Sam Millne

Curtis Jones has completed a £30 million transfer from Liverpool to Inter Milan after passing his medical and signing a five-year contract. Inter will pay £25.6 million upfront, with the remainder tied to achievable add-ons, and Liverpool will retain a 10% sell-on clause. Jones, who made 228 appearances and scored 22 goals for his boyhood club, reportedly pushed for the move because he wanted a more important role after tensions with Liverpool’s coaching setup. His departure leaves Liverpool with four senior central midfielders, while Inter view him as part of their effort to compete more strongly in Europe.

Andoni Iraola says Cody Gakpo can cover as Liverpool’s No. 9 when Alexander Isak is unavailable, although pre-season work has focused on Gakpo’s preferred left-wing role because the squad lacks wingers. Gakpo has previous experience as a central striker and could help in build-up play, but Liverpool’s options are constrained by Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury and Isak’s fitness history. Jayden Danns, Will Wright, Lewis Koumas and Federico Chiesa are possible alternatives, while a potential signing such as Bradley Barcola could also fill in. Danns may leave on loan, leaving Liverpool short of reliable centre-forward depth.

Liverpool have ruled out moves for Said El Mala and Endrick while pursuing other winger targets, including Yankuba Minteh and Bradley Barcola. El Mala has committed to 1. FC Köln through a new five-year contract with no reported release clause after attracting significant interest, including a £47 million bid from Borussia Dortmund. Endrick is also unlikely to leave Real Madrid this summer because the club would only sanction a loan, while the player reportedly does not want to depart and has rejected interest from Aston Villa. Real Madrid have further rewarded him with the No. 9 shirt, and manager Jose Mourinho is said to be impressed with him.

Liverpool U21s drew 1-1 with Everton U21s at Goodison Park in a feisty Premier League 2 derby. Will Wright opened the scoring before Jack Patterson equalised, while Jayden Danns made his return from a fitness build-up as a substitute. Liverpool goalkeeper Harvey Davies was sent off late in the match, and with all substitutions used, centre-back Mor Talla Ndiaye went in goal. Everton’s Graham was also dismissed after a late confrontation.

Jeff Bezos’s involvement in the consortium that acquired a 38 percent share of Liverpool has prompted speculation that Amazon could replace Standard Chartered as the club’s shirt sponsor. Although such a deal is theoretically possible, it would need to pass the Premier League’s associated-party-transaction rules and demonstrate fair market value. Liverpool’s existing Standard Chartered and Expedia agreements are due to expire at the end of the season, but negotiations remain ongoing. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire considers an Amazon shirt sponsorship a remote prospect, noting Amazon’s reluctance to pay heavily for broader Premier League rights and the possibility of rival fans cancelling subscriptions. Fan concerns about Amazon’s treatment of workers could also make the partnership controversial.

Federico Chiesa missed Liverpool training ahead of the match against Newcastle, prompting transfer speculation. Fabrizio Romano said the absence is more likely linked to a physical issue than negotiations with an Italian club. Chiesa recently played 45 minutes against Como and has said he remains happy at Liverpool, but his limited starts, competition from younger forwards and possible squad changes leave his role uncertain.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says the club needs a squad capable of competing on all four fronts and hints that further signings may be required before the transfer window closes. Several senior players have departed, while Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have arrived. Van Dijk believes the squad is mentally prepared to respond to last season’s disappointing campaign and is optimistic about working under new manager Andoni Iraola, despite acknowledging the difficulty of Premier League football and a congested schedule.

The Premier League has appointed Stuart Attwell as referee for Liverpool’s season opener at Newcastle, with James Bell as VAR and Edward Smart as assistant VAR. Constantine Hatzidakis and Lee Betts are the assistant referees, Tony Harrington is fourth official, and the match will take place at St James’ Park. The preview recalls Liverpool’s dramatic 3–2 win over Newcastle last season and anticipates Alexander Isak’s return amid transfer-related tension, while suggesting likely starting lineups for both teams.

Liverpool have had a £50 million bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected, although the 22-year-old is reportedly interested in the move. Minteh, who is recovering from a right-leg injury that is expected to keep him out for two months, has Premier League experience and profiles as a left-footed replacement for Mo Salah. Liverpool want to sign at least one winger before the transfer window closes and may pursue alternatives including Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, Rayan and Matias Fernandez-Pardo, particularly if Cody Gakpo leaves for Tottenham.

Liverpool must replace Mo Salah as their regular penalty taker after his move to Trabzonspor. Dominik Szoboszlai is identified as the strongest candidate, having scored 18 of 20 competitive penalties across his club and international career and possessing specialist dead-ball experience. Alexis Mac Allister is another reliable option with 11 goals from 12 attempts, while Alexander Isak’s 19-from-25 record is less convincing. Wataru Endo has a perfect record but is unlikely to play regularly.

