Liverpool

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The expectation is that there will be a slight edge at Anfield on Sunday with Champions League qualification still not confirmed but even the most pessimistic of Liverpool fans will know that it would require a very unlikely series of events for Arne Slot's side to miss out from here.

That said, it is imperative that Liverpool calm the nerves early on against Brentford so the focus can be on giving Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson a proper farewell under the sun.

The last thing Liverpool want is for Champions League qualification to be in doubt going into the latter stages of the game and run the risk of Anfield turning and booing the manager and the performance, as we have seen at times this season.

Both players will go down as Liverpool legends in their own right and though this has been a disappointing season for all at Anfield, the least they deserve is a proper goodbye.

There will be mosaics around the ground and banners and flags galore on The Kop and it is set to be an emotional afternoon as Liverpool part ways with two players who have given their all over nine years at the club.

Chloe Bloxam
Fan contributor

Brentford is going to be an incredibly emotional game as Anfield bids farewell to two absolute Liverpool legends, two lads who've written their names into the history of this football club in Mo Salah and Andy Robertson.

It will be really emotional come full-time. But before then, Liverpool do have to get a job done and secure Champions League football for next season.

Now, we are up on goal difference and if we lose and Bournemouth win, then they do need to make sure that they score some goals. But hopefully, it will not get to that and Liverpool can get the three points and bid the legends off in good fashion.

It's also going to be quite emotional because Jordan Henderson comes back - obviously, he didn't get his goodbye before leaving to go to Saudi Arabia. Caoimhin Kelleher is also back. So, there's a lot going on this weekend but Liverpool have to get the job done.

After that, we can praise the legends and give them the presentation that they deserve. Whether they'll actually speak or not, we'll have to wait and see because after Salah's Instagram post the other day, it'll be interesting to see what happens.

Will Arne Slot actually plays him? I'd love to see him obviously and I'd love him to get the farewell he deserves as well as Robertson.

I don't think Salah's done speaking. I reckon we might hear more from him - maybe not on the pitch but in the days after the Brentford game but we will wait and see.

It will hurt me to see these two lads leave Liverpool. Salah, who is among the top five to ever play for Liverpool, and Robertson, who is basically one of us - he got what it meant to play for Liverpool, always represented the badge, always gave 110% when he was out on the pitch and was very much a hero for us.

So it's going to be a big one.

Find more from Chloe Bloxam at The Redmen TV, external

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

This one gets a little bit confusing, but Aston Villa's Europa League final win over Freiburg make things clearer.

Because England has won one of two Elite Performance Spots (EPS) for next season's Champions League, five Premier League clubs will feature in the competition instead of four. Like England, Spain have also guaranteed five clubs.

We already know that Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Villa are four of those.

But because of Villa winning the Europa League, there is a scenario where six English clubs qualify for the Champions League next term.

For that to happen, Villa would need to finish fifth.

Currently, they are fourth - three points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool. That means Liverpool would need to beat Brentford and hope Villa lose at City for them to overtake Unai Emery's team.

Fans of Bournemouth and Brighton will also hope this happens. If it does, it means one of them would join Liverpool and be a sixth English team in the Champions League.

The Cherries only need a point at Nottingham Forest to guarantee a top-six finish.

Meanwhile, the Seagulls would need to beat Manchester United and for Bournemouth to lose to finish sixth.

Liverpool only need a point to guarantee a top-five finish. But if they lose at home to the Bees, they would only not finish fifth if Bournemouth win at Forest and the Cherries overturned a six-goal deficit in goal difference. Of course, if they ended up in sixth then it would be Europa League and not Champions League for the Anfield side.

Whoever finishes in seventh will also enter the Europa League.

A win for Brighton would guarantee them Europa League football at least. If the Seagulls fail to win and Chelsea win at Sunderland, the Blues would overtake Albion.

Chelsea can also overtake Brighton with a draw, if Brighton were to lose by two goals and Brentford fail to win at Liverpool.

Whoever finishes eighth will enter the Conference League next season.

Got it?

Will Mohamed Salah get any minutes and the chance to say goodbye to the Liverpool fans after his ridiculous attack on Arne Slot's playing style?

Salah knows the implications of what he has said, about how Liverpool must return to being a "heavy metal attacking team" and he is trying to bury Slot.

People might say Salah is right, but it still leaves a very sour taste. Slot is still in a job, and Liverpool are still trying to secure a top-five finish. Doing this makes life even more difficult for Slot.

It is a tricky enough game anyway - Brentford have had a great season under Keith Andrews and they beat Liverpool in the reverse fixture back in October.

