'A lot of gaps in the squad' - are Reds finding transfers 'difficult'?published at 12:24 BST 8 July
12:24 BST 8 July
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Journalist and The Late Challenge podcast's, Mo Stewart, says a "difficult market" is impacting Liverpool's transfer business so far this summer.
The Reds have brought in Spain winger Victor Munoz and completed a deal for defender Jeremy Jacquet which was agreed in February.
However, with Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson already departing, uncertainty over the futures of Alisson and Federico Chiesa, and a long-term injury to Hugo Ekitike, missing out on key target Yan Diomande has left the club with still lots to do in the window.
"There are problems with the market," Stewart told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"There is a lack of options and the price you are going to have to pay for even a half decent talent is another reason clubs are reluctant to dive in right now. It's a difficult market.
"It's a strange situation for Liverpool because we all know they have a lot to do and there are a lot of players in that current squad with question marks over them.
"Even aside from that there are a lot of gaps in the squad. The attack is already looking quite thin.
"We have to remember the World Cup does make things more difficult, particularly now at the business end."
What does the next month look like for Iraola?published at 10:43 BST 8 July
10:43 BST 8 July
Aadam Patel Football reporter
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After the in-person introductions, one of the first things that will happen will be the individual assessments for the players on their return before the hard work begins.
The key focus will be playing a front-foot and aggressive style of football and there will inevitably be changes, with a revamped backroom staff, in terms of how things work. Andoni Iraola will be joined by Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper - who were with him at Bournemouth - as his first-team coaches.
If their time at Bournemouth is anything to go by, there will be intense running in the early days and the Spaniard is known to play an active part in drills.
He often referees in mini-training games and for any Liverpool fans wanting to get an early taste, there is an insightful clip on Bournemouth's YouTube channel, , externalin which Iraola is wearing a microphone during a training session in Marbella.
"Get really aggressive. Get used to this, because we will do this every week…" is one of many lines that stands out, in a clip where his enthusiasm and passion is clear to see.
"Andoni likes to take all of the sessions and be in the thick of it as opposed to leaving it to others," a Bournemouth source told BBC Sport last month.
Pablo de la Torre, who will join Iraola as an assistant coach, has worked with him previously in Cyprus, at Rayo Vallecano and at Bournemouth. The Spaniard is trusted by Iraola and will play a major role in ensuring that the Liverpool players are physically ready for playing the brand of football for which he is known.
Last month, De La Torre told Spanish publication AS, external: "He (Iraola) is incredibly intelligent, leads by example, and has a rare emotional stability in such a visceral sport. From day one, you sense he's different - his ability to read the game and its needs is almost unique. He filters information so players can digest it easily and apply it every week."
New to both of them, though, will be the challenge of dealing with midweek Champions League matches alongside Premier League games.
"The key is building a game model and team identity where players truly believe in the coach's idea," added De La Torre.
Mac Allister's Argentina edge past Salah's Egypt in World Cup epicpublished at 08:41 BST 8 July
08:41 BST 8 July
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Alexis Mac Allister's Argentina were given an almighty scare before delivering a scarcely believable second-half comeback to break Mohamed Salah and Egypt's hearts and reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
The reigning world champions had looked set for a shock exit against the Pharaohs, who led 2-0 with 11 minutes to go, before three late goals turned the game around amid huge controversy.
Enzo Fernandez's headed winner came on the counter-attack just moments after Egypt felt they had been denied a penalty for a trip on Salah, to the fury of many on their bench.
Now former Liverpool team-mates Salah and Mac Allister - who won the Premier League together in 2025 - embraced at full-time after the epic tie in Atlanta.
One of Andoni Iraola's early tasks as Liverpool boss will be to hold off interest from Old Trafford and Europe to sign 17-year-old Mexican international midfielder Gilberto Mora, who plays his domestic football for Club Tijuana. (Teamtalk), external
Bring Stones in but ignore Barcola? Free agents and who to avoidpublished at 18:26 BST 6 July
18:26 BST 6 July
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We asked for your views on which free agents Liverpool could target this summer and whether there is one player the Reds are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Hamshanks: I'd happily take John Stones at Liverpool. One thing that was learned from last season was that the squad was too small. And with the new manager's physical demands, a lot of muscle injuries will ensue. Stones is an experienced head who would help the younger players.
Samers: Dusan Vlahovic would be a good addition as we need a short-term striker until Hugo Ekitike comes back. Jadon Sancho would be good as well. I would sign both on one-year deals with an option of an extra year.
