Liverpool will face AS Monaco and Como 1907 in pre-season fixtures at Anfield
The Reds will finish their summer preparations with two games at Anfield, hosting Ligue 1 side AS Monaco on Sunday 9 August and Serie A side Como 1907 on Sunday 16 August.
Liverpool already have pre-season fixtures against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds planned for venues in the USA from 25 July to 2 August.
In a new BBC Sport documentary, James Milner reflects on a career that has ended at 40, after making a record 658 Premier League appearances with six different clubs.
Team-mates and coaches reveal the drive behind 24 years at the top.
Watch below or on BBC iPlayer here
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on your beliefs and doubts about the potential of Andoni Iraola becoming the next Liverpool boss.
We explained some fans think the Spaniard has not won enough or that his style of play is too intense for the current squad and we outlined why many fans - on the flip side - think his style makes him an ideal fit.
We wanted to know what you thought of the angles fans are taking and here are some of your comments:
Rick: Iraola was my wish and is the best fit pick for the 2026-27 Reds. I was hopeful that the hierarchy were going for him as soon as he announced his departure from Bournemouth. There will be plenty of adjustments to the squad (mainly depth to deliver during twice weeklies) and his style won't be a fit for all of the current players. But I am excited to see LFC under his leadership. Hard Rock football once again!
Steve: Iraola has won over the owners, perhaps. He looks like he is got the fans on side, perhaps. But, will he unite the dressing room? The team is obviously split around Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot hires. He has several elite players in there who will want to play for the best world-class managers and I am not sure Iraola fits this requirement.
Caleb: I feel like any manager who plays good, exciting football will suit the attacking players at Liverpool - something we've not seen happen this season with Slot.
Graham: I can see and agree with both sides of the equation. However, one point has been missed. Whether or not he has had success, look at the quality of players he has produced. Also, remember the limited budget at his disposal. He has the ability to nurture, understand and improve players. Something we didn't see or get from Slot.
Roy: The style he likes to play is the Liverpool DNA, but we don't have the squad depth to play this way twice a week.
Dax: I'm totally on the doubters' side. Liverpool is a massive step up from Bournemouth. Look how long it's taken Eddie Howe and Newcastle are mid-table. Liverpool need someone not only with proven experience but who understands the Kop mentality. If Iraola is going to manage, he's going to need someone like Pep Lijnders or Steven Gerrard as an assistant. It's not enough to have overachieved with a mid-table team like Bournemouth. Overachieving for Liverpool means winning everything!
Kate: He's a great fit - his style of play is good for Liverpool. Of course, the team needs to comply to his methods and really work with him. Contract needs sorting ASAP so that they can move on and sign some new, needed players. Sooner the better to get a good pre-season and get fit and gel together. No more swapping players around in different positions either.
Simon: It doesn't matter that he's never won anything significant - if you look back at Liverpool over the past 60 years, the vast majority of the managers hadn't, including Shanks! It's what you do in the role that matters, not what you did in the past.
Image source, Getty ImagesAndoni Iraola's prospective appointment as Liverpool boss was a hot topic of discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
The Reds are in advanced talks with the Spaniard and are keen to make an appointment at the earliest possible opportunity and want a manager who fits their preferred playing style, which is to deliver front-foot, aggressive football.
Below, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says Iraola has "earned the right" to take this "enormous step" by "doing the hard yards".
"In some way you're better off by taking over when the team has had a bit of a stinker," said Sutton.
The panel also discussed Iraola's demeanour on the touchline and with the media compared to the departed Arne Slot.
"They feed of the manager," said former Reds defender Conor Coady.
"At Liverpool, the manager is the most important person at the football club by an absolute country mile. You have to have a rapport with the supporters. He needs to be on the front foot constantly to get the best out of that football club."
The Athletic's Adam Crafton says Iraola is "really charismatic" but that his desire to coach rather than oversee recruitment will also "give the club more control".
Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesIf Andoni Iraola gets the keys to the head coach's office at Liverpool's training ground, what key interventions can he make in the wake of a stuttering season under Arne Slot?
Much of the fan discourse around potentially turning to Iraola has fallen into two camps - 'good fit' versus 'big step up'. Within those opposing stances you can slot fears over running players into the ground on the negative side and an engaging style of play on the positive.
Iraola has an obvious desire to get after opponents. His former forward Antoine Semenyo is on the record as saying some players were "hanging" as a result of Iraola's desire to train the day after a game and that players humorously shared a "no days off again" message, external in their private WhatsApp discussions.
Clearly there is a desire to work but last season, Bournemouth only ranked 10th in the Premier League for distance run, with Liverpool 19th.
On average, the Cherries clocked just under 114km per match. What is notable, is how they ran and when. Iraola's side were second in the league when it comes to running at high speed (Liverpool 11th) and fourth for winning the ball in the final third (Liverpool fifth).
