Liverpool
‘Gem cutter’ – National media react to Liverpool win as Jurgen Klopp finds his ‘wildcard’
Liverpool are on the charge in the Premier League after beating West Ham on Sunday afternoon at Anfield
Liverpool remain one of the early pacesetters in the Premier League season following their 3-1 victory against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were facing an outfit who have also made a promising start to the new campaign, though the Reds’ quality proved too much for the Hammers as they fell to a second league defeat in 2023/24.
For Liverpool, the gap to Manchester City stands at two points – and there is a belief growing this could well be closed before long if the high performance levels witnessed since August remain a theme in the coming months.
Sharing their assessment of the events that unfolded at Anfield were the national media, along with the ECHO’s own Paul Gorst, whose thoughts on proceedings can be found below.
Paul Joyce of the Times wrote:
“For a spell, it looked like being another one of those afternoons for Darwin Núñez. The sort where he could feel the warmth of the Liverpool supporters, their throaty backing every time he shuttled back to help out in defense, but could not quite bring them to a crescendo.
“Shortly after half-time he had found himself standing in front of the Kop, his hands brought up to partly cover his face, after a glaring miss. A neat interplay between Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah had created a gilt-edged opening, ten yards out, but the striker screwed his shot wide and lingered on the spot in disbelief.
“Yet one of Núñez’s undoubted qualities is the ability to brush off missteps and he is fortunate, too, to find himself in a Liverpool team who boast so much attacking intent that another chance is usually not too far away.
“Redemption would be sweet. On the hour mark, Alexis Mac Allister’s lofted pass from deep allowed Núñez to dart in between Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd before stretching out his right boot to meet the ball on the volley. His execution of the chance was an instinctive delight, leaving the West Ham United goalkeeper Alphonse Aréola grasping at thin air, and the celebrations suitably raucous.
“He was bought to make the difference and his contribution here ensured that Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the campaign continues to fuel all manner of possibilities.”
‘Klopp has taken on the role of gem cutter’
Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph wrote:
“Darwin Nunez has finally adjusted to life at Liverpool. It is equally true that Liverpool have adjusted to him. Since Nunez became Anfield’s most expensive purchase, Klopp has taken on the role of a gem cutter, applying the necessary polish to a striker who in his debut campaign only occasionally looked the right fit.
“His match-winning double at Newcastle United earlier this season felt like a turning point. The star turn which effectively saw off one of the most accomplished West Ham sides to visit Anfield in 40 years carried an equally exciting maturity, the Uruguayan demonstrating why he is currently in possession of Liverpool’s No.9 jersey.
“Where last year Nunez might live in hope for the perfect pass, now he can draw crazy patterns with those boots in the knowledge Mac Allister and the outstanding Dominik Szoboszlai will not hesitate and more often than not will deliver.
“Klopp’s attack is surrounded by examples of wastefulness.
“Perhaps Liverpool has to accept the trade-off with Nunez: that his physicality and irrepressibility mean he will enjoy plenty of opportunities and the probability that some will be missed embarrassingly. Yet on a day when their other two goals were scored by more clinical finishers, in Salah and the substitute Diogo Jota, Liverpool offered an example of their firepower.”
‘Are they really in the Premier League title race again?’
Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail wrote:
“This win, with goals from Mo Salah, Nunez, and Diogo Jota, takes them to 16 points from 18 to start the season. Are they really in the Premier League title race again?
“Time will tell if they are ready to go the distance and lay consistent gloves on Manchester City and Arsenal after a much below-par campaign last season where they were 22 points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s champions. But the early-season signs are pleasing.
“What will perhaps please Klopp the most is his team’s tendency to get over setbacks. They had to weather a storm of West Ham chances in the first half here, with David Moyes’ side playing some nice football on the counter-attack.”
‘Comfortably eclipsed’
Andy Hunter of the Guardian wrote:
“Something is growing at Liverpool in the supremely qualified opinion of Jürgen Klopp. That judgment applies to expectations at Anfield this season, as well as the development of his refreshed, gifted, and hungry team. West Ham were comfortably eclipsed as Liverpool registered a sixth successive win in all competitions with plenty to spare.
