Liverpool
Liverpool signed the best young player in the world in club-record deal
A number of Liverpool players were named in FourFourTwo’s Top 100 Young Players of 2001 – but the list has not aged we’ll
Liverpool’s academy has produced some incredible players during the Premier League era.
Steven McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen, and Steven Gerrard famously all starred for the Reds after bursting onto the scene in the nineties, while the likes of Dominic Matteo and David Thompson also broke through at the same time.
Fast forward to the present day and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, and Caoimhin Kelleher are vital members of Jurgen Klopp’s first team squad after graduating from the Academy, while the likes of Harvey Elliot and Stefan Bajcetic snapped up for the youth ranks during their mid-teens.
And the Academy conveyor belt is showing no signs of slowing down, with the likes of Ben Doak, Bobby Clark, Conor Bradley, and Jarell Quansah all hoping to be the next players to take decisive first team steps.
However, the Reds’ academy hasn’t always been the ‘gold mine’ it is today. Throughout the noughties, it was regularly rued how Gerrard remained the last graduate to become a key first team player.
Considering how fruitful the nineties had been, mentioned alongside Manchester United’s class of ‘92, onlookers were baffled at Liverpool’s failure to unearth the next Gerrard, Owen, or Carragher. In the end it took multiple changes behind the scenes, overseen by the likes of Rafa Benitez and Brendan Rodgers, before the Reds truly got back on path under Klopp.
But that didn’t prevent Liverpool from boasting a number of highly-rated youngsters that ultimately didn’t quite live up to expectations during their barren run. And FourFourTwo’s list of the 100 best players in world football in 2001 demonstrates this extremely well.
Six Reds players featured in the list, with all placing in the top 40 and two in the top 10. Meanwhile, three future Liverpool players would make up the top five, with one future academy signing taking their overall contingent to 10. Yet, looking back, only one of those can actually claim to have actually been one of the best stars of their generation.
A number of the greatest players of the 21st century feature among the list. But when you consider 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, who lifted both the World Cup and Champions League during his illustrious playing career, only placed 95th, you have an idea about the direction we’re about to take.
Congratulations, Kaka! Back in 2001, you were rated higher than Alexander Hleb, David Prutton, Erdal Kilicaslan, Daniyel Cimen, and Benjamin Auer! Don’t worry, we can’t recall that latter trio either. Alas, Shaun Maloney and Kieran Richardson both placed higher than the legendary Brazilian in places 100-91.
Breaking into the eighties, we have our first future Liverpool player. Ramon Calliste. Then of Manchester United, he won the FA Youth Cup with the club in 2003 but left the Red Devils for the Reds in 2005 and was the reserves’ top goalscorer in 2005/06.
The Welshman joined Scunthorpe United after just one season, on the advice of national team manager John Toshack, but badly dislocated his ankle in his first pre-season. That injury ensured he could never live up to his early potential and forced him to walk away from the game.
Working our way down the list, you can spot the recognisable names of Dimitar Berbatov at 82nd, Michael Essien at 78th, and Championship Manager legend Cherno Samba at 71st!
Liverpool were actually once in talks to sign the striker from Millwall, even tabling a £1.5m bid only to fail to agree a deal with the Lions. The move fell through and Samba never lived up to his potential, with that collapsed transfer to Anfield ultimately sending him on a downward spiral.
Samba would eventually move to Spanish side Cadiz, later spending time with Malaga B, Plymouth Argyle, Wrexham, Haka, Panetolikos and FK Tonsberg before injury forced a premature retirement when just 29 years old in July 2015.
Moving on and Matteo Brighi, then of Juventus, is next on the list in 70th. Another video game legend, he was bizarrely the highest-rated player in FIFA 2003 with an incredible rating of 97. Ronaldo (Brazilian, not Cristiano), is the only player in the history of the game to ever be rated higher than EA. Curiously, not in 2002/03 though, despite just starring at the World Cup and winning that year’s Ballon d’Or.