So while the distance figures don't point to absurd overload, the intensity is clear. Iraola's side hounded in key areas and with ferocity. This showed up in the number of duels they contested - ranking third in the league, with Liverpool slumped in 19th.
Iraola's desire to 'get after' games presents in how his side played with the ball too. Bournemouth averaged 50% possession, leaving them 11th in the rankings compared to Liverpool in second on 59%. Rather than building controlled domination of the ball, Iraola's side did their damage at pace, sitting in joint first in the league for goals from fast breaks.
It would appear the intensity and pursuit of matches also played out in the shape of a never-say-die attitude, with Bournemouth winning 17 points from losing positions last season. The tally was the third best in the league, with Liverpool ranked 17th with five.
So, at first glance at least, Iraola - if appointed - looks set to bring the art of the duel, the basics of running hard and the last-minute drama back to Anfield. It will, of course, be key he has the personnel to carry out such demands.
There are variables aplenty. Just like there are opinions over his potential appointment.
Was the timing of Arne Slot's dismissal at Liverpool strange?
The team on Monday Night Club have considered the move made by the Reds' hierarchy.
Former Liverpool player Conor Coady says the dismissal makes him feel "uncomfortable".
Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds
Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe connection between Richard Hughes, Liverpool's sporting director, and Andoni Iraola is well documented.
The Spaniard was appointed as Bournemouth head coach - his first break in English football - in 2023 on the advice of Hughes, then technical director at the Cherries.
Now Hughes and Michael Edwards, chief executive of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, believe Iraola is the man to re-establish the Reds as one of Europe's top clubs.
Liverpool need someone who commands his team to play with energy to bring the joy back to Anfield.
Iraola's style is based on high pressing and rapid and direct play. In 2023, Iraola told The Sunday Times, external that he prefers "chaos over organisation" and loves "gegenpressing" [counter-pressing].
One of the key reasons Liverpool parted ways with Arne Slot was his style of play, with lacklustre performances stirring boos from the Anfield crowd in his final term.
By the end of Slot's tenure, there was a collective sense of frustration, particularly among academy prospects, who felt they had been overlooked.
Liverpool are encouraged by Iraola's ability at Bournemouth to get the best out of new signings and youngsters, with Alex Scott, Rayan, Eli Junior Kroupi and Adrian Truffert brought on under his tutelage.
There was a perception that Liverpool had too many days off - a complaint the club deemed unfair. Club data suggests there is little difference between the amount of days off players had across each of Slot's two seasons (50 in 2024-25 and 45 in 2025-26) and their last campaign under Jurgen Klopp (47 in 2023-24).
Questions were also asked about the effectiveness of training sessions because of the poor performances. Under Iraola, sessions will certainly be intense.
"Andoni likes to take all of the sessions and be in the thick of it, as opposed to leaving it to others," said a Bournemouth source. "He was always at the training ground before me and left after me, and I feel like I'm here all the time!"
For Hughes, whose contract expires next summer, Iraola's appointment could define his tenure at Liverpool.
Liverpool are keen on RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande but have yet to reach a verbal agreement over a deal for the 19-year-old Ivory Coast striker. (Sky Sports), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Solent's Bournemouth commentator Jordan Clark says Andoni Iraola's style of play would be a "fantastic fit" at Liverpool.
The Reds will open formal talks with Iraola this week over becoming their new head coach, after the sacking of Arne Slot.
It is believed the Spaniard's intense, high-pressing and energetic approach is attractive to the club's hierarchy after lacklustre performances stirred boos from the Anfield crowd in the final stages of Slot's tenure.
"If you look at the style of play and what the fans demand at Anfield, he would be a fantastic fit for Liverpool," Jordan told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"It's high intensity, exciting, attacking. You're never off the edge of your seat - you haven't been for the past three years if you're a Bournemouth fan. You're always thinking something could happen in the game.
"He heads into every match looking to win three points, even deep into stoppage time. Watching his Bournemouth side has been nothing but pure quality. On that side of things, he ticks a very big box for Liverpool."
Asked if Iraola provides the "heavy metal football" played by Jurgen Klopp and referenced by Mohamed Salah in his recent Instagram post, Clark added: "It's exactly Iraola's style. When he first arrived there was a lot of talk that his style was about creating chaos.
"There is a lot more planning and thinking that goes into the approach and how the press happens.
"But, it's a high press - it's nicking the ball off the opponent at every opportunity. And at the other end, if you have to defend, it's about getting yourself back up the pitch as quickly as possible."
Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool's upcoming talks with Andoni Iraola have been met with a largely - but not unanimously - positive response from fans on social media. A brief scan of the debate breaks down a little like this:
The doubters...