The Bees are still in the mix for the European places and it really wouldn't surprise me if they won this, but Liverpool only need a point to finish fifth, and I think they will get it.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool and Brentford head into the final day with different targets but the same sense of unfinished business. Liverpool have all-but secured a Champions League return but want to end a turbulent season on a positive note, while Brentford still have the chance to turn a solid campaign into something more memorable.

Liverpool looking for a steadier finish

Liverpool's season has rarely settled into a rhythm, and much of the conversation around Anfield this week has centred on Mohamed Salah's comments about the team's identity, sparking debate among supporters and adding to a season already full of scrutiny.

Many saw his remarks as a veiled dig at Arne Slot, and there has even been discussion over whether he should start in what will be his final match for the club — though leaving out such an iconic figure would be a high stakes call given his standing with the fanbase.

On the pitch, consistency has been hard to find. Liverpool have been vulnerable in tight moments and have too often let games slip after working their way back into them.

Yet the final day has traditionally brought results. They haven't lost their last league match since 2014 and are unbeaten in 18 when ending a season at home.

Arne Slot's side remain on course for a top five finish, which would secure Champions League football, and they would even climb into the top four if they win and Aston Villa lose.

At 34, Virgil van Dijk is set to become the oldest outfield player to play every minute of a Premier League season — a rare constant in a turbulent year.

Brentford eyeing a European push

Brentford face a daunting trip to Anfield but travel with confidence and a clear sense of progress.

Keith Andrews' side have lost only twice in their last nine league matches and remain in the mix for a European place — an impressive position for a team that had to rebuild after losing key players and even their manager last summer.

Draws have been their frustration. Last weekend's 2–2 with Crystal Palace was another prime example, and it may yet prove costly in the race for Europe.

However, their 3–2 win over Liverpool earlier in the season offers encouragement, even if their record at Anfield is far less favourable.

The Bees haven't scored there in six successive league visits.

Much of their threat rests on Igor Thiago, who has contributed 41% of their league goals. The Brazilian will again be the focal point as Brentford look to end the season on a high.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on who you would like to be making the decisions on player recruitment at Liverpool.

Should manager Arne Slot have more say about who the club signs?

Michael Edwards is the CEO of football and Richard Hughes is Liverpool's sporting director under Fenway Sports Group.

Here are some of your opinions:

Tony: The manager MUST have the final say in any transfers, both incoming and outgoing. Even if he's part of a committee, it's the manager who should set the agenda, detailing what positions he wants filling, and what he is looking for in terms of player profile. It's fine for others to put forward players they think might fit, but the manager has to have the final say. After all, it's him who has to form a team from the players, not some head of recruitment.

Nick: I trust Hughes more. He hand-picked Andoni Iraola (surely, the first choice should Slot leave, whenever that may be) and many of the gems at Bournemouth. The players he's signed for Liverpool? The big misstep is Alexander Isak. Too expensive and not needed. As for Edwards, he was brought back when FSG wanted to buy another club, a feeder club - now they don't. So, he's not needed. Slot/the head coach must be consulted, of course, but I trust Hughes with transfers.

Andrew: I am frustrated we hear so little from Hughes or Edwards. All Slot can say is that he's happy with the squad, otherwise he's criticising his bosses. I'd far rather we returned to the days when our manager had more input. But then, there is only one Jurgen Klopp.

Simon: Edwards can't do it on his own. When Klopp was here, you could tell the signings were built around his style of football. With Slot, there's no real identity so it's hard to evaluate how good their recruitment is. Edwards should be looking to recruit a new manager before any more new players.

Bernie: Directors of football are number-crunchers. The manager, if you choose the right guy to start with, should have the main say in who is recruited and the direction of the team.

Jimmy: The current model is the historic model and it works really well. Smart people collectively try to make the best decisions to ensure we have a balanced but better squad. We have missed Trent Alexander-Arnold this season but that wasn't the club's choice. We have retained players who have let us down with poor performances. Edwards and Hughes have a long history of finding exceptional talent, and despite the media onslaught, Slot has a great track record of getting the best out of those resources.

Michael Edwards is the CEO of football and Richard Hughes is Liverpool's sporting director under Fenway Sports Group.

Edwards returned to Merseyside in 2024 as CEO when Jurgen Klopp left and alongside Hughes he appointed Arne Slot as head coach.

Originally Edwards served as sporting director between 2016 and 2022 and made significant signings for the Reds, most notably during Klopp's time with the club.

