Liverpool
Liverpool transfer round-up: Jurgen Klopp prepares another £75million splurge to land duo
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has not finished his summer transfer business despite signing Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig and Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton
Liverpool announced their second transfer of the summer window on Sunday, as Dominik Szoboszlai completed his move from RB Leipzig.
The Hungary international, 22, has signed a five-year deal with Liverpool after they activated his £60million release clause. He joins Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield following the World Cup winner’s £55m switch from Premier League rivals Brighton in June.
Liverpool is expected to continue spending to avoid another disappointing campaign. Jurgen Klopp’s side finished fifth in the Premier League last season and failed to compete in the cup competitions. They will play in the Europa League this coming term.
But who else is Liverpool after? Here are the latest headlines from Merseyside…
Thuram momentum builds
Liverpool will step up their interest in Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, according to The Express. The 22-year-old midfielder has been on Klopp’s transfer shortlist for a while, but Liverpool were waiting until after the U21 Euros to make their move.
France suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in the quarter-finals of the tournament in Georgia and Romania on Sunday evening, allowing Thuram to focus on a summer transfer. Newcastle has also been linked with the £30m-rated talent.
Thuram, who is the son of legendary French defender Lillian, was recently named in Ligue 1’s Team of the Year after making 35 appearances in the division last season. He made his senior debut for France in their 4-0 win against the Netherlands in March.
Thuram is a defensive midfielder by trade and could sit behind Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in Klopp’s new-look midfield. Liverpool’s other midfielders are Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Stegan Bajcetic.
Lavia bid ready
Liverpool is set to make an opening bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to talkSPORT. The Belgium international, 19, is expected to leave Southampton after their relegation to the Championship, with Chelsea and Arsenal also interested.
Liverpool is thought to value Lavia at around £45m, although Southampton has slapped a £50m price tag on him. The Saints will not sell him on the cheap because they owe his former club Manchester City 20 percent of any future sale.
Southampton paid City an initial £10.5m when he arrived a year ago. Liverpool is unlikely to sign both Lavia and Thuram due to the other midfielders on their books.
Steven Gerrard has been appointed as the new manager of Al-Ettifaq. The Liverpool legend initially turned down the job after traveling to Saudi Arabia for talks a month ago but has now been persuaded to give it a go.
Gerrard has been out of work since he was sacked by Aston Villa nine months ago. The former England captain’s managerial career hangs in the balance after his disappointing spell at Villa Park, although he did enjoy success during his time at Rangers.
Gerrard won the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers in May 2021 to end Celtic’s nine-year dominance. Al-Ettifaq is not one of the four Saudi Pro League clubs owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund and might find it difficult to compete next season.
Liverpool
‘Oh, nice’ – Arne Slot makes exciting Liverpool admission after what FSG told him privately
Liverpool are set to win the Premier League title but they have already qualified for the Champions League.
Arne Slot has revealed that Liverpool’s main aim in his maiden season was Champions League qualification – but he is in no mood to celebrate the achievement.
The Reds have mathematically secured their spot in Europe’s elite club competition for the 2025-26 season. They did so with seven matches to spare as results last weekend went their way.
But the Premier League title is what Liverpool are aiming to achieve this campaign. A 2-1 victory over West Ham United moved them to within six points of claiming their 20th English championship in the club’s history.
There was uncertainty at the beginning of the season when Slot arrived. He faced the daunting task of replacing Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield hot seat. During his nine-year tenure, Klopp was the chief engineer in Liverpool’s return back to the European elite – winning the Champions League in 2019, reaching two other finals, and ending a 30-year wait for a Premier League crown.
Slot was a largely unheralded figure arriving from Feyenoord and after finishing third in the league last term, those outside of Liverpool persuasion hoped it would spark a downfall.
Speaking after the West Ham win, the Dutchman revealed that owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) did not expect him to forge a title charge in his first year. His remit was to finish in the top four given the revenue the Champions League brings with it. The club posted pre-tax losses of £57 million in their most recent accounts, having spent the 2023-24 campaign in the Europa League.
The briefing from FSG was to assess the squad and then mount a challenge for the top-flight crown next term. Slot is ahead of schedule but is not popping any Champagne corks. knows there is now a title to win, with just two more victories required. Then defending the title in 2025-26 will very much be the target.
The Liverpool boss said: “I think it is the main aim for the club because they have experienced two years ago how much of an impact it is if you are not a part of the Champions League. So, yes indeed.