Liverpool have reportedly agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye on a five-year contract, although the transfer still depends on the clubs agreeing a fee. Mbaye reportedly prefers Liverpool over Bayer Leverkusen, while Liverpool are also pursuing Bradley Barcola in a potential double deal. PSG are demanding significant fees for both players but have strengthened their winger options, which could make them more willing to negotiate.

Liverpool Fútbol Club of Montevideo hopes to inaugurate its planned 15,000–20,000-capacity stadium in February or March 2028 with a friendly against Liverpool FC of England. Club president Jose Luis Palma has not yet formally approached Liverpool, and the English side’s first team would be unlikely to play during the middle of a Premier League season. The two clubs share a name rooted in historic transatlantic trade and have developed links through supporter groups, including Spirit of Shankly, food-bank efforts and mutual fan visits. A youth-team partnership may be a more realistic way to deepen the relationship.

Andoni Iraola’s lineups in Liverpool’s pre-season games against Como suggest significant decisions before the transfer window closes. Rio Ngumoha is being tested on the right wing, while Harvey Elliott appears to be outside the manager’s immediate plans and Curtis Jones is reportedly pushing for a move to Inter. Federico Chiesa may also depart, with Lewis Koumas emerging as a possible replacement in the squad. The likely starting lineup for the Premier League opener against Newcastle is taking shape, with the main uncertainty being who partners Virgil van Dijk in central defence.

Liverpool’s shortened 0-0 pre-season draw with Como provided limited but useful clues about the squad. Alexis Mac Allister looked sharp in his first outing after the World Cup, while Andoni Iraola showed a willingness to vary Liverpool’s midfield structure rather than rely on a rigid system. Several young players, including Lewis Koumas, Will Wright, Kieran Morrison, Luke Chambers and Calvin Ramsay, impressed while pushing for first-team opportunities. The match also reinforced the view that Harvey Elliott is better suited to a central attacking role than to playing as a winger, highlighting Liverpool’s need to recruit wide players.

Liverpool drew 0-0 with Como in a shortened 70-minute pre-season friendly at the AXA Training Centre. Alexis Mac Allister, making his first pre-season appearance, controlled play from deep, while Victor Munoz was Liverpool's most dangerous attacker early on. The match improved after Liverpool's second-half substitutions, with Lewis Koumas and Will Wright creating chances, but neither side found a goal. Luke Chambers was named Man of the Match.

Liverpool’s first team against Como suggests that manager Andoni Iraola will reserve many senior players for the second game at Anfield. A projected lineup includes Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong, Ronald Araujo or Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Rio Ngumoha and Alexander Isak. Curtis Jones has returned to training after a minor hip issue but may be rested amid reported interest from Inter Milan.

Liverpool’s starting XI for the first of two pre-season friendlies against Como features Alexis Mac Allister in his first minutes of pre-season, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal and a defense of Calvin Ramsay, Wataru Endo, Luke Chambers and Kostas Tsimikas. Trey Nyoni and James McConnell form the central midfield, while Harvey Elliott, Victor Munoz and Federico Chiesa lead the attack. Endo also makes his first start since returning from an ankle injury. Several senior players, including Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai, are being reserved for the second match at Anfield. The first game is available to UK viewers via LFCTV and All Red Video.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faces decisions over 14 young players after several impressed during the US pre-season tour. Luke Chambers, Trey Nyoni, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Kieran Morrison, Lewis Koumas and Harvey Davies are recommended to remain with the senior setup, while Calum Scanlon, James McConnell and Ifeanyi Ndukwe are viewed as loan candidates. Calvin Ramsay could be sold or loaned if Liverpool need a non-homegrown squad place. Josh Sonni-Lambie, Bailey Hall, Will Wright and Josh Abe are expected to continue primarily with the under-21s, although some may train with or feature for the first team. Injuries, work-permit issues, squad depth and incoming transfers will shape the final decisions.

A new exhibition at Liverpool FC’s museum at Anfield will showcase Ian Rush’s memorabilia from his record-breaking Liverpool career, including all 16 signed match balls, his 1986 FA Cup final shirt, European Golden Boots, match-worn boots, video footage and a hologram. Rush scored 346 goals in 660 appearances for Liverpool, while the exhibition also covers his time at Juventus, Wales and Chester. It opens on August 14, with visitors able to enter a prize draw using a promotional booking code.