That’s right, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo (Cristiano, not Brazilian) are ‘worse’ than Brighi, from a certain point of virtual view. Anyway, Juventus would sell the midfielder to Parma that same summer as injuries ensured he never lived up to his potential. Spotting a recurring theme here? Anyway, we digress…
There are a few recognisable names between 70th and 40th, with Joaquin of Real Betis in 42nd easily the most successful, but you can check out the full list at the bottom of the article if you want the full yesteryear experience.
Which brings us to our first then Liverpool player! Chris Kirkland placed 38th! Not bad for a goalkeeper who was tipped to be a future England number one.
Signing from Coventry City in a £6m deal in September 2001, he became the most expensive goalkeeper in British transfer history, at only 20 years old. However, injuries would ultimately derail his time at Anfield.
Making 45 appearances in five years, he was part of the side that won the Champions League in 2005 and had actually ousted Jerzy Dudek as first-choice under Benitez earlier that season. Yet a back injury ensured he missed the second half of that campaign and missed the final.
Permanent moves to Wigan Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End, and Bury followed before he retired in 2016 after a four-year battle with depression. Thankfully, Kirkland is in a better place these days, is a regular in the Anfield press box and works closely with the LFC Foundation.
Strikers Dean Ashton and Zlatan Ibrahimovic placed 36th and 35th respectively, with Gareth Barry 31st. If not for a stubborn Martin O’Neill and Aston Villa, we’d have another Liverpool representative.
But then edging in ahead of Jermain Defoe, we have the Reds’ next then-player to make the cut in defender Gregory Vignal. The Frenchman made 20 appearances for the Reds after joining the club in September 2000, and enjoyed an extended run in the starting XI at the beginning of the 2001/02 season.
However, a fractured foot derailed his progress and ruled him out of the season. After a number of loan moves, he joined Portsmouth in 2005, and had stints with Lens, Birmingham City, Atromitos, Dundee United, and AS Beziers before retiring in 2013. Now a coach, he was appointed assistant manager at FC Versailles earlier this summer.
Skimming over the likes Arjen Robben, Maicon, and Ricardo Quaresma, Milan Baros takes 21st in FourFourTwo’s list. Signed from Banik Ostrava for £3.2m in 2002, the striker burst onto the scene at Anfield in the 2002/03 season as he scored a respectable 12 goals.
Recovering from a broken ankle suffered in September 2003, he won the Golden Boot at Euro 2004 as Czech Republic reached the semi-finals, before finishing as Liverpool’s leading goalscorer in the 2004/05 season with 13 goals as they won the Champions League.
That wasn’t enough to retain his place in Benitez’s plans though, as he was sold to Aston Villa in a £6.5m deal. Moves to Lyon and Galatasaray, and Antalyaspor followed, before injury forced his retirement in 2020 after a number of stints back in his native Czech Republic.
Into the top 20 now. The big leagues, and what a start with Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta placed 20th. Six places ahead of him we have our next Liverpool entrant – John Welsh.
Once tipped to be a ‘next Gerrard’, Welsh never lived up to such hype. He made just 10 appearances for the Reds before being traded with Hull City for young winger Paul Anderson in January 2006.
Permanent stints with Tranmere Rovers, Preston North End, and Grimsby Town followed, with Welsh spending the majority of his playing career as a League One midfielder, before he dropped into non-league with Atherton Collieries and Stafford Rangers. He is now a professional development phase (U18 and U16) coach back at Preston North End.
Into the top 10 and French cousins Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle are ranked ninth and seventh respectively. In 2001 they had already been signed by Liverpool after starring at the FIFA Under-17s World Cup, but remained on loan at Le Havre for two more years.
Officially moving to Anfield in 2003, both would play their part in the Reds’ run to winning the Champions League in 2005 but ultimately never lived up to early expectations. Le Tallec made 32 appearances for the club, scoring once, before returning to France permanently with Le Mans in 2008 after a number of loan moves away.
