Liverpool
Federico Chiesa can be finally unleashed at Liverpool as Arne Slot gets what he called for
Theo Squires analysis after a much-changed Liverpool lose 3-2 at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League
It had been 126 days since Federico Chiesa last started for Liverpool. The Italian registered an assist on his full Reds debut against West Ham United back on September 25, but that remained his last involvement for Arne Slot’s side for three months because of injury and illness before his return to action last month.
Liverpool have had to be patient with Chiesa, with it proving to be a frustratingly slow process for supporters to see the Reds’ solitary summer signing in action. But now the club’s careful treatment is paying off.
With 12 senior players left at home for the final Champions League league game away at PSV Eindhoven, the forward was always well placed to make only his second Liverpool start.
And as was the case against the Hammers back in September, he was again involved for the Reds on the goalscoring front. It was Chiesa who was brought down by Joey Veerman, gifting Cody Gakpo the chance to open the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot.
And it was Chiesa’s thunderous strike saved by Walter Benitez that presented Harvey Elliott with a simple tap-in to score the rebound and put Liverpool back in front..
One of the game’s liveliest performers, the former Juventus star continued his recent trend since coming back into the side last month. He is dangerous in front of goal, with his tricky feet and venomous strike already becoming a familiar sight in his limited outings so far.
Chiesa is making a growing impact when selected. Opening his account against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, he played a part in both goals in the 2-0 win over Brentford before doing so again against PSV.
Alas, this time Chiesa was on the losing side for the first time in his Reds career as they fell to a 3-2 defeat. But as Slot said pre-match, the result hardly mattered with Liverpool already guaranteed a top-two finish.
Instead, it was an opportunity for the likes of Chiesa to get some well-needed minutes and stake their claim. A full 90 minutes for the Italy international, who started on the right-wing before later switching to the left, was a welcome sight as he continued to show what he is capable of.
His two shots on target, both pushed away by Benitez, and three successful dribbles were the most completed by any player at the Philips Stadion. He also completed the most successful tackles (four) too, demonstrating a willingness to press and win back possession.
You won’t expect him to realistically stand a chance of taking Mohamed Salah’s place in Slot’s starting XI this season. But after months in the stands and weeks on the bench, Chiesa is now a genuine option for Slot and Liverpool.
Elliott stakes his claim after Slot challenge
Elliott will have been the only Liverpool player disappointed to see them awarded a penalty against PSV. As referee Tobias Stieler blew his whistle and pointed to the spot, the midfielder was in the process of finding the bottom corner with a fierce strike from the edge of the box.
Goalkeeper Benitez can argue he had stopped in response to the whistle, but he would have struggled to keep out the strike regardless.
Elliott did not have to wait long to get on the scoresheet, though, reacting quickest to convert the rebound from Chiesa’s strike 12 minutes later to make it goals in back-to-back Champions League matches.
The 21-year-old now has two goals and an assist from his last four appearances. Making only his third start of the campaign, like with Chiesa, this was a vital 90 minutes under his belt. And coming in his favoured number 10 position made it all the more important.
When asked what Elliott needed to do to start more often last week, Slot replied he needed to ‘keep bringing performances’. Against PSV, in the absence of both Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai, he did exactly that.
Yes, the result will grind – even considering the shadow squad. But Slot’s selections against PSV were not about facing the Dutch outfit – rather the bigger fish left to fry.
And Elliott has again proven why his impact will surely continue to grow during the second half of the season.
Mixed night for the kids
With 12 senior players left at home, Slot was always going to turn to the Academy at PSV. And in truth, it was a mixed bag for Liverpool’s young stars.
James McConnell excelled in midfield, selected to start ahead of Tyler Morton. With his fellow midfielder hinting at a January exit earlier this month, McConnell is more than capable of filling the void. Should he not depart on loan himself, it will be no surprise if he has instead played himself into contention for a place in Slot’s squad for the second half of the season.
Jayden Danns is another who could still leave on loan before Monday’s transfer deadline. Handed his full Liverpool debut, the striker became the youngest player to make his first start for Liverpool in a Champions League game, beating Martin Kelly’s record after the defender made his debut against Olympique Lyonnais in October 2009.
Also read;
PSV Eindhoven boss reveals what was ‘terrible’ and ‘really annoyed’ him amid honest Liverpool verdict
In truth, it was a difficult night for the 19-year-old. Kicked throughout, he failed to record a shot on target before being withdrawn in the 83rd minute.
Trey Nyoni came off the bench to break Phil Charnock’s record and become the club’s youngest-ever player in European competition at 17 years and 213 days.
Meanwhile, centre-back Amara Nallo can perhaps feel hard done by after his Liverpool debut was ended after less than three minutes as he was dismissed for denial of a goalscoring opportunity. Becoming the youngest player to ever be sent off for the Reds, he will no doubt have mixed feelings on what should have been a night to remember.