“David Moyes’s visitors started brightly and deserved to head in level at the interval. Once Liverpool’s quality on the ball improved in the second half, however, West Ham was subdued and unable to contain the movement around them.
“Moyes’s long wait for a first win at Anfield goes on. Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the lead from the penalty spot – he has now scored in 12 of his team’s last 13 home games – before second-half goals from Darwin Núñez and substitute Diogo Jota made Jarrod Bowen’s equalizer a distant consolation. Michail Antonio’s confident boast that West Ham will finish above Liverpool looks seriously misplaced on current evidence.”
‘Enduring brilliance’
“After a sluggish start, the Reds took the lead from the penalty spot 16 minutes after Salah was fouled at the end of a sweeping attack involving Diaz and Nunez by Nayef Aguerd. The Egyptian belted the ball down the middle for his fourth of the season and second of the week.
“It was Salah’s 13th goal involvement in as many games and took his tally for those particular metrics to a whopping 54 since the start of last season (20 assists and 34 goals). For all that talk about Saudi Arabian interest – chatter that will only intensify as it gets closer to January – there is surely merit in exploring the possibility of attempting to extend his stay on Merseyside. His enduring brilliance is showing no signs of dimming as he moves further into his 30s.
“For two players who were maligned at times last term, Joe Gomez, at right-back, and Joel Matip stood up superbly to the considerable set-piece threat of West Ham, with Matip in particular largely shackling Antonio, who left to ironic cheers in the second half.”
Liverpool fans have been left shocked after it has been revealed that club owners FSG are interested in buying Spanish club Malaga.
If they are successful, the Spanish third division side would become the fourth sports club the American group own, joining Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Malaga were relegated from La Liga in 2018 after a decade in the Spanish top division, and matters got worse in 2023 when a 2-1 defeat to Alavés sent them to the third division.
Ornstein confirmed the news of FSG’s interest via X, writing: “Liverpool owners FSG exploring purchase of Spanish club Malaga.
The Athletic journalist also revealed that representatives have already visited the club’s facilities last month, confirming the serious nature of their interest.
He added: “The initial focus to buy majority shareholder Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani’s 51%.
“Delegation visited facilities in Feb to assess potential acquisition for multi-club model.
“FSG is considering and open to all forms of investment, with the priority being to inject a level of finance that enables it to impact the football operation.”
Liverpool
Liverpool ‘would encourage’ specific exit for Anfield ace – his girlfriend is already ‘working with agents’
The future of Darwin Nunez continues to gather a lot of attention.
Liverpool are expected to make a number of changes to their squad this summer, regardless of whether they win the Premier League or not. Several exit rumours have been doing the rounds since the start of the year, and some in particular are looking increasingly likely.
While the majority of the attention has been on Trent Alexander-Arnold this week, Darwin Nunez’s future has also been heavily speculated. Plenty of recent reports have suggested the Uruguayan’s time at Anfield is up, having struggled to live up to the record fee Liverpool forked out in 2022.
Frustrations among fans have been building as a result of Nunez’s often disappointing performances. While he has popped up with some important goals this season, particularly his stoppage time match-winning brace against Brentford, he has struggled to secure a regular staring position under Arne Slot.
Liverpool ‘would encourage’ Darwin Nunez summer sale.
As exit rumours continue to surround Nunez, who remains under contract until 2028, Saudi Arabia have re-emerged on the radar as a potential destination. Pro League have been attempting to sign Liverpool players for years now, with the first batch including Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson.
Since then, Mohamed Salah has been the main target, with Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Nunez cropping up on their interest list as well. Now, according to journalist Duncan Castles, a deal with Saudi Arabia would be something Liverpool are willing to strike.
Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Castles said: “Liverpool would be happy if the Saudis came in and would encourage a move for Nunez. They would like to get some kind of significant return on the initial £62.5 million that they paid Benfica three years ago.
“From the Saudi perspective, [Nunez] still has that ability to be a name within the Saudi game and to deliver goals with his physicality. Interestingly, I’m told that his girlfriend, Lorena Manas, who is the ex-wife of former Barcelona player Aleix Vidal, has been working with agents to explore opportunities elsewhere. So it looks like this is both sides pushing against the same door with Nunez, or at least Nunez’s partner, encouraging him to look for a move and Liverpool happy to sell the player with a strong, affluent potential buyer in Saudi Arabia.”