Stints with Auxerre and Valenciennes followed, suffering relegation with both, before moves to Greece and Romania with Atromitos and Astra Giurgiu. He’d then return to France with Orleans, before finishing his career with Annecy in 2021.
As for Pongolle, he fared slightly better. Scoring nine goals in 65 appearances for Liverpool, the one-time France international left for La Liga in 2006 and impressed with Recreativo de Huelva and Atletico Madrid. However, his fortunes flailed after an unsuccessful move to Sporting Lisbon.
Consequently, he’d take in Russia, USA, Scotland and Thailand with spells at Rostov, Chicago Fire, Dundee United, and Chainat Hornbill, before finishing his career back in France with Saint-Pierroise in 2019.
Stepping over Rafael van der Vaart in sixth, we’re now into the top five with three future Liverpool players still to feature! Imagine the excitement now if FourFourTwo did a 2023 version of the list, and you were told three of the top five would move to Anfield within the next six years?!
Anyway, Jermaine Pennant takes fifth spot. Then of Arsenal, the troubled winger, joined Liverpool from relegated Birmingham City in a £6.7m deal in July 2006, little over a year after serving 30 days in prison for drink-driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.
Making 81 appearances, recording three goals and 17 assists, in two and a half seasons, he initially impressed at Anfield and was the Reds’ star player when they lost the 2007 Champions League final to AC Milan. But then he eventually fell out with Benitez.
He was loaned to Portsmouth in January 2009 after a switch to Real Madrid collapsed, and then joined Real Zaragoza on a free transfer the following summer. Returning to the Premier League with Stoke City, stints with Pune City, Wigan Athletic, Tampines Rovers, and Bury followed before he finished his career with non-league Billericay Town.
Now for the highest-placed genuinely world class player who won the Champions League, World Cup, and European Championships. It’s Liverpool cult hero Fernando Torres!
The Spaniard became the Reds’ record signing when bought for £20m from Atletico Madrid in 2007, and for three years was the best striker on the planet as he scored an incredible 81 goals from 142 appearances. But then injuries took hold, and he controversially left for Chelsea in a £50m deal in January 2011.
Unable to recover his best form at Stamford Bridge, despite winning a number of trophies, he rejoined Atletico Madrid in January 2015 after a brief stint with AC Milan. And after a respectable enough time back in Spain with his boyhood club, reaching the Champions League final in 2016 and winning the Europa League in 2018, he retired in 2019 after two seasons with Japanese side Sagan Tosu.
Brazilian Leandro Bonfim, then of PSV Eindhoven, takes third spot. Nope, us neither. And Andres D’Alessandro of River Plate finished second. Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth once had him on loan back in 2006, but most of his career was spent in South America.
Which brings us to first spot on this 100-man list and FourFourTwo’s best young player in 2001. For those keeping track, you’ll have realised it’s a future Liverpool player too.
And a Reds record signing too, no less. Lord of the Manor of Frodsham, it’s the one and only Djibril Cisse!
Liverpool signed the Frenchman for a club-record £14m from Auxerre in 2004. But while he’d win the Champions League, FA Cup, and European Super Cup with the Reds, having been signed by Gerard Houllier, he struggled to ever fully convince Benitez, with his first of two broken legs, suffered against Blackburn Rovers in October 2004, derailing him before he’d even had a chance to truly begin at Anfield.
Recovering in time to score in the penalty shoot-out win against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final, he also scored in the FA Cup final win over West Ham United to take his Reds total to 24 goals from 82 games. But it proved to be his last game for the club as he was offloaded to Marseille, initially on loan, in the summer of 2006.
Returning to the Premier League with Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers, either side of stints with Panathinaikos and Lazio, he finished his senior career in Switzerland with Yverdon-Sport after spells with Kuban Krasnodar, Bastia, and Saint-Pierroise.
He has attempted to come out of retirement with AC Vicenza and Panathinaikos Chicago, but despite a number of pleas to top-flight French sides to sign him up so he can try to score the four goals he needs to record 100 goals in Ligue 1, the 42-year-old is yet to enjoy one last hurrah.