Jack: From the list of World Cup free agents, there are two I'd want at Liverpool - John Stones or David Alaba - but neither is realistic. Obviously, the one we'd all want to rejoin is Mo Salah, but that ain't happening either. As for a player who Liverpool have been linked to but I wouldn't want to join, I'd say Bradley Barcola, not because of the player we'd be getting - because I'd love to see him here - but because of the asking price. PSG have overpriced him and I don't want Liverpool spending another £100m on a player after Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who have both struggled.
Ian: Gideon Mensah has had a decent World Cup with Ghana up and was part of the defence that kept a clean sheet against England. Stones has winning experience. Seeing as though we've felt defender light for a while, it'd be good to have more.
Jacqui: The one player I wouldn't touch with a barge pole is Jarrod Bowen. Not up to the Liverpool standard. I would love to see Darwin Nunez back at Anfield. He didn't stand a chance under Arne Slot.
Ben: Yves Bissouma would be worth a shot, as a sub. I am worried about Barcola. Can he cope with the physicality of the Premier League?
Paul: Our defence is still ridiculously threadbare. We need to spend all this transfer window war chest on a world-class back four, plus ensure adequate cover. Regarding free transfers, the two Ghanaian defenders look obvious candidates, especially with both being under 30. Even if they amount to nothing more than squad players, they would provide depth.
Dean: Stones would be an excellent addition. Even though he might not get a lot of game time, he would be invaluable. We have lost a lot of senior players and his experience would benefit the two young centre-halves, Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, as well as the rest of the squad. Also, I don't think Andoni Iraola would go far wrong in adding James Milner to his coaching staff.
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want at your club?published at 12:32 BST 6 July
12:32 BST 6 July
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We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.
Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?
Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
'I'd love to see Elliott stay at Liverpool'published at 09:57 BST 6 July
09:57 BST 6 July
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Liverpool fan Iain Christie says he would "love to see" Harvey Elliott stay at Anfield after the 23-year-old returned from a nightmare season on loan at Aston Villa, making just nine appearances in all competitions.
Elliott joined Villa on loan on deadline day last year with Villa holding an obligation to buy in a deal worth £35m if he made 10 Premier League appearances.
Elliott made just four - starting once - with boss Unai Emery saying he decided in November not to make the move permanent.
"I'm delighted," Christie said on the midfielder's return.
"I thought the deal to get rid of him was crazy in the first place. The amount of times last season where Florian Wirtz was injured and we were moving players from different positions into that number 10 role.
"Those players aren't the same sort of number 10 as Wirtz - but Elliott is.
"I think it was just that Slot didn't fancy him. But now, I'd hate to see him go anywhere else. I'd love for him to show up to pre-season and be told he is Wirtz's understudy so he can come in without the system changing.
"He's had the experience of going somewhere else and being stuck in the reserves for the whole season so unless a club comes in with a really good deal for him I'd love to see him stay at Liverpool.
"He's at the perfect age, let's play him and see what he can do. If you were looking to replace him on the open market, a player who has played that many club games and under-21 internationals to play in this system, you'd be talking about spending £70 or £80m to buy him.
Gossip: Reds in frame to sign Barcolapublished at 07:54 BST 6 July
07:54 BST 6 July
Bradley Barcola's future at Paris St-Germain remains unclear, with Arsenal and Liverpool in the frame to sign the France forward, 23. (Talksport, external)
Players and coaches share Jota memories on anniversarypublished at 19:02 BST 3 July
19:02 BST 3 July
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Friday marks the one year anniversary of the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
Former team-mates and coaches have been sharing their favourite memories of Liverpool's number 20 with BBC Sport.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who played with Jota from 2020 to 2025, told BBC Sport:
I think about Jots (Jota) often. He was a wonderful guy and definitely one of a kind. He was always himself and stayed true to himself. He didn't care that he was a super famous footballer. He saw himself as a normal guy and stuck to his morals and that's why he mixed with everyone and why everyone at the club got on with him.
The first time that I met him was actually at the old training ground in Melwood. Due to the pandemic, we were all split into different changing rooms into fives and he was part of our five. Our friendship started there and developed over time, especially off the pitch.
He was into a lot of sports, like myself. And into things that I wouldn't expect a Portuguese footballer to be into like horse racing, darts and snooker - typical British and Irish stuff.
Me and Andy Robertson organised a trip to Cheltenham for the races because it aligned with our days off and to be honest, we didn't even have him pinned to go initially but Jots got wind of it and came over and was like, 'When are we going to Cheltenham?'. That's the kind of guy he was and I'll always remember that.
Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who won the Premier League with Jota, told BBC Sport:
Diogo always put the team first and, whenever he was needed, he was ready to fight for his team-mates and for the club he loved playing for.
After we lost him, I told the players the best way we could honour Diogo was by trying to be a little like him. For me, that's how he'll always be remembered.
People will probably expect me to say that the goal against Everton was my favourite memory, and of course it was a special moment.