He's never won anything significant;
Two games a week will test his style much more;
His style of play will be too demanding and Liverpool's squad isn't built for it;
He drew a lot of games at Bournemouth and went on winless runs - he can't do that at Liverpool, so it's a massive step up.
The believers...
His teams make you work when you face them;
He makes his players train hard, according to Antoine Semenyo;
The style of play will be enjoyable to watch.
We would love it if you'd consider the bullet points and respond to some of them. Do you agree with some? Or do you take issue with certain points?
Help us build the debate on Iraola by getting in touch with your views here
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your memories of James Milner's time at Anfield and his best moments in a Liverpool shirt, after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from playing on Monday.
Here are some of your comments:
Ryan: An honour to call him a Liverpool player. What an absolute legend of the Premier League. Not many ex pros can say they played for Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Leeds and Brighton and still be pretty universally loved. An outstanding professional, an incredible athlete and blimey, what a player too. Scandalous he didn't get more game time for England but he can look back on his playing career with utter pride. Forever a Premier League legend. Thanks for the memories, Milly, and wouldn't be at all surprised to see him on the coaching staff of a Premier League team in the future.
Christopher: What a career, what a player and, more importantly, what a man! A true icon and role model of the game. I am so glad we got to witness him at Liverpool. Happy retirement, James, you should be proud.
Adrian: There's not many to whom the term legend can be applied, but Milly has earned that in spades. What a career. What a consummate professional. What a role model to the younger generation. As a Liverpool fan, I'd love to see him in a youth coaching capacity, but wishing him all the best in whatever he chooses.
Sacha: Was an integral part of that Jurgen Klopp side and a real leader on and off the pitch. A Liverpool legend - and whoever takes over at Anfield needs to bring this guy back in some capacity because he understands the recent history of the club and commands respect.
David: My best memory was the late penalty winner against Leicester in 2019 which kept us on track for the title win but, overall, it's his commitment and professionalism.
Paul: Really a great professional. The game I remember is the one against Leicester when he scored that really late penalty giving us a big win.
Tommy: The day Milly was hooked and complained to Klopp about being replaced by Curtis Jones - only for Jones to then immediately assist Mo Salah scoring the opener at West Ham.
Ian: Milner will go down in Liverpool history as one of their best ever players. He was Mr Reliable, an ever present because he was rarely injured. I think he played in virtually every position and I can't recall him ever having a bad game. I wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next - maybe a Liverpool coach.
Brian: In the later Klopp years if you saw James coming off the bench later in the game you knew the game was over and the win was safe. Congratulations on an amazing career.
Josh Sexton
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesJames Milner had his best years at Liverpool because, quite simply, he made a bigger contribution to the club's biggest period of success than at any other club.
He was fantastic at Manchester City under two managers and while he was a Roberto Mancini man, he never felt quite like a Manuel Pellegrini man, before Pep Guardiola came in and gave them their most successful years.
At Liverpool, 323 of his 332 appearances coming under Jurgen Klopp says everything you need to know about whose man he truly was.
It's telling that this season, while the Reds have been accused of lacking leadership on the pitch, Milner's named has been mentioned alongside Jordan Henderson's, Adam Lallana's and more.
He's often damned with the feint praise of being merely a 'Mr. Consistent', utility man-style player, but he was somebody who embodied exactly what Klopp was trying to impart onto his footballers.
A large part of that was the relationship with the fans, and Milner felt that when he held the six fingers up in celebration to the fans seven years ago to this day when his team won the Champions League in Madrid for the sixth time.
One of Klopp's greatest quotes was when he spoke of respecting the club's history but not wearing it in their backpacks, and nobody had a grasp of that better in that moment than our Yorkshire-born midfielder.
He got it, right down to displaying his disdain towards Manchester United on an overheard part of a Gini Wijnaldum livestream as the players prepared to lift their 19th league title.
It's 20 now, but Milner was every part of setting the foundation for all the success we've been lucky enough to see over the past decade.
Records were broken aplenty by that side, and he specifically goes away with one of the biggest individual accolades for the consistency he showed, as the Premier League's record appearance maker.
It's a testament to his consistency and utility, but also to the standards he set that a few teams can even feel like he's one of their own.
Find more from Josh Sexton on outlets including The Anfield Wrap, external
James Milner has called time on a remarkable a 24-year Premier League career, in which he has clocked up numerous impressive and record-breaking statistics.
He made 964 senior appearances for both club and country, with his 658 Premier League appearances the most of any player in competition history.
He is both the youngest and second-oldest Premier League goalscorer, and is 10th in the competition's assist charts, providing 90 across his 658 appearances.
Those 90 assists were for 47 different players in the Premier League, with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino benefitting from more Milner assists than anyone else (10).
Among the records Milner holds during the Premier League era, there is the the most substitute appearances by a player (218), while only eight players have more than his 13 goals as a substitute in the competition.