Another not to live up to FourFourTwo’s high hopes, maybe it would have been different for Cisse if not for those two horrific broken legs?
So, at the end of an ultimately pointless exercise as we head into the September international break, what have we learned? Essentially, take nothing for granted. Just because a player is highly-rated as a youngster, that is by no means a guarantee they will enjoy a career as a world-beater.
Fortunately for Liverpool though, their Academy is a little more accomplished these days than compared to the early-noughties when these former starlets were being tipped for greatness.
FourFourTwo’s Top 100 Young Players of 2001
100. Alexander Hleb (VfB Stuttgart)
99. David Prutton (Nottingham Forest)
98. Erdal Kilicaslan (Bayern Munich)
97. Daniyel Cimen (Eintracht Frankfurt)
96. Benjamin Auer (Borussia Monchengladbach)
95. Kaka (Sao Paulo)
94. Azar Karadas (SK Brann)
93. Shaun Maloney (Celtic)
92. Leonardo Santiago (Feyenoord)
91. Kieran Richardson (Manchester United)
90. Aldo Jara (Cerro Porteno)
89. Keith Kelly (Paris Saint-Germain)
88. Christoph Preuss (Eintracht Frankfurt)
87. Ramon Calliste (Manchester United)
86. Mika Vayrynen (Jokerit)
85. Michael Zepek (Bayer Leverkusen)
84. Labinot Harbuzi (Malmo)
83. Thijs Houwing (Twente)
82. Dimitar Berbatov (Bayer Leverkusen)
81. Tuomas Aho (MYPA)
80. Candido Costa (Porto)
79. Andres Oliveira (Perth Glory)
78. Michael Essien (Bastia)
77. Fernando Macedo Nano (Barcelona)
76. Dulee Johnson (BK Hacken)
75. Mauro Rosales (Newell’s Old Boys)
74. Derek Boateng (Panathinaikos)
73. Theo Janssen (Vitesse)
72. Hassan Ahamada (Nantes)
71. Cherno Samba (Millwall)
70. Matteo Brighi (Juventus)
69. Bojan Djordjic (Manchester United)
68. Andreas Hinkel (VfB Stuttgart)
67. Santino Quaranta (DC United)
66. Jhon van Beukering (Vitesse)
65. Eddie Johnson (FC Dallas)
64. Michael Chopra (Newcastle United)
63. Rubinho (Corinthians)
62. Mark Fotheringham (Celtic)
61. Johnnier Montano (Parma/Hellas Verona)
60. Serhat Akin (Fenerbahce)
59. Carlos Martins (Sporting CP)
58. Filip Trojan (Schalke 04)
57. Ricardo Costa (Porto)
56. Landon Donovan (San Jose Earthquakes)
55. Alexander Ludwig (Werder Bremen)
54. Lourenco da Silva (Sporting CP)
53. Francesco Tarantino (Athletic Bilbao)
52. Jeremie Aliadiere (Arsenal)
51. Gatti Ribeiro (Blooming)
50. Massimo Donati (AC Milan)
49. Francesco Lodi (Empoli/Parma)
48. Gael Givet (Monaco)
47. Ewerthon (Borussia Dortmund)
46. Christian Petereit (Schalke 04)
45. Niko Kranjcar (Dinamo Zagreb)
44. Jay Lucas (Southampton)
43. Diego Ribas (Santos)
42. Joaquin Sanchez (Real Betis)
41. Ahmed ‘Mido’ Hossam (Ajax)
40. Helder Postiga (Porto)
39. Emiliano Dudar (Velez Sarsfield)
38. Chris Kirkland (Liverpool)
37. Ednilson (Benfica)
36. Dean Ashton (Crewe Alexandra)
35. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Ajax)
34. Leandro Romagnoli (San Lorenzo)
33. Hassan Yebda (Auxerre)
32. Marat Izmailov (Lokomotiv Moscow)
31. Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)
30. Jermain Defoe (West Ham United)
29. Gregory Vignal (Liverpool)
28. Julio Colombo (Montpellier)
27. Arjen Robben (Groningen/PSV Eindhoven)
26. Hugo Viana (Sporting CP)
25. Maicon (Cruzeiro)
24. Ricardo Quaresma (Sporting CP)
23. Fabricio Coloccini (AC Milan/Alaves)
22. Marius Niculae (Sporting CP)
21. Milan Baros (Liverpool)
20. Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
19. Baldo di Gregorio (Eintracht Frankfurt)
18. Juan Andreu Melli (Real Betis)
17. Johnny Heitinga (Ajax)