“The main aim in what they told me is look at the players, give your opinion about it so we can go into this project in the second and the third year, but do qualify for the Champions League. We all know that even the team who is in 16th at the moment has very good players, but the top eight all have incredible players.
“So, it’s getting more and more difficult to qualify for the Champions League. To be honest, if you would have asked this question to me in the beginning of the season, I would have said, ‘Oh, nice.’ But yesterday it wasn’t that I opened a bottle of wine because we qualified for the Champions League. We have now, of course, a bigger aim than only qualifying for the Champions League.”
Liverpool
“Little Heroes at Anfield: Isaac Kearney and Florence Learn Lifesaving Skills with Crane Medical Care”
“Little Heroes at Anfield: Isaac Kearney and Florence Learn Lifesaving Skills with Crane Medical Care”
What could be more heartwarming than young Liverpool FC fans learning to save lives right at the heart of Anfield?
Today was a truly special day for Isaac Kearney and his sister Florence as they had the incredible opportunity to spend time with Crane Medical Care and the dedicated medical team that works alongside Liverpool FC. In a unique blend of football and first aid, the kids dove into a hands-on experience that combined learning with loads of fun.
From CPR practice to fun first aid sessions, Isaac and Florence were absolutely thrilled — and it showed on their faces! With stethoscopes in hand and smiles from ear to ear, they embraced every moment like true champions.
Their mum expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ben and the entire Crane Medical Care team, saying:
“You were all amazing, and we hope to see you around Anfield again soon!”
Experiences like these don’t just teach vital skills — they build memories, boost confidence, and show the next generation of Reds what it means to care for others on and off the pitch.
Here’s to our little lifesavers, Isaac and Florence — future legends of both football and first aid!
Don Hutchison believes it is a matter of time until Virgil van Dijk commits to Liverpool
Liverpool are expected to confirm the news that Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract.
The Reds captain is expected to put pen to paper on a new contract this week. Much has been made of van Dijk’s future during Arne Slot’s side’s charge towards the Premier League title. His current deal expires in June and there has been plenty of debate as to whether he will stay along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah.
The latter signed a fresh two-year deal last Friday and van Dijk is poised to do similar. The Netherlands international underlined his importance to Liverpool yet again by heading home the winner in a 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday. It moved the Reds to within six points of being crowned champions of England for a 20th time in the club’s history.
And Don Hutchison believes that van Dijk’s celebrations after his 89th-minute intervention underlined that good news is coming for Kopites. The ex-Liverpool midfielder said on the Premier League’s Goal Rush programme: “From what I’m hearing from inside, I think it will get done. It’s only a matter of time. The fact he was kissing the badge at the end in front of the Kop, he’s saying he loves the club, the fans love me. It’s only a matter of time.”
Hutchison added: “I think it is only just. It’s not clear but what you’ve got to do if you’re Fulkrug is be stronger. You have got to be physical, you have got to be stronger. The fact that Fulkrug was a little bit light then there’s only one winner and you give him a free header in front of goal, the chances are he is going to score.”
Van Dijk did hint after the West Ham triumph that his new deal could be announced this week. However, Liverpool boss Slot was tight-lipped at his post-match press conference. Slot said: “I think he means let’s see what next week means when we play Leicester City because that is, at this moment of time, by far the most important thing this club is looking at. Two more wins. I think the first 32 games have shown us how difficult it is – not only for us but for every team in the Premier League – to win a game of football.
“So, the competition has never been as strong as it is this season. That’s what makes it so hard to win a game of football. Everybody can say, ‘You have to win two.’ We still have to win two, so we should be completely focused on that and if in the meantime a contract extension or whatever happens – but my full focus is on Leicester and, I’m sure, Virgil’s as well.”
Federico Chiesa has found game time hard to come by since joining Liverpool, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a vocal presence on the sidelines for the Reds
To say Federico Chiesa has struggled for game time in his debut season with Liverpool would be putting it mildly. The ex-Juventus ace has clocked up a mere 33 minutes in the Premier League, and his only three starts since his switch to Merseyside have been in cup matches.
This was the case again on Sunday, as Liverpool boss Arne Slot left him warming the bench throughout the 2-1 victory over West Ham. Even when the Reds were in need of a spark following Andy Robertson’s own goal that leveled the scores in the 86th minute, Slot stuck to his guns, and Virgil van Dijk delivered the winning goal shortly after.
However, this didn’t prevent Chiesa from passionately supporting his team-mates. The Italian was seen vehemently protesting almost every referee decision that went against Liverpool, his frustration evident even from the sidelines.