But when I think about Diogo now, that's not the first thing that comes to mind. I always think about the photograph he chose after we won the Premier League.
Out of all the pictures available, he picked the one with the entire team and staff in front of the Kop singing You'll Never Walk Alone. That was Diogo.
He always put the team before himself. That simple choice told you everything about the person he was, and it's the memory that stays with me.
Paulo Goncalves, technical secretary at Pacos de Ferreira, Jota's boyhood club, told BBC Sport:
My most vivid memory of Diogo Jota is from his professional debut with FC Pacos de Ferreira at the age of 17.
When coach Paulo Fonseca called him up for the Portuguese Cup match in October 2014, he immediately displayed his class, scoring a goal and winning man of the match in the 4–0 victory over Atletico de Reguengos.
I remember that, after scoring, he ran toward the stands where his parents were sitting and embraced his mother, who was moved to tears by such a special and significant moment.
I have a clear mental image of that moment and what it meant to him, as his parents had always been deeply involved in supporting his career - as had his girlfriend at the time, Rute, who had been with him since their school days. That family unity was essential to his career, which is why I highlight this moment.
What Iraola's coaching staff bring to Liverpoolpublished at 16:28 BST 3 July
16:28 BST 3 July
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BBC Radio Solent's Jordan Clark has given the lowdown on Liverpool's new management team under Andoni Iraola.
The club officially agreed deals with first-team coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper this week, as the pair join assistant coach Pablo de la Torre in making the switch from Bournemouth.
On what to expect from their dynamic, Clark told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I'd put Tommy Elphick in the same bracket as Andoni Iraola in terms of being very calm and under control on the touchline.
"Occasionally you'll see him get a little heated but generally Pablo de la Torre, the fitness coach, is the one getting himself in trouble on the touchline with the officials.
"Shaun Cooper I guess when you look at him, everyone always talks to me about what a brilliant coach he is but also, he's heavily involved in the set-pieces as well. Many of the routines you see Bournemouth come up with sort of come through Shaun Cooper and the set-piece analyst.
"And what I know about Iraola is he is very hands-on. He takes charge of a lot the sessions himself on the training pitch – he's not a manager that steps back and lets his first-team coaches do it all.
"So I think they're there to assist and support him and form that link between manager and players in the dressing room."
Liverpool install new Jota memorialpublished at 13:31 BST 3 July
13:31 BST 3 July
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Liverpool have installed a permanent memorial outside Anfield in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva to mark the first anniversary of their death.
The 'Forever 20' memorial, created by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers, is centrally a flowing heart sculpture, an acknowledgement of the forward's goal celebration.
From different angles it also shows the numbers 20 and 30, the brothers' shirt numbers, and includes the lyrics to Jota's song, which has been sung in the 20th minute of every match since his death in a car crash on 3 July 2025.
Image source, Getty Images
Physical tributes left as a temporary memorial over the last year, including sections of scarves and shirts, have been set in wax and embedded into the structure and surface of the sculpture and incorporated into the stone plinth, using stone from their hometown Gondomar.
A single flower placed in tribute has also been cast in bronze, and the memorial features a PlayStation controller in reference to Jota's love of gaming and signature celebration.
A Liverpool statement read: "'Forever 20' will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects."
Image source, Getty Images
Portugal also paid a touching tribute to Jota at the end of their remarkable World Cup victory over Croatia in the early hours of Friday.
At the end of the game, captain Cristiano Ronaldo put on a special '21' shirt in Jota's memory before the squad came together with the shirt held aloft.
Before the last-32 tie, towards the end of Portugal's national anthem, Jota's picture appeared on the big screen in Toronto, and was greeted with a loud cheer from supporters.
Iraola will largely have a full squad at his disposal for pre-seasonpublished at 08:12 BST 3 July
08:12 BST 3 July
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty Images
As it stands, Liverpool only have three representatives left at the World Cup.
Alisson and Victor Munoz have qualified for the last 16 with Brazil and Spain respectively, while Alexis Mac Allister and Argentina will expect to join them there when they take on Cape Verde in the last 32 later on Friday.
Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo (all Netherlands), Florian Wirtz (Germany) and Alexander Isak (Sweden) were all eliminated in the last 32 and are now likely to join up with Andoni Iraola's squad later this month.
Liverpool depart for a pre-season tour of USA on 20 July, with their first friendly scheduled for 25 July against Sunderland in Nashville.
Their first Premier League game will be just under a month later when Iraola's side travel to Newcastle on 23 August.
It remains to be seen when Alisson, Munoz and Mac Allister will return to Merseyside but, as it stands, Iraola will largely have a full squad at his disposal for most of pre-season, with only a handful making it to the latter stages of the World Cup.
