Paul Wheelock

Everton supporters are largely optimistic about the club’s 2026–27 Premier League prospects after a poll of nearly 10,000 Liverpool Echo readers. Thirty-eight percent predict a top-10 finish, 27% expect European qualification and 5% foresee a top-five place, while only 5% believe Everton will be involved in a relegation battle. The predictions follow a 13th-place finish last season after a seven-match winless run and Angus Kinnear’s declaration that European football is achievable. Everton have made five additions to the squad but still reportedly need a right-back and possibly a striker before opening the campaign against Crystal Palace.

A poll of more than 21,000 Liverpool supporters found that 61% expect the club to finish in the Champions League places during Andoni Iraola's first season, while 18% believe Liverpool will win the Premier League. Only 12% predict a finish outside the Champions League places, and 9% anticipate a top-10 or bottom-half finish. The outlook is shaped by major departures, injuries and ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad, including negotiations for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola after Brighton rejected a £50 million bid for Yankuba Minteh.

Liverpool defeated Como 2-0 at Anfield in their final pre-season friendly, after an earlier behind-closed-doors meeting between the teams ended goalless. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute following a driving run and cross from Jeremie Frimpong, before debutant Jeremy Jacquet tapped in Gakpo’s pass shortly before half-time. Jacquet impressed with his pace, physicality and defensive interventions, while Alisson Becker made a key save to preserve the clean sheet. Liverpool were less convincing after the interval but maintained their organisation and secured a confidence-boosting victory ahead of the new season.

Everton drew 1-1 with Lille in their final pre-season friendly after Iliman Ndiaye converted a first-half penalty. Everton created several chances and received strong performances from Ndiaye, Tyler Dibling, Hayden Hackney and Harrison Armstrong, but Hakon Haraldsson equalised with virtually the last kick of the match. Brennan Johnson impressed on his debut, while Everton’s lack of a new right-back and possible midfield absences remained concerns ahead of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

Everton defeated Newcastle United 3-1 in a pre-season friendly at Murrayfield. Thierno Barry opened the scoring after a solo run, Iliman Ndiaye converted a penalty, and Tyrique George added a spectacular third, while Harvey Barnes scored a late consolation for Newcastle. Harrison Armstrong, Tyrique George and Thierno Barry received the highest rating of 9/10, with Armstrong praised for two assists and Barry and George for their attacking performances.

Liverpool lost 3-2 to Monaco at Anfield after taking a 2-0 lead through Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Aleksandr Golovin converted a penalty before Mika Biereth equalised, and Paris Brunner headed Monaco's late winner. The match was Andoni Iraola's first home game as Liverpool head coach, while the result marked Liverpool's second successive pre-season friendly in which they surrendered a two-goal advantage. Players including Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Cody Gakpo and new signing Victor Munoz were available for the first time this summer.

Two-weight world champions Natasha Jonas and Savannah Marshall led a free event for girls aged 11 to 18 at Rotunda ABC in Kirkdale. Organised by Boxing is Love and Fight Like a Girl CIC, the Stronger Together programme included practical boxing, education, self-defence and a panel addressing representation and barriers facing girls in the sport. The event aimed to encourage participation amid continued lower activity levels among girls compared with boys.

Liverpool defeated Sunderland 4-2 in a pre-season friendly at GEODIS Park in Nashville, giving new manager Andoni Iraola a winning start. Kieran Morrison opened the scoring before Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fee and Timur Tutierov turned the match around. Dominik Szoboszlai equalised, and Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas added second-half goals. Liverpool’s main concern was an early injury to Joe Gomez, while Jeremy Jacquet was rested cautiously after a lengthy absence.

Idrissa Gueye is set to leave Everton after seven years and 236 appearances across two spells, with the 36-year-old reportedly agreeing to join Saudi Pro League side Al Diriyah. Although his leadership and defensive midfield work were badly missed during Everton's late-season collapse, the column argues that a final lucrative contract is appropriate and that the timing suits the club. Everton have several younger midfield options, including James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Hayden Hackney, but David Moyes may still need to recruit a disciplined No. 6 to protect the defence and enable more attacking midfield play.

Everton have confirmed that Idrissa Gana Gueye will leave the club after seven seasons of service, following the expiry of his contract and unsuccessful talks over a new deal. The 36-year-old made 236 appearances across two spells and is expected to join Saudi Pro League side Al Diriyah. Everton manager David Moyes praised Gueye's dedication, professionalism, leadership and influence, particularly during the club's final season at Goodison Park.

Everton will freeze home Premier League match ticket prices for the 2026/27 season following a review and talks with supporter groups. The club will also trial a new 18–21 tariff to bridge the gap between junior and adult prices and support young adults entering further education, apprenticeships or employment. The ticket-sale process remains unchanged, with Forever Blue+ members receiving first priority through a ballot, followed by Forever Blue members. The decision follows season-ticket increases at Hill Dickinson Stadium, although under-11, family-area adult and other concessionary prices were retained or frozen.