After a rare full match in the Champions League back in January, the 27 year old, who boasts 51 caps for Italy, a Euro 2020 title and three Italian cups, maintained that he was simply thrilled to be gaining experience at one of the world’s top clubs.
“Since I joined Liverpool I’ve wanted to prove myself,” he expressed. “We have a great team and it’s hard to play, but that’s normal, because I want to be here, I want to play for Liverpool, I want to challenge myself. I’m playing with great players, I’m in a great team. There’s a great atmosphere, I’m enjoying myself here.
“Of course, I didn’t get the chance to play for many reasons. I’m enjoying being at the club, because Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world and the fanbase is just amazing. Playing at Anfield gives me shivers.”
Despite his love for the Reds, Chiesa might not grace the Anfield pitch next season as rumors swirl about a potential return to Serie A. Liverpool’s wings are already bustling with talent, especially after Mohamed Salah’s contract extension.
With Slot at the helm, he has the likes of Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Harvey Elliott at his disposal, not to mention any new additions sporting director Richard Hughes secures during what’s expected to be an eventful summer window for Liverpool.
Arsenal struggled badly against one player this weekend and he’s openly eager to sign for Liverpool. Will the Reds want him?
The Premier League title race looks to be over – though, we’ve said that for a while. Liverpool took another big step towards the trophy on Saturday without even playing, however.
Arsenal failed to win at home against Brentford, drawing 1-1 for what is just their 10th point from their last seven matches. They’ve completely failed to find any kind of pace in their title ‘charge’, leaving Liverpool with a fairly comfortable run-in.
They did take the lead against the Bees but were unable to hold on. Yoane Wissa squeezed one home to rescue a point, rob two from Arsenal, and leave Liverpool 10 points clear with seven to play.
That became 13 points clear with six to play on Sunday afternoon when Liverpool beat West Ham 2-1.
Sepp van den Berg was brilliant
Sepp van den Berg put in a wonderful performance at the Emirates. Defensively, he was about as good as it gets.
The Dutchman made more defensive actions than anyone on the pitch with 12. In fact, no one else managed more than eight. That included three tackles from three attempts – only Byran Mbeumo matched that.
There were nine clearances (no one else made more than six), six headers (no one else managed to beat four) and an incredible eight duels won.
That latter stat is particularly notable as not only did no one else win eight, Van den Berg only attempted eight. He won every single one.
He was solid on the ball, too. Only Nathan Collins bettered his 84 per cent pass completion for Brentford.
So all in all, Van den Berg was about as dominant as it gets. Arsenal struggled badly to get the better of him and despite leaving Liverpool last summer, he’s managed to play a role in the title charge.
But he’s also open about hoping to play for the Reds again one day.
“I would be lying if I said that I don’t dream of ever returning to Liverpool,” Van den Berg told Voetbal Primeur earlier this year. “That’s still in my head.
“But for now it was better for my career to take a different path and start playing a lot.”
Liverpool
‘The crowd here’ – Graham Potter makes honest Anfield claim after Liverpool’s victory over West Ham
Liverpool had to battle to a 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Anfield.
Graham Potter told of his pride after West Ham’s performance despite failing to a last-gasp loss against Liverpool.
The Reds had to battle to a 2-1 win at Anfield as they took another step closer to being crowned Premier League champions. It appeared it might be a straightforward triumph for Arne Slot’s side as they largely dominated the first half, with Luis Diaz opening the scoring.
But as the game wore on, West Ham started to flex their muscle. Home goalkeeper Alisson Becker made two fine saves before Liverpool conceded a calamitous equaliser. A defensive mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson led to the latter netting an own goal with four minutes remaining.
The Reds were in no mood to drop points and prolong their wait to win the top-flight title, though. With a minute of normal time remaining, Van Dijk marched up for a corner and headed Slot’s men back in front – and within two more triumphs of adding a 20th championship to the trophy cabinet.
Graham Potter’s verdict.
While the Hammers stay 16th in the table, Potter believes it was his team’s best performance since succeeding Julen Lopetegui in January. The London Stadium boss said at his post-match press conference: “The performance of a team was really positive, probably the best since we have been here.
“The balance between defence and attack was good against a top team in, from the start, an emotional environment, which is understandable. Liverpool started really well – intensity, pushed us back, made it difficult but credit to our players. We showed resilience which hasn’t always been there but we did and grew into the game.
“Second half I thought it was a strong performance. The crowd here, they are very knowledgeable, they know when Liverpool are in a game and the way they celebrated the second was an indication of that because we played well.”
Kilman verdict.