Jacquet faces 'big ask' at Liverpoolpublished at 12:47 BST 2 July
12:47 BST 2 July
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Liverpool's latest signing Jeremy Jacquet is likely to be Ibrahima Konate's successor, says author and Liverpool fan Adam Beattie.
The 20-year-old completed his £60m move to Anfield on Wednesday and with Konate now at Real Madrid, there is a bit of pressure on the Frenchman's shoulders.
"Jacquet signing takes on a bit of a new meaning now," Beattie told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"He comes in, potentially depending on what else we do in the transfer market, as the Konate successor, which is a big ask for someone of his age and someone who's had the injury problems that he's had.
"He's obviously an exciting talent and it's a lot of money for someone who's not played a great deal of professional football yet but that's also quite exciting. He looks enormous which is always good and it's exactly what we need, but I'd personally go and get another centre-back if possible."
BBC Radio Merseyside also discussed a potential move for Paris St-Germain's Bradley Barcola and likely midfield outgoings, as Beattie hopes Curtis Jones remains a Red.
Iraola's Bournemouth backroom staff to join him at Anfieldpublished at 08:56 BST 2 July
08:56 BST 2 July
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool have officially agreed deals with Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper to be part of Andoni Iraola's backroom staff at Anfield.
Both Elphick and Cooper worked with Iraola at Bournemouth and will now leave the Cherries to join the Spaniard as first-team coaches at Liverpool.
Bristol City and Burnley were interested in Elphick for their managerial vacancy but the former centre-back has chosen to continue a relationship with Iraola that started in 2023.
Pablo de la Torre joins as an assistant coach, with this now the fourth time he has worked with Iraola at a different club.
Tom Webber - who also worked with Iraola at Bournemouth - will join Liverpool too as first-team tactical coach after a decade in performance analysis at Bournemouth.
After the sacking of Arne Slot his assistants Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst left, while Ruben Peeters, who was the first-team performance coach, also departed. Slot's first-team tactical analyst, Roderick van der Ham, confirmed in a LinkedIn post this week that he was also leaving the club.
Your World Cup scouting: French stars and experienced defenderspublished at 08:45 BST 2 July
08:45 BST 2 July
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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Isaac: I would like Crysencio Summerville at Liverpool next season as he's performed for West Ham consistently and is showing potential at this World Cup. He's still quite young and I think that he would thrive under the coaching of Andoni Iraola. He's a more affordable option compared to other targets such as Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola, although I wouldn't complain if we signed him from PSG.
Jack: Number one is Barcola. With it seeming like he'll leave PSG and Liverpool admiring him for a while now I'd love to see him at Anfield. We do need more of a right-wing but he'd still be a great option. The second player is Ayyoub Bouaddi. I'm still apprehensive about Alexis Mac Allister for next season and I think getting a bit of youth in the form of Bouaddi would be great. He's had a breakout World Cup and I really like his style of play.
Neil: Michael Olise. He makes the beautiful game seem so simple and would grace any stage in world football.
Matt: Antonio Nusa looks good potential. Left-sided, which means we would have a couple who play that side. Reasonably priced, depending on World Cup performance.
Dave: The Paraguayan centre-back Jose Canale. He was immense against Germany.
Sean: Nico Schlotterbeck. We need a solid left-back, and centre-back experience. He covers both. He can be a contingency for Virgil van Dijk's decline in the late stage of his career.
Gossip: Jones to stay at Liverpoolpublished at 08:17 BST 2 July
08:17 BST 2 July
Curtis Jones, 25, may stay at Liverpool as the England midfielder is reluctant to join Nottingham Forest, while Inter Milan are unable to meet his asking price. (Liverpool Echo), external
Munoz: Iraola likes my directnesspublished at 15:06 BST 1 July
15:06 BST 1 July
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Victor Munoz has revealed that his "directness" was a big reason behind Andoni Iraola's push to sign him for Liverpool.
The 22-year-old winger, who may make his World Cup debut for Spain on Thursday against Austria, told El Pais, external: "He (Iraola) called me and gave me confidence. He told me how his teams play, and that benefits me really well, especially the way they press relentlessly. I think it's the ideal environment for me to keep developing as a footballer."
Asked what Iraola liked about him, Munoz added: "My directness, the way I try to break the matches, the way I press and try to suffocate the opposition. Those are the qualities he looks for in a winger, and they were a big reason why he made the decision."
Munoz has been out with injury during Spain's group stage games but returned to training this week. He signed a six-year deal with Liverpool last month after the Anfield side triggered his 40m euro (£34.5m) release clause from Osasuna.
On playing in the Premier League , Munoz said: "It's a place where I've seen myself playing. I feel very comfortable when games become more open, something that doesn't happen very often in La Liga."
Image source, Getty Images