Darwin Nunez joked about Saudi Arabia move
Saudi Arabia is a destination made attractive due to the sheer amount of money on offer in the form of both transfer fees and wages. This has now become common knowledge even among the players.
Nunez recently joked about joining a Saudi club during a recent appearance on Pro:Direct Soccer’s ‘Teammates’ segment, alongside Luis Diaz.
While talking about who drives the best car at Liverpool, Diaz commented that Nunez must earn ‘big money’ as he owns multiple cars. The Uruguayan replied that he needs ‘more money’, while winking at the camera before whispering to the host behind his hand ‘come on Saudi’.
In other news, Liverpool ‘now close’ to new breakthrough after already making moves amid Trent Alexander-Arnold exit talks
Liverpool
What senior Newcastle officials have said privately about selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool
Newcastle United’s stance regarding Alexander Isak is clear amid interest from Liverpool.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak celebrates scoring his side’s second goal during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
The 25-year-old is a top target for Liverpool, who have seen up close just how good he is this season. Alexander Isak has played against the Reds twice in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring two goals.
One of those goals was at Wembley, as Isak helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup at Liverpool’s expense.
Since then, talk of the Swede leaving St James’ Park has intensified.
Liverpool think they can sign Isak, while he is also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona.
Newcastle United’s stance on Alexander Isak leaving this summer
While there is a queue forming, Newcastle United intend to be defiant.
According to the Athletic, senior officials at Newcastle United are all privately in agreement that they would be crazy to sell any of their top players – including Isak.
The Athletic add that Newcastle officials believe Isak is irreplaceable – a stance that Eddie Howe has echoed.
It was reported in October 2024 that Isak is the last player Howe wants to sell, and that belief will only have grown stronger with every goal scored.
Isak has scored 23 goals in 33 games this season – two fewer than last season’s total with 10 games to play.
Newcastle United prepare for contract negotiations with Alexander Isak
While Liverpool appear to be trying to position themselves at the front of the queue for Isak, it is Newcastle United who hold all of the aces.
Newcastle plan to offer Isak a new contract, after talks over an extension collapsed in 2024.
The Magpies will need to push the boat out to tie down the forward, but Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle will make Isak their highest paid player.
They are prepared to offer him in excess of £160,000-a-week, but that sum may need to reach more than £200,000-a-week for Isak to put pen to paper.
Champions League football will also be pivotal in keeping Isak. Newcastle are in a strong position with 10 games to go, as they aim to qualify for Europe’s elite competition after a year out of the limelight.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GD | Pts | |
| 4 |  Chelsea |
29 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 16 | 49 |
| 5 |  Man City |
29 | 14 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 48 |
| 6 |  Newcastle |
28 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 47 |
| 7 |  Brighton |
29 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 6 | 47 |
| 8 |  Fulham |
29 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 45 |
Those two factors will help Newcastle keep Isak, and they are both in the club’s control. They will have the opportunity to offer Isak the contract he wants, while Champions League qualification is in their hands.
“Told He Might Never Walk—Now He’s Walking Out at Anfield”
Two years ago, we started a TikTok account for Isaac—not just to document his journey but to bring hope and support to other parents navigating life with children like him. Our goal was to raise awareness of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome and show that joy and progress are possible, even in the face of challenges.
“It’s not every day you get to see your son’s dream come true—it still feels surreal.”
These are the words of Melissa Kearney, whose seven-year-old son, Isaac, captured the hearts of millions after stepping onto the pitch as an LFC mascot. The emotional video of this unforgettable moment quickly went viral, racking up a staggering 122 million views and 12 million social media interactions worldwide.
Melissa recalls how the idea of creating a TikTok account first came about:
“It was a young cousin who suggested we start one—to showcase Isaac’s personality and the joy he brings to our lives.”
A Journey from Fear to Faith
When Isaac was born, Melissa struggled to find the right support network.
“I searched for groups to connect with other parents, but the ones I found were filled with negativity. It became overwhelming, so I stepped away and decided to focus on Isaac’s development instead. As he started hitting milestones, my confidence and positivity grew.”