16. Philippe Mexes (Auxerre)
15. Kim Kallstrom (BK Hacken)
14. John Welsh (Liverpool)
13. Darren Fletcher (Manchester United)
12. David Odonkor (Borussia Dortmund)
11. Pedro Mantorras (Benfica)
10. Mourad Meghni (Bologna)
9. Anthony Le Tallec (Le Havre/Liverpool)
8. Piotr Trochowski (Bayern Munich)
7. Florent Sinama-Pongolle (Le Havre/Liverpool)
6. Rafael van der Vaart (Ajax)
5. Jermaine Pennant (Arsenal)
4. Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)
Liverpool
“‘He’s Going to Be So Excited!’ — Melissa’s Shocking Saturday Reveal for Isaac Has the Internet Buzzing”
“‘He’s Going to Be So Excited!’ — Melissa’s Shocking Saturday Reveal for Isaac Has the Internet Buzzing”
It started with a single line on Instagram — but within hours, the internet was ablaze with excitement.
Melissa Kearney, proud mum of rising star Isaac Kearney, took to her social media this week with a cryptic-yet-thrilling post that left fans spinning with anticipation:
“Can’t wait to surprise Isaac on Saturday with tickets to see Jamie 😎
He is going to be so excited!!!!🙌”
That was it — no emojis could contain the level of excitement now swirling around what this surprise might mean for Isaac.
Who Is Jamie? And Why Is This a Big Deal?
While Melissa didn’t reveal much more, fans of Isaac already know the name Jamie isn’t just any name — it’s likely someone Isaac has adored for years. Could it be a favorite music artist? A legendary performer? A childhood inspiration?
Speculations are flying, with commenters dropping hints like:
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“Wait… is this THE Jamie from Isaac’s favorite playlist?”
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“He’s going to cry when he finds out. Mark my words.”
And one fan simply said,
“I’d give anything to see Isaac’s face on Saturday.”
The Power of the Unexpected
What makes this moment so powerful is how grounded and real it is. Melissa didn’t announce it with cameras or a red carpet — just a genuine expression of motherly love, preparing a surprise that may become one of the most memorable days in Isaac’s life.
This isn’t just another celebrity kid surprise.
This is a mother knowing the heart of her child — and making it beat faster with joy.
Why the Internet Can’t Get Enough
Isaac has been quietly building a fanbase of his own with his charm, intelligence, and contagious energy. Whether it’s videos, interviews, or casual clips with his family, people have fallen in love with his authenticity.
So now, with this surprise looming, everyone is watching.
Will he scream?
Will he cry?
Will we get to see his reaction?
No matter how it unfolds, one thing is clear:
Saturday is not just another day in the Kearney household.
It’s a moment that will be remembered, celebrated, and — thanks to Melissa — shared with the world.
Stay tuned — we’ll be following up with full coverage of Isaac’s reaction once the big surprise is revealed. And if you’re as curious as we are… keep your eyes on Melissa’s stories this weekend.
Liverpool
Alexander Isak has made his feelings clear on Liverpool as bombshell transfer report drops
Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Anfield.
Alexander Isak has already made his feelings clear about playing at Anfield amid reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.
After scoring 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle United during the 24/25 season, Isak has become one of the most sought-after players in world football.
