Theo Squires

Milos Kerkez says Liverpool's approach under new head coach Andoni Iraola is significantly more aggressive than under Arne Slot, requiring greater running while giving the full-back more freedom to attack and deliver crosses. After completing 90 minutes in Liverpool's 2-0 pre-season win over Como, Kerkez said the squad is ready for the Premier League opener away to Newcastle United, while acknowledging that defensive organisation and winger support still need improvement. He also praised debutants Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, as well as goalkeeper Alisson, for their performances and the clean sheet.

Liverpool defeated Como 2-0 at Anfield in their final pre-season friendly, with Cody Gakpo opening the scoring in the 23rd minute and debutant Jeremy Jacquet adding a tap-in before half-time. Jacquet impressed defensively alongside Virgil van Dijk, while Alisson Becker made an important save to preserve the clean sheet. Liverpool had earlier drawn 0-0 with Como in a behind-closed-doors match at the AXA Training Centre.

Liverpool drew 0-0 with Como in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly at the AXA Training Centre. Victor Munoz was Liverpool's standout performer on his first start, repeatedly creating chances from the left and earning an 8/10 rating. Alexis Mac Allister also impressed on his return to pre-season action, while Federico Chiesa, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas and Will Wright came close to scoring. Liverpool's young players gained valuable minutes, although goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was criticized for poor distribution and Harvey Elliott endured a frustrating outing.

Liverpool have 31 senior players over the age of 21 and would need to omit at least six from their Premier League squad and eight from their Champions League squad under current registration limits. The arrivals of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni create additional European-registration pressure because they do not yet qualify for List B, while Ifeanyi Ndukwe is expected to leave on loan after failing to obtain a work permit. Liverpool are still targeting Bradley Barcola and possibly another forward, but any further overseas signing would require an overseas player to depart or be left out. Injuries to Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley may temporarily open places, although leaving them out could restrict Liverpool's limited Champions League changes in January.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola must select an attack for the Premier League opener at Newcastle United with limited options following Mohamed Salah’s departure, Hugo Ekitike’s injury and uncertainty over several forwards. The writers expect Alexander Isak to lead the line, Cody Gakpo to start on the left and Rio Ngumoha to fill the right-wing role, with Florian Wirtz operating behind Isak. New signing Victor Munoz is not ready to start, while a potential Bradley Barcola transfer from Paris Saint-Germain would arrive too late for an immediate first-choice role.

Curtis Jones’s Liverpool future remains unresolved with one year left on his contract and sustained interest from Internazionale. Liverpool have rejected offers of around £21 million and £30 million while valuing the midfielder at £35 million, although head coach Andoni Iraola wants him to stay. Jones’s absence from a recent friendly was attributed to a minor hip problem, but his potential departure has prompted comparisons with Liverpool players who scored in their final appearances, most recently Roberto Firmino. His next competitive appearances—or lack thereof—could shape speculation before the September 1 transfer deadline.

Ibrahima Konate says Real Madrid is his dream club after joining the Spanish side on a free transfer from Liverpool. The France defender left Anfield when contract negotiations failed, despite previously expressing a desire to stay and being linked with Madrid. In a social-media Q&A, he described the move as amazing while acknowledging that he had yet to play a competitive match for his new team. Real Madrid have now signed a Liverpool player in each of the past two summers, following Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer.

Liverpool must decide whether to retain Alexis Mac Allister or consider a major transfer offer this summer. One view argues that his poor 2025–26 season reflected Liverpool’s wider collapse and that, at 27, he should be given the chance to return to his previous level. Another notes that he has two years left on his contract, is approaching a prime selling age and has not received an extension, making this a potential opportunity to cash in. Despite questions about his starting role, the consensus is that Liverpool should keep him unless an exceptional bid arrives.

Curtis Jones missed Liverpool’s pre-season defeat by Monaco with a minor hip issue, according to head coach Andoni Iraola, despite renewed speculation that he could join Internazionale. Jones returned to training and posted a gym selfie, while Liverpool reportedly value the midfielder at £35 million and have rejected Inter offers below that figure. Iraola said he rates Jones highly and hopes to keep him beyond the current season.