Some of the great buys Edwards oversaw in his first stint with the Reds include Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane, Alisson Becker, Andrew Robertson, Georgino Wijnaldum and Diogo Jota.

Edwards now oversees broader football operations and restructuring and Hughes handles player recruitment, squad planning, and transfer negotiations.

In Edwards' first season back, Liverpool lifted their 20th Premier League title after spending a league low and making only one signing, Federico Chiesa for £12.5m.

Since the summer of 2024, Edwards and Hughes have overseen £459m in spending, including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Giovanni Leoni.

With a lot of conversation around Slot's future at the club, we want to know whether you would prefer the club model to change.

The Reds might have missed out on potential candidates for a managerial role as some potential candidates likely want player recruitment to be in their control.

Tell us if you want the manager to be making the decisions of who he signs, or do you think the current model works? Are Edwards and Hughes safe in their roles?

Josh Sexton
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It comes to something when your long-time nemesis says it is time to move on and you actually feel a little bit sad about it.

Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City feels like a chapter of English football is truly closing.

More than that, though, I actually grew to quite like this nemesis - a feeling made easier by Liverpool refusing to be any competition to his team this season.

Between his compassionate politics and his increasingly funny news conferences, the man who became the bane of our existence has started to cut a much more likeable figure.

Of course, the respect element was always there.

Yes, there are caveats to City's success, but there are very few doubts about Guardiola's greatness as a manager.

After Jurgen Klopp left Anfield in 2024, it seemed only natural that the man he went toe to toe with for so many years would move on fairly soon after.

Because, the truth is, the standards those two managers set would warp our perception of what a normal title-winning points total looks like.

Arsenal have pipped Guardiola to the Premier League this season, but they have done so with a maximum of 85 points - a climbdown from the days of Liverpool and City pushing each other to 90-plus points totals.

While the year the Reds ran away with the title in 2019-20 distorts the averages in their favour, they started 27 games unbeaten to put any doubts of City being able to break their hearts again beyond doubt, with falling short on 97 points the campaign before still fresh in the memory.

Liverpool have fallen away this season, but Guardiola moving on automatically means the barrier to entry for a title race is likely to not be as high.

Therefore, Reds supporters should be reassured that a return to the top isn't too far away, especially with such a talented group of players.

We might not see those 2018-2022 levels again for a little while, though, and for that we will always (at least partly) have Guardiola to thank.

Find more from Josh Sexton on outlets including The Anfield Wrap, external

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Brentford at Anfield (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alexander Isak, who has been absent with a minor injury, and Alisson, who has been suffering with a hamstring problem, will train with the first team on Friday. It is "positive" news as both players could be available for selection.

• When asked about Mohamed Salah's most recent comments on social media, he replied: "I don't think how I feel about it is important. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League."

• He added: "I don't know if it has had an impact on the group, but what I have seen is my players training really well this week. Mo [Salah] and I have the same interest; we both want this club to be as successful as possible. That is what we should be focusing on."

• However, Slot would not be drawn on whether the Egypt international will be involved in his final-ever game at Anfield. "I never say anything about team selection, so it would be a surprise if I did that right now," he said.

• The 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa and the subsequent missed opportunity to secure Champions League football for next season was "very disappointing". It has made Liverpool's final game of the season a "vital one" to win.

• He added: "We know what we need to do. We need a win or a draw. If we don't, we still have an acceptable goal difference. However, we would like to give our fans a nice ending because there have been far too many disappointments this season for us as a club."

• Virgil van Dijk playing every minute of the Premier League season so far is a "great accomplishment". He explained: "It isn't as simple as some people might think, especially in a league like this and if you are his age. It is unbelievable, especially in a season of setbacks, because it is much easier to stay fit if things are going well."

• On whether he will look to change his approach next season, Slot said: "There doesn't need to be a reset, but I do know football has evolved and changed. We have to make sure we can compete with Arsenal and Manchester City again next season, with our own brand of football."

• He added: "We also have to take into account that our brand of football is one that our fans like, so long as that goes together with competing for the trophies we want to compete for."

• On a personal note, Slot is looking forward to "continuing to evolve" his team next season.

• Liverpool are "really happy" with Milos Kerkez's development this season because he has "played a lot of games and improved throughout".

• He explained: "It is never easy for a player to come into a team that isn't performing at the level they were last season. We are looking for him to make the next step now. Hopefully a great example for him is Dominik Szoboszlai, he is a great example for all of us."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Liverpool? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Manchester United view Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall as a leading option for next season, while Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also interested in the 21-year-old England international. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

In 2017, a £10m deal for Andy Roberton saw the Scottish full-back sign for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

Not only does Robertson leave Anfield as a two-time Premier League champion, he also exits with a Champions League title, the FA Cup, two League Cups, Uefa Super Cup, Fifa Club World Cup and a Community Shield under his belt.