Isaac, a bright and determined schoolboy from Kirkby, has been living with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects cognitive and physical development. Yet, against all odds, he walked out onto Anfield with Virgil van Dijk by his side—a moment his family never thought possible.
“We were told he might never walk, so seeing him step onto the pitch was nothing short of a miracle.”
Melissa shares how overwhelming the response has been since their video went global:
Finding Strength in Positivity
Though Melissa still finds it difficult to look back at Isaac’s baby photos—especially the ones from when he suffered seizures—she has learned to embrace their reality.
“Every child with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is different. Some use wheelchairs, some are non-verbal, others are more physically able. I used to worry about sending the wrong message, but I realised that hope is the most important message of all.”
“A positive attitude always leads to a better outcome. Isaac is such a character—he’s always smiling, and his happiness is contagious.”
Liverpool Through and Through
Melissa, a phlebotomist at a GP surgery, recalls how Isaac’s love for Liverpool FC started early:
“It began with him watching matches and pre-game build-ups with his dad. Soon, he was asking when the next match was and wanting to visit Anfield. He’d sing along to Liverpool songs, strumming his toy guitar, and he even memorised player stats.”
“Ask him what he had for lunch at school, and he might forget. But ask him who wears number 30 for Liverpool, and he’ll tell you straight away!”
Even at school, his teachers have found ways to use Liverpool FC to help him engage with learning.
Isaac’s father, Alan, who works at Ford’s transmission factory, admits that life wasn’t always this hopeful. But seeing Isaac’s dream come true has changed everything—not just for their family, but for countless others who have found inspiration in his journey.
“We were told there’d be a lot of publicity, but we had no idea how big it was going to be. We’ve had people from Brazil, the Netherlands, the US—all over the world—reaching out and saying how Isaac has put things into perspective for them. Some were going through tough times, but watching Isaac has kept them going. And that’s amazing.”
Since the video went viral, there has been a five-year high in Google searches related to Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, meaning Isaac’s story isn’t just inspiring people—it’s spreading awareness in ways they never imagined.
A Rare Condition, A Remarkable Journey
Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is an exceptionally rare chromosomal disorder, affecting just 1 in 50,000 babies. It causes varying degrees of developmental delays, low muscle tone, and other challenges. For Isaac, this has meant ongoing physiotherapy and learning support.
But if there’s one thing his story has proven, it’s that hope can turn even the toughest journeys into extraordinary triumphs.
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s agent ‘holds talks’ with shock club over transfer that could see him snub Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool this summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s agent reportedly held talks with another club amid his impending move to Real Madrid.
Ever since the 24/25 season began, Alexander-Arnold’s future has been a major talking point as his contract is due to expire at the end of the campaign.
Over the last few months, it was heavily reported that Spanish La Liga giants Madrid have identified Alexander-Arnold as a primary target ahead of the transfer window.
Earlier in the week, it was claimed that a deal to take the Englishman to the Spanish capital is getting ever closer.
However, as reported by Spanish news outlet AS, Alexander-Arnold’s agent also held talks with Madrid’s fierce rivals, Barcelona.
Journalist Sique Rodriguez told SER Catalunya: “There have been meetings, recently and a few years ago, to assess whether Alexander-Arnold could sign for Barca.
“He was already on Barça’s radar with Xavi Hernández and Jordi Cruyff. There was already some meeting to try to address his signing.”
But it seems Barcelona and Alexander-Arnold have not been able to agree to a deal as the 26-year-old is now poised to move to the Bernabeu.
Back in 2020, Alexander-Arnold told GQ that one of his favourite teams is Barcelona.
“My favourite team besides Liverpool? Would be Barca,” he said. “I feel they have kind of the same values and beliefs as Liverpool. “They like to bring players through the academy. I grew up watching Messi and that special Barcelona team with Iniesta, Xavi, Henry Eto’o.”
Reacting to Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Madrid, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said on the Stick To Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet: “Where I’m at is that as a local player and a Liverpool fan, Liverpool are in a position where they’re competing for the league and a European Cup every year.
“So, if you’re a Liverpool fan and a local player, I’m just disappointed that he doesn’t think that this is it. I’m putting myself in his position where I’d be thinking that we could go level with Manchester United in league trophies, I’ve got another seven or eight years at Liverpool and want to get three or four ahead of them, with a couple more European Cups.”