The last time the Reds travelled to PSV, they won 3-1 in December 2008 to top their Champions League group as Rafa Benitez named a much-changed side. In amongst the changes, academy youngsters Kelly and Jay Spearing both made their debuts for the club off the bench.
The pair would go on to make 62 and 55 appearances for the club, and were League Cup winners in 2012, before their careers took soon them elsewhere.
These maiden Champions League outings were a big step for each of the latest academy starlets, but they are not the finished articles yet.
With Spearing now a well-established player-academy coach at Kirkby, they have the perfect role model and reminder of the hard work that still needs to be done as they continue the formative stages of their Liverpool journeys.
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!
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has already ‘made his feelings clear’ on Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid as ‘warning’ sent
Jurgen Klopp has already ‘made his feelings clear’ on Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid as ‘warning’ sent
Jurgen Klopp has made his feelings clear on Trent Alexander-Arnold moving to Real Madrid after sending a previous warning.
Along with teammates Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool defender is out of contract at the end of the season and links to Real have arguably overshadowed his role in the Premier League title pursuit under Arne Slot.
Alexander-Arnold has largely remained silent on the matter but did make a rare comment on his future in an interview with Sky Sports, saying: “I have been at the club 20 years now and I have signed four or five contract extensions… and none of those have been played out in public. This one won’t be either.”
However, there hasn’t been much movement on the contract front despite negotiations and now, talkSPORT say Alexander-Arnold is poised to end his association with the Reds.
It’s claimed he has agreed personal terms and will sign a lucrative five-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he will link up with England teammate and close friend Jude Bellingham.
He is set earn a whopping £220,000-per-week with the 15-time European champions, with Liverpool not receiving a transfer fee for a player who joined at the age of six before going on to win the Premier League and Champions League.
Alexander-Arnold made his debut under Klopp in 2016 before going on to become an integral player for the German prior to him stepping down at the end of last season.
Klopp has not addressed Alexander-Arnold’s likely specifically but when he was in charge of Liverpool, he made his feelings clear on Philippe Coutinho’s decision to leave for Barcelona.
The Brazilian expressed his desire to leave in January 2018, but Klopp tried to convince him to stay put and create a legacy at Anfield.
“Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour,” Klopp said, as per The Mirror.
“Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more.”
Coutinho did not listen to Klopp’s instructions and moved to Barca in a club-record £142 million sale. But he wasn’t a great success and by January 2022 he was back in the Premier League with Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa – although he had won two La Liga titles and the Champions League while on loan at Bayern Munich.
Alexander-Arnold to be denied shirt number
If he does move to Real, Alexander-Arnold will not be able to wear the No.66 he has worn his whole career.
That’s because La Liga rules require clubs to submit 25-player first-team squads featuring numbers from 1 to 25.
Players in the 25-man A-squad must wear a number between 1 and 25, with reserve team players who step up to play for the senior squad given numbers between 26 and 50.
Isaac Kearney: A Life Beyond Measure
In a world where success is often measured by wealth, accolades, and longevity, there are lives that redefine true greatness.
One such life is that of Isaac Kearney—a young boy whose six years on earth have left an indelible mark on those who know him.
For Olakunle soriyan, a devoted admirer of Isaac, no amount of time, money, or recognition could ever compare to the profound meaning found in the short but impactful years of Isaac’s life. His words, filled with emotion and admiration, capture a sentiment that many share:
Even if I live 100 years, have all the money in the world, and win a Nobel Prize, all of that will still not equal the meaning of just six years of Isaac on Earth.”
Who is Isaac Kearney?
Isaac Kearney is not just another child. He is a beacon of joy, resilience, and inspiration. Whether through his laughter, kindness, or the sheer radiance of his personality, Isaac embodies a spirit that touches hearts in ways that defy conventional success.
His presence is a reminder that impact isn’t measured by years but by the depth of love, the strength of influence, and the power of connection.
A Legacy That Transcends Time
Isaac’s life, though brief in years, speaks volumes. He teaches us that greatness is not about what we acquire but about how we make others feel. His story is a lesson in cherishing the present, in understanding that even the smallest souls can leave the biggest footprints on the hearts of those around them.
For Olakunle soriyan and countless others who hold Isaac dear, his existence is a gift—one that outshines the longest lifespans and the grandest achievements.
Final Thoughts
There are lives that make history, and then there are lives that make love tangible. Isaac Kearney’s six years have done the latter, proving that a short life lived with meaning is more valuable than a long life spent chasing the ephemeral.
For those who know him, Isaac’s impact is eternal. And that, in itself, is the true definition of a life well-lived.
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