Over the last few months, the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain have all been linked with the 25-year-old.
This week, a new report has stated that Liverpool remain interested in Isak but acknowledge that a deal is complicated.
According to Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, who said: “Newcastle don’t want to sell Isak for cheap, it’ll have to be ballpark figure of: £130M-£140M.
“Are Liverpool realistically going to pay that in a summer where they signed Florian Wirtz? Hard to see, but I wouldn’t completely rule it out.”
Speaking back in 2024, Isak named Anfield as one of the best stadiums he has played in, which will be music to Liverpool fans’ ears.
He said to Sky Sports: “Anfield is good, very good.”
In another interview, Isak spoke about how he ‘really enjoys’ matches against Liverpool.
He said to The Gazette in March: “I really enjoy the games against Liverpool, because I think they’re not too different to ourselves, a high-pressing team and a direct team, which can lead to many counter-opportunities, and that’s the game I like.
“I think I’ve had pretty good success before, I feel good and enjoy playing against them.”
Taking to social media, Reds fans have come up with a new theory that could see Liverpool land Isak.
Supporters have pointed out that Newcastle wanted to sign Hugo Ekitike before they bought Isak. With the Frankfurt striker now available for a move, it could trigger a big transfer saga.
One fan said: “Low-key, an Alexander Isak sale actually makes a lot of sense for Newcastle. If they get £120m+, it could fund a proper rebuild—strengthen the defence, bolster the attack. Could replace him with Gyökeres or Ekitike and avoid having to sell Livramento.”
Another tweeted: “Newcastle are going to fleece us £130m+ for Isak and go and get (their original 1st choice target) Ekitike, while making a profit…..”
A third fan added: “A prediction: IF Alexander Isak heats up, don’t be surprised with this outcome. Isak to LFC, Ekitike to Newcastle.
“After all in Jan 2022 Newcastle almost signed Ekitiké with €46M offer that went down to the wire but he was young & decided to stay in France. The data points are similar.”
So far this summer, Liverpool have already signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and are closing in on a club record deal to sign German international Florian Wirtz.
In addition, Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez is also heavily linked with a move to the champions.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Watch Isaac Kearney
Liverpool
Just Minutes Before the Chaos, Melissa Slipped Away with a Secret — A Third Kearney Was on the Way
The 2024/2025 Liverpool Victory Parade was meant to be a day of pure celebration — the city pulsing with joy, red flags waving high, and dreams fulfilled after a season of glory. But for the Kearney family, that day would take a deeply emotional turn — one that revealed just how fragile and miraculous life can be.
While thousands lined the streets to celebrate Liverpool’s triumph, Melissa — mum of young Liverpool fan Isaac Kearney — made a quiet but life-saving decision. Feeling the weight of the crowd and the deeper weight of the life growing within her, she chose to step away from the parade before things took a dark turn.
“Being heavily pregnant in the crowd just wasn’t for me,” Melissa later wrote. So around 4PM, she left town with her children — Isaac and Florence — unaware that just moments later, chaos would erupt behind them.
News soon broke that a car had driven into the celebrating crowd, sending panic through the streets. Sirens wailed, people screamed, and what was meant to be a joyful celebration became a scene of fear.
“To then receive a phone call from their dad to tell me the news… the blood drained,” Melissa shared. “Luckily, my family members were able to get through doorways and get them to safety. The kids were frightened hearing sirens and seeing the horrific scenes.”
But through it all, one quiet truth remained: Melissa had left just in time — and she had left carrying a beautiful secret.
Isaac Kearney is about to become a big brother — again.
The Kearney family, already filled with love, is preparing to welcome a new little one — a third child who, even before birth, was shielded by a mother’s instinct and a divine sense of timing.
What could have been tragedy turned into testimony.
And now, as Isaac prepares to embrace his new role, the family celebrates not only Liverpool’s victory on the field — but a far more precious victory at home.