West Ham defender Max Kilman also took the positives from the display – and claimed that not many sides create as many chances as Anfield. He told the club’s website: “It’s a really tough one to take,. There aren’t many times you go to Anfield and create chances like we did, and for most of the second half we were probably on top of them and probably could have won the game in the end.
“It’s a really tough one to take, but we can take a lot of encouragement and lots of positives, and we just need to keep pushing on It was tough, but after the equaliser, we should have defended a bit better and tried to counter that last chance that they scored from. However, there are lots of positives to take and we’ve got a big game coming up on Saturday [against Southampton].
“They [Liverpool] are top of the league, and obviously it’s one of the hardest places to play, but we defended really well, stayed in the game, and our message at half-time was to really push in the second half, which we did, and we created lots of good chances, so it’s unfortunate we didn’t take anything from the game.”
Premier League referees must be stronger in their handling of penalty-box grappling after one incident went unpunished in Liverpool’s win over West Ham, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Andy Madley’s attempt to prevent grappling at a West Ham corner didn’t come close to preventing the issue from occuring again.
Liverpool were already 1-0 up at the time of the incident thanks to Luis Diaz’s first-half opener, the Colombian’s second Liverpool goal in as many games having previously netted just once so far in 2025.
A late Andy Robertson own goal gave West Ham parity, but Virgil van Dijk popped up three minutes later, heading in with just a minute of normal time remaining to put Liverpool back on course for the Premier League title.
Andy Madley fails to punish accordingly in Liverpool v West Ham
While much of the drama was left until the final stages at Anfield on Sunday, things could have been different for both sides had Madley been firmer with Liverpool’s defenders in first-half stoppage time.
A West Ham corner was halted from being taken by Madley having spotted jostling and shoving between Diogo Jota, Ryan Gravenberch and Lucas Paqueta in the box, heading over to speak with the latter duo.
Madley refrained from punishing Gravenberch or Paqueta and didn’t give a free-kick or penalty either way, but the grappling continued just as aggressively after James Ward-Prowse had taken the corner..
Hackett, having seen no difference in the levels of grappling before and after Madley’s discussion with the trio, called upon the PGMOL to clamp down on such duels in the box going forward.
Keith Hackett hits out at PGMOL stance on grappling
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision to let Liverpool and West Ham’s penalty-box grappling go unpunished, the former Premier League and FIFA referee said:
“In added time, at a West Ham United corner kick, the usual forward–defender wrestling match was taking place, when referee Andy Madley stopped the corner kick to go in and speak to two players”, Hackett told Football Insider.
“What impact did this have? Zero – the players continued to grapple.
“The PGMOL need to sort this out in the close season instructing their referees to start to award free kicks or penalty kicks – ignoring the grappling should not be an option.”
While both teams were guilty of jostling in the box throughout a game which saw 13 corners in total, West Ham fans will leave Anfield wondering what could have been, had they been awarded a penalty.
Liverpool’s late show to score at either end and decide the game as a result puts the title within touching distance, but free-kicks, penalties and cards clearly need to be given for teams to get serious about their discipline in the box.
Liverpool
67% pass accuracy, possession lost 6 times: Liverpool star not good enough to start anymore – Opinion
Liverpool picked up a narrow win over West Ham United in the Premier League earlier today, and Diogo Jota put in another ineffective display for his side.
The 28-year-old Portuguese international has had a disappointing season this year. He has struggled with poor form and injury issues. Despite being handed the opportunity to start against the Hammers today, the Portuguese International failed to make the most of the opportunity.
Jota struggled in front of the goal, and he barely helped create any opportunities for his teammates. The Liverpool attacker lost the ball six times as well, and he was wasteful with his passing. Jota completed just 67% of his passes against West Ham.
Diogo Jota needs replacing.
The Portuguese international has failed to impress in recent weeks, and it is evident that he is not good enough to start for Liverpool anymore.
Any team hoping to win the league title and the Champions League should aim higher. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can replace him adequately during the summer transfer window.
As for the remainder of the season, Arne Slot should look to give more opportunities to Darwin Nunez or Cody Gakpo in the centre-forward role.
Jota has not just failed to score goals consistently, his overall contribution has been quite mediocre as well. Perhaps a spell away from the limelight could do him good, and help him regain his confidence and sharpness. He has scored just once in his last 10 outings for club and country.
The 28-year-old has been a useful servant for Liverpool since joining them from Wolves, but it seems that this could be the right time for the club to get rid of him in the summer and replace him with a younger and better alternative.
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