Demi Akarakiri rejected a new Everton contract to join Cagliari, with his agent citing interest from multiple clubs, development opportunities in Serie A and Cagliari’s clear vision. Everton had hoped to keep the highly rated youth player, but negotiations stalled, allowing Cagliari to move quickly. Akarakiri is viewed as a strong prospect suited to both Premier League and Serie A football.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola provided updates on transfers, injuries and squad availability during the club’s US tour. He confirmed several long‑term injuries, with Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike months from returning, while Bajcetic and Endo are close to partial training. World Cup players including Mac Allister and Victor Munoz will rejoin later after extended rest. Iraola expressed confidence in key figures such as Szoboszlai and Alisson and addressed competition, leadership roles and right‑back depth. Off the field, Fenway Sports Group acknowledged early‑stage discussions with an investor consortium led by Amit Bhatia regarding a minority stake in Liverpool.

Ragnar Klavan reflects on his 2016 move to Liverpool, recalling how he initially thought Jurgen Klopp’s first phone call was a prank until the manager sent a selfie. He discusses becoming a valued squad member, the intense dressing-room environment later misinterpreted as a conflict between Klopp and James Milner, and Liverpool’s response to the 2018 Champions League final loss in Kiev. Klavan describes the team’s determination to rebound, praises Philippe Coutinho’s standout performances, and expresses happiness for Liverpool’s later trophy success despite leaving for Cagliari before their major triumphs.

Rapidly rising Premier League transfer fees, highlighted by Chelsea’s £117m move for Morgan Rogers, are increasing pressure on Liverpool’s recruitment strategy under Fenway Sports Group. With recent market inflation making young talent and established players significantly more expensive, Liverpool faces challenges rebuilding a squad needing multiple additions. Writers note last summer’s record spending did not produce immediate on‑pitch success and argue the club should avoid bidding wars while targeting opportunistic signings such as Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. A substantial winger signing may still be required to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah as the club navigates an increasingly inflated market.

Dominik Szoboszlai is backed by former Liverpool goalkeeper David James to become a future Liverpool captain as the club undergoes significant transition under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Szoboszlai’s new long-term contract secures his place through 2031 amid uncertainty surrounding veterans like Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez. With Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson departing, Iraola must appoint a new vice-captain before the Premier League opener, with Szoboszlai considered a leading candidate. Szoboszlai expresses readiness to take on greater responsibility and aims to help the club compete for major trophies.

Everton begin their pre-season with a friendly against Dundee at Dens Park, fielding a strong lineup despite several absences due to injuries, international duties, and personal reasons. Early phases show cautious play, with Beto missing a major chance and Dundee applying pressure through repeated attacks. Everton’s younger players and new signings feature prominently as the team settles into possession, while defensive moments from O'Brien and Travers prevent Dundee from taking the lead. Live updates track tactical adjustments, player performances, and match flow as both sides build rhythm ahead of their competitive campaigns.

Jordan Pickford is defended by readers and commentators who argue he was not at fault for England’s late concession against Argentina in the World Cup semi‑final. Criticism from Jude Bellingham and pundits such as Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher contrasts with an argument that Thomas Tuchel’s poor in‑game management was the real cause of England’s collapse. A poll shows most readers agree Pickford was not to blame, as he prepares to return to Everton after a strong international showing.

Jordan Pickford’s former PE teacher recalls the goalkeeper’s school days as a powerful midfielder with a fiery temperament that nearly earned him a red card in his final match. The story highlights Pickford’s development from an outfield-playing schoolboy to England’s record-breaking goalkeeper, set to start in a World Cup semi-final against Argentina. His maturity, strong family and community ties, and loyalty to Everton are emphasised, along with reflections on key moments that shaped his career.

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the World Cup with Romelu Lukaku scoring his third tournament goal and leading a celebration that mocked Donald Trump following the controversy over FIFA’s suspension of Folarin Balogun’s ban. Belgium’s win was overshadowed by a serious ACL injury to former Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, prompting Lukaku to pay tribute by holding up his teammate’s shirt. Belgium advances to a quarter-final against Spain, while Portugal manager Roberto Martinez confirmed his departure after their defeat earlier in the day.

England’s mounting injury problems at right-back ahead of the World Cup last‑16 match against Mexico have intensified scrutiny of Thomas Tuchel’s decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold. With multiple right-backs sidelined, Chris Waddle backed Tuchel’s call and suggested Jordan Henderson could fill the role, arguing that England’s dominance in most matches allows for a technically secure midfielder at full-back. Alternatives such as Declan Rice shifting wide and introducing more creative midfielders were also proposed to increase England’s attacking range.

Everton are nearing deals for Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George, but both club writers agree that securing a specialist right‑back must be the next priority. Joe Thomas emphasises the long‑standing need to strengthen the position to improve both defensive stability and team structure, while Paul Wheelock highlights limited wide options and ongoing uncertainty around midfield composition. Despite interest in players such as Guela Doue, Djed Spence and Aaron Wan‑Bissaka, the writers stress that completing a right‑back signing before pre‑season would significantly ease supporter concerns.

Liverpool’s new signing Victor Munoz could make his first World Cup appearance after recovering from an injury that kept him out of Spain’s group matches. Spain face Austria in the last 16, and while Munoz is unlikely to start, his return offers manager Luis de la Fuente a needed option on the wing following other injuries. The winger described the emotional challenge of missing early matches and credited support from teammates and the team psychologist. Liverpool currently have only a few players remaining in the tournament, with Alisson Becker already through and Alexis Mac Allister expected to progress with Argentina.