Liverpool are confirmed to be returning to the Champions League and will learn their league-phase opponents on August 27. The seven remaining places will be decided in the play-off round, with ties including Fenerbahçe–Lyon, NEC–Bodo/Glimt, Celtic–LASK, Dinamo Zagreb–Viking and several other pairings. Liverpool are already guaranteed a place in pot one and cannot draw Arsenal or Manchester City; they will face two teams from each of pots two, three and four, subject to UEFA draw restrictions including no home meeting with Real Madrid after hosting them in each of the previous two seasons.

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 defeat was Liverpool's second successive pre-season match in which they surrendered a two-goal advantage, highlighting concerns about defensive depth despite encouraging performances from Isak, Wirtz and several younger players. The match was Andoni Iraola's first at home since replacing Arne Slot.

Luca Stephenson says he chose to leave Liverpool permanently for Bolton Wanderers because regular first-team football at Liverpool appeared unlikely after more than 100 appearances on loan. The 22-year-old defender, who impressed during loan spells at Barrow and Dundee United and in Liverpool pre-season campaigns under Arne Slot, believes Bolton offers the chance to play week in and week out in the Championship. He is expected to make his Bolton debut in the Carabao Cup against Sheffield Wednesday.

Liverpool are not pursuing Tottenham defender Djed Spence despite links reportedly originating from the player’s camp. The club’s defense is severely depleted by injuries to Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremy Jacquet, Joe Gomez and others, while additional concerns surround Jeremie Frimpong and the fitness of senior players. Liverpool have not ruled out a defensive signing if the right opportunity emerges, but strengthening Andoni Iraola’s attack remains the priority. Fikayo Tomori, Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah are identified as more suitable hypothetical defensive targets, leaving Liverpool at risk of starting the season without adequate cover.

Real Madrid have agreed a reported £120 million package with RB Leipzig for 19-year-old Ivorian forward Yan Diomande, ending Liverpool’s interest after the club previously had an £86 million bid rejected. Diomande’s move could affect Liverpool’s alternative pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, since PSG will have less immediate need to sell while still seeking attacking reinforcements. Liverpool are also considering Senegalese forward Ibrahim Mbaye, whose potential move is separate from the Barcola talks, as the clubs assess how Diomande’s record fee will influence the wider transfer market.

Liverpool winger Victor Munoz has returned to training just over two weeks after Spain's World Cup triumph and hopes to make his debut in Sunday's pre-season friendly against Monaco. Signed from Osasuna for £34.5 million after Liverpool beat Newcastle United to his transfer, Munoz chose to end his holiday early so he could adapt to his new club. He says Andoni Iraola's emphasis on wide attacking play and intense pressing suits his skills, while the coach's support and Liverpool's high-quality squad should help his development.

Mohamed Salah received an enthusiastic welcome from around 25,000 Trabzonspor supporters after arriving in Trabzon to complete his move from Liverpool on a free transfer. The Egyptian forward said he had never experienced anything similar and vowed to pursue success with his new club. Trabzonspor planned a signing ceremony at Papara Park to officially unveil him.

Matthias Jaissle has been appointed Newcastle United head coach after Eddie Howe's departure and will make his competitive debut against Liverpool on August 23. The article recounts how Jaissle removed former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino from Al-Ahli's Saudi Pro League squad in February 2025 after the club signed Galeno, but Firmino responded by captaining Al-Ahli to the Asian Champions League title with four goals and six assists in seven appearances. Firmino subsequently left for Al Sadd, while Jaissle now aims to replicate his success with Newcastle.

Liverpool are considering a move for 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye, who has made 42 appearances but only 15 starts for the French club. Reports suggest he favors Liverpool despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. Mbaye has impressed alongside Sadio Mané for Senegal, contributing goals and assists at the Africa Cup of Nations and scoring on his World Cup debut. Mané has described him as exceptional, praised his speed and potential, and could see him eventually fill the attacking role he will leave after retiring from international football.