Isaac Kearney Honors Mohamed Salah on His Birthday with a Royal Tribute
In a touching gesture that captured hearts online, young Liverpool fan Isaac Kearney celebrated the birthday of his football hero, Mohamed Salah, with a heartfelt message that proves how deeply the Egyptian King continues to inspire fans across all generations.
On his official social media page — managed by his mother, Melissa — Isaac shared a simple yet powerful post:
Isaac Kearney birthday message to Mohammed Salah
“Happy birthday to my King 👑 @mosalah”
Those few words, filled with admiration and loyalty, resonated with fans who understand just how much Salah means to the Liverpool family — and especially to young fans like Isaac.
Isaac, known among close followers for his vibrant love for football and especially for Liverpool FC, has always looked up to Salah. Whether it’s mimicking his goal celebrations in the living room or wearing the No. 11 jersey with pride, Isaac sees more than just a footballer in Mo Salah — he sees a role model, a legend, and a true king on and off the pitch.
Melissa, Isaac’s mum, who manages his page, shared the message with warmth and intentionality, showing how even the youngest fans have a voice in celebrating football greatness. “It’s more than just football,” she once said. “For Isaac, Salah represents discipline, humility, and greatness with grace.”
Salah, who turned 33 today, has built a legacy that extends far beyond goals and trophies. His impact on young hearts like Isaac’s shows the true power of sports — to inspire, to connect, and to lift others.
Though it was a short birthday wish, it carried the kind of royal weight only a true fan can give. From one king to another, Isaac’s message was a reminder that heroes live not just on the field, but in the way they shape the dreams of those who watch them.
Happy Birthday to Mohamed Salah — from Isaac, and from the countless hearts he’s inspired.
Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool Exit Looms as Saudi and European Giants Circle
Darwin Núñez appears increasingly likely to part ways with Liverpool this summer, as serious interest builds from both Saudi Arabia and top European clubs. According to trusted transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Uruguayan striker’s time at Anfield may be drawing to a close.
Clubs in the Saudi Pro League have been monitoring Núñez closely since the start of the year and are now preparing concrete offers. These proposals are expected to include highly attractive financial packages that could tempt both Liverpool and Núñez himself.
Meanwhile, Serie A giants Napoli have also emerged as a strong contender. The Italian side is reported to have made contact with Núñez’s representatives in recent days, identifying him as a key addition to strengthen their attack. Talks between the two parties are expected to intensify in the coming days.
At just 24, Núñez remains open to different possibilities. While the offers from Saudi Arabia are financially compelling, he is also seriously considering staying in Europe, with a focus on clubs that can offer both a strong sporting project and long-term growth.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Darwin Núñez’s future is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing sagas to follow.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s dream starting XI next season looks unbeatable if two more signings take summer spending to £500m
Arne Slot could field a seriously impressive team if Liverpool make complete two more stunning deals.
Liverpool could put together a seriously impressive lineup if they complete just two more dream signings this summer.
On May 30, Liverpool announced their first signing of what is expected to be a busy summer as Jeremie Frimpong was revealed as the club’s replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The move came amid rumours that the Reds are also pursuing a club-record deal for Frimpong’s former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz alongside Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez.
But even after the expected deals for Wirtz and Kerkez are finalised, it is widely believed that Liverpool will continue to be active in the transfer market as Arne Slot looks to add to his Premier League winning squad.
And if they are able to pull off two more dream signings, then they could seriously be considered as the greatest team in the entire world.
Alongside the deals for Wirtz and Kerkez, it has been reported that Liverpool hope to bring in a new striker at some point over the summer, with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Julian Alvarez both linked.
However, it has long been known that Newcastle United star Alexander Isak would be the club’s ideal signing should it become clear that a deal would be possible,
Reports earlier in the season claimed that the Magpies would demand a massive fee of more than £150million in order to facilitate a transfer for the Swedish international, who scored 23 Premier League goals in 34 appearances this season.
But with reports suggesting that Liverpool could sell one or both of Darwin Nunez or Luis Diaz for as much as £80m, such a high price tag may not be out of the question for the Reds.