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals why he left Liverpool to sign a five-year deal with Real Madrid
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD COMPLETES BLOCKBUSTER MOVE TO REAL MADRID!
Liverpool’s vice-captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold, has officially announced his departure from Anfield, sealing a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer. The 26-year-old right-back has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants, effective July 1, 2025, and will earn around €15 million per year before taxes, with performance-based bonuses potentially increasing his earnings to €17-18 million annually.
After spending his entire career at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is now set to embark on a new challenge in La Liga. Expressing his excitement about the move, he stated:
Real Madrid has been tracking Alexander-Arnold for some time, particularly in the wake of Dani Carvajal’s knee injury last October. Although Carvajal is expected to return for the 2025/26 season, concerns over his age and form after a long layoff have led Madrid to secure a long-term solution at right-back.
Club president Florentino Pérez highlighted the significance of the signing, stating:
“Trent’s arrival is in line with our vision of integrating young, talented players who can contribute immediately and in the future.”
Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional passing range, tactical awareness, and attacking prowess make him a perfect fit for Madrid’s system. At 26, he aligns with Real Madrid’s transfer strategy of acquiring players in their prime to ensure sustained dominance in both La Liga and the Champions League.
He stated that the move marks a monumental shift in his career, as he transitions from a Liverpool icon to a key figure in Madrid’s next generation of superstars.
Liverpool
Liverpool prepared to use two players in outrageous swap deal for Alexander Isak and it’d strengthen Newcastle in problem position
Liverpool are reportedly preparing a bold move to land Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, with a potential swap deal involving Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah in the mix.
The Reds are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window, especially with key players like Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz all facing uncertain futures. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold is rumored to be edging closer to a free transfer to Real Madrid, while Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are both approaching the final months of their contracts.
Newcastle are set to demand at least £150 million for Isak, a fee that could pose a challenge for Liverpool. However, as per talkSPORT, the Merseyside club may look to soften the financial blow by offering players plus cash to lure the Swedish striker to Anfield.
Last summer, Newcastle were reportedly keen on Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah was also mentioned as a potential makeweight in Liverpool’s previous pursuit of Anthony Gordon. Now, both defenders could be included in a fresh bid for Isak, whose stellar form this season—23 goals and five assists in 33 appearances—has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Arsenal have made Isak their “absolute top target,” while Liverpool have also established contact with the player’s representatives. However, Newcastle are determined to keep their star forward, making any potential deal a complex negotiation.
With Financial Fair Play regulations in play and clubs circling, Liverpool must decide whether Isak is worth the price—or if their striker search will lead them elsewhere.
Liverpool
Isaac Kearney: A Little Warrior with a Powerful Message of Hope for the Disabled Community
Isaac’s Story: A Journey of Hope and Inspiration
Isaac’s journey is a powerful reminder that when you believe, you can achieve.
Young Isaac is becoming a voice for Liverpool’s disabled supporters, proving that passion knows no limits.
His family is beyond grateful to Liverpool FC for giving him a platform that has brought his story to the world. At just six years old, Isaac—who was born with a rare genetic disorder—has captured hearts globally after Liverpool FC’s Christmas Day video featuring him went viral.
Isaac isn’t just a fan; he’s a beacon of hope for supporters with disabilities, especially those living with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Recently, Google searches on the condition hit a five-year high, showing that his story is raising awareness and making a real difference.
The impact of Isaac’s journey is undeniable, and his family remains deeply thankful to Liverpool FC for shining a light on his inspiring life.
More than just a Liverpool superfan, Isaac is proving to the world that disabilities do not define a person—they are only part of the journey. His mother, Melissa, shared how the overwhelming messages of support have poured in, not only from Liverpool fans but also from supporters of rival clubs. Even celebrities like Stormzy and Khloe Kardashian have reached out, alongside parents of children with similar conditions who now feel seen and heard.
If you ever feel like your challenges are holding you back, remember this: your disability may shape your story, but it will never take away your strength, resilience, or determination. You are valuable. You are capable. You are enough.
Keep pushing forward, shine your light for the world to see, and never forget—you’ll never walk alone!
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