Robertson told Radio Merseyside that he's had an "emotional week" as he prepares for the Reds' final game of the season against Brentford at Anfield.

"It is coming around quite quickly, but it has given me a lot of time to reflect and that has been the good part about this. I have been able to look back on amazing memories and the amazing people I have been able to spend it with," he said.

From playing in Scotland's fourth tier in 2013 to his Premier League debut with Hull City on the opening day of the 2014-15 campaign, Robertson's rapid rise is truly impressive.

Image source, Getty Images

"I just gave 100% every single day – I just wanted to improve on everything. I wanted to prove to other people that I could make it at the very top," added Robertson.

The 32-year-old has helped redefine the role of a full-back and in doing so has accumulated 60 Premier League assists, the second most of all-time by a defender in the Premier League, behind his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The ultra-aggressive pressing full-back may be moving on, but the Anfield faithful will always hold Robertson's name in their hearts.

"I have always tried to give them my all," he added.

"The love that I have been getting is very emotional, and I am very happy that people think of me in that way."

Hit play at the top of this post to hear more from Robertson or listen here on BBC Sounds

The strength of feeling from Liverpool supporters towards Robertson cannot be overstated. Below, Reds fan Adam Beattie attempted to summarise his Anfield legacy and what he means to those who watch him every week.

"You can see a lot of yourself in him on the pitch," said Beattie. "He's one of my favourite Liverpool players of all time. It's the relatability.

"While he was blessed with this unbelievable talent, he's come from fairly humble beginnings with an £8m price tag and no massive expectations to turn himself into an all-time great."

Listen in full below or on BBC Sounds

Liverpool have formally registered their interest in 20-year-old Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure - but they face competition from Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle, who also admire the Ivorian. (Teamtalk), external

The Reds could make a move for 21-year-old Norway winger Antonio Nusa should a deal for his RB Leipzig team-mate Yan Diomande become too difficult. (Football Insider), external

Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson wants to join Juventus this summer even if the Serie A side fail to qualify for the Champions League. (Gazzetta - in Italian), external

Finally, Fenerbahce have emerged as a surprise contender to sign Mohamed Salah after he leaves Anfield this summer. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The latest news and views on the Reds in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Mo Salah's social media post is not "becoming of a Liverpool legend," insists the supporter Ste Plunkett from Redmen TV.

Salah, who will be hanging up his boots for Liverpool after nine seasons at the Merseyside club, said his side must return to a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear".

Plunkett believes the timing of his post, which came after Arne Slot's side were defeated 4-2 by Aston Villa on Friday night is "dreadful".

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside Plunkett said: "I don't agree with what he's done, I don't agree with the way he's done it, on Instagram, 62 million followers, it's really not helpful.

"The timing's dreadful, the season's not over, he's still a Liverpool player and I don't think that's becoming of a Liverpool legend. It's not what we've done in years gone by, I don't think we want to do it in years to come either.

"The timing is dreadful but the context is understandable. It's not what you do when you're a Liverpool legend."

While Plunkett feels there is some validity in the comments Salah made, he reckons it unveils a bigger problem for the club as many current players 'liked' the forward's post.

"That is a major concern if you're a manager," added Plunkett.

"Because if you don't believe that, you don't act upon it, you certainly don't 'like' it. You sit there in your dressing room and say 'I probably wouldn't have done that Mo, that's not great,' but it's past and present players that have liked it.

"It's a really bad look for the football club, it's really, really dodgy times for Slot at the moment because if you're sitting in Fenway Sports Park looking at that, you're looking at it thinking he's lost the dressing room because the players agree with what Salah is saying.

"They probably perhaps think the timing's bad and how it was done is even worse but I think the fundamental comments within that statement, if they agree with it, Slot's got big problems."

Thirty-three-year-old Salah has called time after winning nine major trophies with Liverpool, as well as breaking individual records for the club.

"Salah when he breaks a record, is the first person to celebrate, he knows all about where he is in the pantheon of football greats, and records and trophies and all that good stuff," said Plunkett.

"Salah's very, very self-centered. Salah is a brand and he's the champion of that brand and I get that.

"That selfish streak can sometimes be sort of overzealous and that's probably what it is for me, a bit of overzealousness in his self-protection and his self-preservation."

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds or by clicking play on the clip above