In the summer of 1993, Liverpool manager Graeme Souness proposed sending midfielder Don Hutchison to Southampton as part of a deal for goalkeeper Tim Flowers. Hutchison rejected the move because he believed Southampton were likely to be relegated. During a subsequent six-a-side training game, Souness deliberately targeted Hutchison, who responded with a two-footed challenge, leading to both men punching and wrestling each other. Souness unexpectedly praised Hutchison's toughness and selected him for the following match. Hutchison later remembered Souness as one of his best managers and defended him against claims that he failed at Liverpool, arguing that Souness inherited aging legends and inexperienced young players. Liverpool ultimately failed to sign Flowers and used David James in goal until 1999.

Dominik Szoboszlai says Liverpool’s squad is short and that every player will be needed, while leaving transfer decisions to the club’s recruitment staff and manager Andoni Iraola. Liverpool have lost Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, with injuries and limited first-team experience further reducing depth. Iraola has also called for reinforcements, and although talks reportedly continue for Bradley Barcola, the article argues that one or two additions may not be enough for Liverpool to compete across multiple competitions.

Liverpool’s three-match US pre-season tour produced two wins and a 4-2 defeat to Leeds. Centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe played the most minutes with 260, ahead of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and Dominik Szoboszlai, although Ndukwe may be unable to play competitively because of work permit issues. Liverpool scored eight goals during the tour, with Szoboszlai leading the assist chart with two. The squad will return to Anfield to face Monaco before further friendlies against Como.

Dominik Szoboszlai says his heated on-pitch exchange with Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas after Liverpool’s friendly against Wrexham was not an angry dispute and has been resolved. Jones remains linked with Inter Milan, whose reported £29.9 million offer falls below Liverpool’s valuation. Alisson has returned to pre-season training, while Harvey Davies is expected to stay as fourth-choice goalkeeper. The roundup also covers unconfirmed transfer news, Trey Nyoni’s strong pre-season form, Zarah Sultana’s criticism of Liverpool’s sponsorship links to Israel, and a historical Mainz victory over Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

Trey Nyoni has emerged as Liverpool's standout player during the club's first three pre-season matches in the United States. The 19-year-old midfielder completed 92 percent of his 154 passes across 135 minutes and led Liverpool in passes into the final third, while also contributing defensively. New head coach Andoni Iraola praised Nyoni's composure, ball progression and pressing, suggesting he could compete for a regular first-team role. With uncertainty surrounding Curtis Jones, limited availability for Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott viewed as better suited to the No. 10 position, Nyoni may help address Liverpool's midfield needs and allow the club to direct more transfer spending toward attacking reinforcements.

Liverpool's 4-2 defeat by Leeds in Chicago exposed major concerns over squad depth, particularly at centre-back and right-back, as well as recurring vulnerability to set pieces. Reporters argued that Liverpool need at least three first-team-ready signings, while injuries further weakened an inexperienced defence. The first half offered encouragement through the promising partnership of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, whose pressing, movement and link-up play were among the match's main positives.

Liverpool have begun club-to-club negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola, with an initial bid reportedly exceeding €100 million but still well below PSG’s alleged £145 million valuation. Barcola is said to want the move, while Liverpool remain interested but unwilling to meet PSG’s full asking price. The roundup also covers Liverpool’s return from their US tour, training plans, fitness updates on Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong, and reports that Cody Gakpo is not for sale unless a substantial offer arrives. Elsewhere, Jordan Henderson completed a move to Chelsea, Arsenal’s opening bid for Bruno Guimaraes was rejected, and football authorities in England and Wales withdrew support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Liverpool face four pre-season friendlies, two Premier League matches and the Champions League league-phase draw during August 2026. Andoni Iraola’s side will finish its US tour against Leeds before hosting Monaco and Como 1907, then begin the competitive season away to Newcastle and at home against Nottingham Forest. Liverpool are set to be in Champions League Pot 1, while transfer business is expected to continue through the September 1 deadline, with Bradley Barcola among the hoped-for arrivals. The schedule also includes five friendlies for Liverpool Women.

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly agreed to pay Monaco £42.7 million for winger Maghnes Akliouche, a move that could make Bradley Barcola available to Liverpool. Liverpool are believed to value Barcola at about £80 million, well below PSG's reported £145 million valuation. The roundup also covers Inter Milan's improved but still insufficient offer for Curtis Jones, Oakley Cannonier's move to Hougang United, Chelsea's sanctions for regulatory breaches, Arne Slot rejecting managerial opportunities with Al Ahli and the Netherlands, and Mykhailo Mudryk's return after his doping case was resolved.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says Alexander Isak is in good physical condition after a difficult first season following his £125 million move from Newcastle, which was disrupted by limited preparation and a broken leg. Isak impressed for Sweden at the World Cup, scoring once and assisting three times, and is expected to begin rebuilding his fitness with limited pre-season minutes against Leeds. Liverpool must manage his workload carefully because Hugo Ekitike is expected to miss significant time, while injuries to other forwards have reduced the team’s attacking depth.