Richard Garnett

Curtis Jones is reportedly close to leaving Liverpool for Inter Milan for around £30 million with one year remaining on his contract. Paul Gorst argues that selling now avoids another free transfer but questions the decision because Liverpool have no clear senior replacement and already have a stretched squad. Richard Garnett sees the move as inevitable and believes Jones was never a consistent automatic starter, while lamenting the loss of another locally developed player and the vacuum left in Liverpool’s Scouse identity. The transfer could create an opportunity for Trey Nyoni but is likely to increase pressure on sporting director Richard Hughes to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline.

Ruud Gullit says his criticism of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk comes from the defender’s exceptionally high standards rather than malice. He believes van Dijk’s experience remains vital to Liverpool’s transition toward younger centre-backs, provided he regains peak physical form. Gullit also argues that Cody Gakpo needs consistent playing time and managerial trust to rediscover the form he showed during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.

Michael Owen predicts Arsenal will retain the Premier League title, with Liverpool finishing second, Chelsea third, Manchester City fourth, Manchester United fifth and Tottenham Hotspur sixth. He believes Liverpool can challenge under new manager Andoni Iraola but must improve after a poor previous season, particularly by conceding fewer goals and adding squad depth and quality. Owen sees a potential move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as a major difference-maker, although Arsenal remain his clear favorites.

Mohamed Salah has joined Trabzonspor after ending a nine-year Liverpool career in which he won eight major trophies and scored 257 goals. His arrival in Turkey drew thousands of supporters, but former Chelsea and Trabzonspor midfielder John Obi Mikel warned that fans will quickly turn on him if he does not perform and win matches. Salah's move is also expected to help striker Paul Onuachu, while he will aim to improve on his unusually low total of seven Premier League goals last season.

Florian Wirtz made an impressive start to Liverpool’s pre-season with a goal and influential attacking display against Leeds United in Chicago. His intelligent passing, movement and link-up play suggested he could thrive alongside Alexander Isak and Liverpool’s other forwards under new manager Andoni Iraola. The performance offered encouragement after a difficult first season, although greater physicality and consistency will be needed before Wirtz can prove himself in more demanding competitive matches.

Liverpool lost 4-2 to Leeds United at Chicago’s Soldier Field in the final match of their United States pre-season tour. Liverpool led 2-0 at half-time through Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz, but a series of second-half substitutions preceded a defensive collapse. Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin twice and Sean Longstaff scored for Leeds, handing Andoni Iraola his first defeat as Liverpool manager.

Former Liverpool player Jason McAteer says Cody Gakpo was an unfairly easy target for supporters during a disappointing previous season and should retain a future at the club. Gakpo scored seven goals in 36 Premier League appearances but faces increased competition from Rio Ngumoha, new signing Victor Munoz and Liverpool's reported pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. McAteer acknowledged Gakpo can be predictable and inconsistent but praised his work rate and team-first approach.

Harvey Elliott says his limited-playing-time loan spell at Aston Villa was mentally and physically difficult but insists he has no hard feelings toward the club. After Villa’s financial concerns prevented a £35 million obligation-to-buy clause from being activated, Elliott returned to Liverpool and views the appointment of Andoni Iraola as a second chance to revive his career. He is enjoying pre-season under Iraola, aims to regain full fitness and form, and remains uncertain whether he will stay at Liverpool or seek another move.

Liverpool face Wrexham at Yankee Stadium in their second pre-season friendly after beating Sunderland 4-2. The Liverpool Echo’s writers propose different line-ups, with Ryan Gravenberch potentially filling in at centre-back because of the squad’s defensive shortage and Trey Nyoni starting in midfield. Both selections include Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai, while the writers differ over the roles of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and several younger attackers. The match is expected to attract significant attention because of Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, although Liverpool remain the primary draw.

Alexander Isak’s challenging first season at Liverpool is attributed by Dwight Yorke to his recovery from major injury and the rotational decisions of former head coach Arne Slot, which reportedly undermined the striker’s confidence as he competed with Hugo Ekitike for playing time. Yorke doubts whether Isak can return to his peak form but believes new manager Andoni Iraola offers a fresh opportunity. Despite last season’s disappointment, he expects Liverpool to compete for the Premier League title given their significant financial investment and the shifting landscape among top rivals.

Fabinho, nearing the end of his Al-Ittihad contract, is spending time in Madrid after Brazil's World Cup exit and has expressed openness to returning to European football. He praised Real Madrid when asked about his future but said he has no concrete plans and will consult his agents. A move to Madrid would reunite him with former Liverpool teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool begins a new era under manager Andoni Iraola, who has added Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and Victor Munoz from Osasuna as the first summer signings. Major departures include Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, all leaving at the end of their contracts, with Robertson joining Tottenham and Konate heading to Real Madrid. Additional exits across the squad highlight an ongoing rebuild as the club prepares for the upcoming season following a disappointing Premier League campaign.

Florian Wirtz exits the 2026 World Cup after Germany’s shock defeat to Paraguay, raising concerns about his ability to influence major matches following a mixed first season at Liverpool. Despite showcasing moments of quality, he struggled to assert himself while repeatedly deployed on the left rather than centrally. Both club and country managers are seen as failing to maximise his strengths, leaving new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola with the task of unlocking his potential. Liverpool’s transfer activity hints at building a system around him, but expectations remain high as questions linger over whether he can fulfil the promise that justified his record fee.

Liverpool must appoint a new vice-captain following Andy Robertson’s departure to Tottenham, with writers evaluating potential candidates based on leadership, experience and likelihood of regular match involvement. Joe Gomez is widely viewed as a strong choice due to his longevity and respect within the squad, while Alisson Becker and Dominik Szoboszlai also receive strong backing for their influence and leadership qualities. The change comes amid broader squad transitions under new head coach Andoni Iraola, following significant player exits and structural shifts.