Should Diaz leave the club, then Liverpool will no doubt explore the marker or a new winger to start on the left of their attack, and rumours have suggested that Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola is top of their list.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young wingers in the world this season after impressing for the Champions League winners this season, making 58 appearances in all competitions despite not being a regular starter.
A report from The Guardian revealed that Liverpool would be willing to spend £100m on the Frenchman should they be open to letting him go when the summer transfer window reopens next week.
If Liverpool were somehow able to pull off incredible transfers, it is likely it would bring their total spend for the summer up to nearly £500m, although a lot of this would be offset by the expected sales of several players.
And in doing so, they would undoubtedly create would could be the best starting XI in all of football and potentially one of the most impressive Premier League sides of all time.
Little warrior Isaac Kearney continues to inspire everyone with his unwavering courage and steady progress.
In a recent update shared by his devoted mum, Isaac had another important appointment—this time for a hearing test and a review of his hearing aids.
The day began with optimism as Isaac headed off to the clinic with his ever-cheerful spirit. Later, his mum shared the results of the visit, and the news was truly heartwarming:
“Hearing test went well ☺️ — They actually said his hearing has improved slightly 😬”
In response to the encouraging results, Isaac’s hearing aids were carefully adjusted, and a follow-up appointment has been scheduled in three months for continued review and support.
This small but significant improvement is a powerful reminder of how far Isaac has come. From facing uncertainty about even being able to walk, to now actively engaging in life and appointments like any other child, his story continues to touch hearts and uplift spirits across the globe.
To every supporter who has stood by Isaac with prayers, kind words, and encouragement—thank you. Every positive update is a victory not just for Isaac and his family, but for everyone who believes in his journey.
Liverpool
Liverpool fans claim Trent Alexander-Arnold is ‘already regretting move’ after hearing first Real Madrid supporters’ chant
Liverpool fans are convinced that Trent Alexander-Arnold is regretting leaving the club after hearing the first chant from Real Madrid supporters.
Despite his contract expiring at the end of June, Real Madrid agreed to pay Liverpool a fee of £10million in order to register new signing Alexander-Arnold in time for the revamped Club World Cup which is set to get underway on Sunday.
Two weeks after the deal was officially announced, the defender is set to be officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player during a presentation at the Bernabeu on Thursday.
As Alexander-Arnold arrived for the presentation, dozens of Real Madrid fans waited outside to greet him, debuting their new chant for their star signing.
But it’s safe to say that Liverpool fans are not impressed with the chant, as they’ve claimed that Alexander-Arnold’s reaction shows that he is already regretting his decision to join the Spanish giants.
As he met with club officials outside a medical centre in Madrid, the 26-year-old was greeted by a group of fans chanting “Arnold” and applauding his arrival.
Footage of the chant comes a day after it was revealed that Alexander-Arnold would swap the iconic number 66 for the the number 12 due to La Liga rules stating that shirt numbers must fall between 1 and 25.
Surprisingly, the defender also decided to make a major change to his shirt as he will now wear his first name on the back of his shirt instead of his surname.
And Liverpool fans are convinced that Real Madrid supporters’ seemingly ignoring this ‘rebrand’ and continuing to chant part of his surname will undoubtedly frustrate the Englishman.
Writing on X, one fan posted a laughing emoji alongside: “Shouting “Arnold!” after he’s just rebranded everything to ‘Trent'”
While one claimed: “‘Arnold’ chants yeah man I know he’s regretting everything already”
And another wrote: “He used to have so much Aura, wtf happened.”
https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1933095758917501179
The 26-year-old is the second player to be unveiled by Real Madrid this summer, after former Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen was revealed as Xabi Alonso’s first signing at a presentation on June 10.
Although it is not yet known exactly when Alexander-Arnold will make his debut for the La Liga side, it is likely that it could happen as early as June 18 during Real Madrid’s Club World Cup clash against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
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