liverpool memorabilia.

Harry Kane’s two late goals rescued England from an early World Cup exit after falling behind to DR Congo, prompting international media reactions that centred on his decisive influence. Jurgen Klopp praised the match as a perfect World Cup example and compared Kane’s impact on England to Lionel Messi’s role for Argentina. Outlets across Europe and Australia highlighted England’s shaky performance, their reliance on Kane, and substitute Anthony Gordon’s key contributions, while noting the narrow escape ahead of a last‑16 tie against Mexico.