Andy Townsend has urged Liverpool to pursue a season-long loan for former vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, arguing that his elite crossing and attacking ability would improve the team. Alexander-Arnold struggled with injuries and form during his first season at Real Madrid, missed England's World Cup squad, and faces greater competition after Jose Mourinho signed Denzel Dumfries. Liverpool's own right-back options have also been weakened by Conor Bradley's injury and Jeremie Frimpong's inconsistent form, although a reunion could be difficult for supporters after Alexander-Arnold's controversial departure.

Mainz 05 sporting director Christian Heidel says the club is under no financial pressure to sell midfielder Kaishu Sano, but would consider a “substantial” offer. Liverpool are reportedly interested in the Japan international, alongside Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, while Sano’s strong World Cup performance has increased attention. Heidel says Mainz could retain the 25-year-old if bids do not reflect his market value, leaving his future open.

Luke Chambers filled in at left centre-back for Liverpool in a 1-0 pre-season win over Wrexham after Andoni Iraola’s defensive options were reduced by injuries, departures and player fitness issues. Iraola told Chambers to play his normal game while adapting to the position, and the 22-year-old said he handled the challenge well. After gaining Championship experience on loan at Charlton Athletic last season, Chambers hopes the performance will help him progress beyond that level.

Tom Ince has joined Tranmere Rovers on a two-year free transfer after eight seasons largely spent in the Championship. Liverpool attempted to re-sign him from Blackpool in January 2013 after he had left Anfield in 2011, but the clubs failed to agree a fee, reportedly because of Liverpool’s sell-on clause and Blackpool’s valuation. Ince later played for Crystal Palace, Hull City, Derby County, Huddersfield Town, Stoke City and Reading, enjoying strong Championship spells but limited Premier League success. The missed Liverpool return is ultimately portrayed as a blessing in disguise for the club, which went on to sign Philippe Coutinho instead.

Loris Karius says Liverpool’s 2018 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid left him feeling empty, caused him to lose his enjoyment of football and made him consider retiring. After errors in the 3-1 loss, later linked in part to concussion, he never played for Liverpool again and spent several seasons on loan before serving as a backup at Newcastle United. He eventually regained a starting role at Schalke in 2025 and made 30 league appearances in the 2025/26 campaign as the club won the 2. Bundesliga title and promotion.

Ben Gannon-Doak says a Portugal shirt exchanged with the late Diogo Jota is his most treasured football possession. The former Liverpool winger recalls Jota supporting and advising him when he was a young player at Anfield, and says he displayed the shirt after Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash. Gannon-Doak also reflects on representing Scotland at the World Cup, calling it a dream come true, while recalling his surprise at facing childhood hero Neymar.

Liverpool will face Sunderland in Nashville during their United States pre-season tour, marking Andoni Iraola's first match as manager after Arne Slot's dismissal. With several senior players absent following World Cup duty, Liverpool Echo writers Ian Doyle, Theo Squires and Mark Jones propose lineups combining established players with promising youngsters. Their selections prominently feature Curtis Jones, Trey Nyoni, Harvey Elliott, Rio Ngumoha, Jeremie Frimpong and Jeremy Jacquet, while differing over whether Federico Chiesa should start and who should lead the attack.

Jürgen Klopp has been appointed Germany head coach on a four-year contract through 2030, replacing Julian Nagelsmann after Germany’s disappointing 2026 World Cup exit. Klopp aims to restore Germany’s status among international football’s leading teams, beginning with Euro 2028, and said the position will be his final management job. Because Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium is scheduled to host Euro 2028 matches, Germany’s qualification and draw could bring Klopp back to Liverpool, although this would be at the home of the city’s local rivals. His new international commitments will also prevent him from returning for future Liverpool Legends charity matches.

Ragnar Klavan reflects on his unexpected 2016 transfer to Liverpool, revealing he initially thought Jurgen Klopp’s first phone call was a prank until the manager sent a selfie. He recounts his experiences at Anfield, his role in the team’s run to the 2018 Champions League final, and the strong mentality that later helped Liverpool win major trophies. Klavan clarifies past comments about a supposed dressing-room row, attributes the story to mistranslation, and praises former teammate Philippe Coutinho as the standout talent during his time at the club.