His 658 Premier League appearances came across six different clubs and in February he became only the fourth outfielder in the competition's history to start a match in his 40s.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Liverpool midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement from playing, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.
The 40-year-old, who joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City in June 2015, played for six different teams in England's top flight.
After making his Premier League debut for Leeds United as a 16-year-old in 2002, he went on to break the record for the most Premier League appearances.
Milner, who could play on the wing, in midfield and at full-back, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup throughout his career.
He posted a farewell message on Instagram, external, which read: "After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career.
"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I have been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
"To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton - and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town - has been an incredible privilege.
"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved - the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.
"I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups.
"But more than anything, it is the people and friendships I have made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever.
"To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you'll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too - you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.
"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.
"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."
As Milner calls time on his playing career, we want your input. What were his best moments in a Liverpool shirt, and what are your favourite memories?
Get in touch with your comments here
Lorraine McKenna
BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesIn his farewell letter, Arne Slot paid tribute to the late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva as the players were preparing to return for pre-season training last summer.
The Dutchman said Jota's passing was "indescribable", but added "the love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family was extraordinary".
Slot said: "As I leave this club, it would be remiss of me not to say that the way you honoured Diogo and stood together in his memory will stay with me forever.
"The connection we share goes beyond football, beyond European nights under the Anfield lights or the sound of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' being sung from The Kop."
Slot also told fans he was "privileged to witness first-hand your spirit of compassion and unity" during the club's trophy parade in May 2025, when Paul Doyle drove his car through the crowds on Water Street in the city centre.
Doyle was jailed for 21 years and six months in December for charges including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
"It is a spirit that has carried this city through difficult moments before, and one that I hope will help bring the justice and accountability so many have campaigned for over many years," he added.
Lorraine McKenna
BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Liverpool EchoArne Slot says he is leaving Liverpool "exactly where it belongs: among Europe's elite" after he was sacked as head coach on Saturday.
The Dutchman, 47, won the Premier League title in his first campaign but was dismissed by the club's hierarchy after the Reds finished fifth in the league this season, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
Liverpool will open formal talks with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola this week over becoming their new head coach.
In an emotional open letter published in the Liverpool Echo, external, Slot said fans made him feel welcome from the start and helped him on his path.
"That is something I cherish," he added.
"I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead.
"The players who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure."
Despite suffering 20 defeats in all competitions, Slot secured Liverpool's place in next season's Champions League.
"Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond," he added.
"Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.
"When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it."
Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss in 2024 after the German stepped down after nine years as manager.
He made a dream start to his tenure as coach when he delivered the club's 20th league title in front of the home supporters at Anfield with four games to spare.
"It was made even more meaningful because you got to enjoy it with us," said Slot. "Singing our songs, cheering the goals. And on the day we lifted the trophy, you were there - lining the streets outside the stadium, filling Anfield in anticipation.
"Liverpool's 20th league title belongs to all of us and it will remain an important chapter in its history. For that we should all be proud.
"This club will always judge itself by the biggest honours. That is how it should be."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Liverpool's central defensive options after Ibrahima Konate's departure and whether they need to add to that department.
Here are some of your comments:
William: We have had defensive issues for a couple of seasons now. Ibou, if we're all honest, wasn't good enough. He has too many mistakes in his game but he had to play because we didn't have enough defenders, that is a failure of the club. And now we need to get good defenders in place quickly for pre-season.
Velan: After a very inconsistent season that Konate had, it is difficult to argue his case to stay. Whatever may be the mitigating circumstances, his season had too many poor performances and costly errors. Liverpool need to replace Konate and Gomez - at least one top centre-back with Premier League experience like Van Hecke is bare minimum.
Nate: I feel as though we've been let down by the club again. How we don't get a contract for Konate doesn't make any sense. He was so good during the title-winning season and now it leaves us with no depth at the backline. All we can hope is that the summer will be busy.
Mark: I am sad to see Ibou go, but I can understand the club holding a line on wages. His consistency has always been an issue and he always has a mistake in him. The decision really is allowing another player to leave on a free. I wish him well and time will tell if he reaches his full potential at his new destination.
Shaun: Didn't have to be his final time. That's his decision.
Craig: With a new manager comes fresh ideas, fresh opportunities. Ideally we need one more centre-back, a left-footed centre-back like Levi Colwill but Nico Schlotterbeck seems the more likely. Big opportunity for Leoni and Jacquet to make an impact as well. Let's keep Gomez for another year and along with Van Dijk I think we will have enough for the season.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle are all interested in AC Milan's Portuguese winger Rafael Leao with the 26-year-old keen to leave San Siro this summer. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, 33, plans to tell the club's new manager that he wants to end his time at Anfield and join Juventus. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
