Newcastle v Liverpool: Did you know?published at 12:34 BST 19 June
12:34 BST 19 June
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Unfortunately for Newcastle and Eddie Howe, they are winless in their past 19 Premier League games against Liverpool (D5 L14), with the Reds having not lost a league trip to St James' Park since 2015-16 - but will be starting out under new boss Andoni Iraola.
The Magpies haven't lost their opening league game in any of the past four seasons, though, since losing 4-2 to West Ham in 2021-22.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their first Premier League match in the past 13 seasons (W10 D3) since losing 3-0 to West Brom in 2012-13. It's the longest current ongoing run, and the longest since Chelsea went 18 seasons without losing the opener between 1999-00 and 2016-17.
Fixtures released - how does Liverpool's league season look?published at 10:00 BST 19 June
10:00 BST 19 June
Liverpool will kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign under new boss Andoni Iraola with a trip to Newcastle United.
The match will take place on Sunday, 23 August at 16:30 BST, with the Reds' first home fixture coming against Nottingham Forest on the weekend of 29-30 August.
Mane jumping on Klopp and Keegan's debut - opening-day memoriespublished at 08:55 BST 19 June
08:55 BST 19 June
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With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most. And you delivered.
Here are some of your replies:
Roger: August 1971 when Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Anfield on the opening day of the season. It was Kevin Keegan's debut and he scored in front of the Kop. The rest is history, of course, but he was probably the great Bill Shankly's best signing. What a player and a great schoolboy hero of mine and many others.
Lee: My best memory has to be Middlesbrough away in 1996. We drew 3-3 with them, but Stig Inge Bjornebye scored his first Liverpool goal and the goal of the 1996-97 season after three minutes. Then it was over to the Fabrizio Ravanelli show, as he bagged a hat-trick for Middlesbrough on his debut.
Tom: The worst I can remember was 2012-13. During the summer before, there was a big behind the scenes documentary released showing Brendan Rodgers and his tactics. It was eye-catching possession football and all of that. But then we went and lost 3-0 on the opening day to West Brom.
Ian: My best opening day memory was the 6-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in 1994. Jan Molby gave us all a masterclass in passing. Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman were unmarkable, while Ian Rush scored a classic. This was the exciting Roy Evans-led Liverpool, emerging from the Graeme Souness era, becoming contenders once again.
Richard: One match that stays in the memory is August 1971 at Anfield. Kevin Keegan made his first appearance, scored soon after the start, then won a penalty and went on to transform the side from good to great.
Antz: Without doubt the 4-3 win over Arsenal at the start of the 2016-17 season when Sadio Mane scored that brilliant goal on his debut and then celebrated by jumping on Jurgen Klopp. Loved that!
Image source, Getty Images
Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how the Reds' 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen.
'Defenders aren't comfortable because of his pace and directness'published at 08:10 BST 19 June
08:10 BST 19 June
Media caption,
Victor Munoz has speed in abundance and assets that can prove effective in the Premier League, says Radio Catalunya journalist Ernest Macia.
The 22-year-old spent time as a teenager at one of Spain's most famous academies in La Masia, then years at local side Damm and Real Madrid before moving to Osasuna in 2025.
Munoz left a mark on La Liga's 2025-26 season and was shortlisted for the league's Young Player of the Season award.
"What's striking about this player is from a Spanish perspective, it seems a nice story because the guy has been working very hard for years to achieve the first division in Spain and he finally did it," Macia told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"He finally succeeded up to a point where he was able to play at the level of the best players at Barcelona or in Champions League teams. He's very athletic, he's very creative and he has what most of the teams lack which is this capacity for one-on-one and for high speed which I think for the Premier League will be very useful for him.
"The guy is very talented and after almost 40 games [in La Liga] it's a very, very courageous move by Liverpool but I think it seems like Barcelona were already looking at him and he deserves this chance and I think he will do well in the Premier League.
"He is one of those players who immediately changes the tempo of the game. Defenders aren't comfortable against him because of his pace and directness. In modern football, I think this kind of speed is very worthy and very valuable. He has that in abundance.
"The only question is – whether in such a short period of time in which he was able to show his value in Spain, will it be at the same pace and the same progress in England?"
Click play above to hear more from Macia or listen on BBC Sounds here
Reds present Diomande packagepublished at 07:47 BST 19 June
07:47 BST 19 June
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool have signed Spain winger Victor Munoz - and told RB Leipzig that they will pay a package worth about 100m euros (£86m) for Yan Diomande.
The Reds confirmed the signing of Munoz from Osasuna after triggering his 40m euro (£34.5m) release clause.
Munoz is part of Spain's World Cup squad, with Liverpool sending staff to the United States to conduct his medical on Wednesday.
Diomande is also at the World Cup, with Ivory Coast, and although Paris St-Germain are in the race to sign him too, they are yet to make an offer and Liverpool are in pole position for the 19-year-old winger.
However, German side Leipzig want more than the package Liverpool are willing to offer, and there is also no desire to see the teenager leave in the transfer window.
There is an understanding, though, if Diomande performs well at this summer's tournament, his transfer value could increase, and a package in excess of 130m euros (£112m) would change their stance.
Diomande scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in the Bundesliga last season.
Munoz a natural fit for Liverpoolpublished at 20:05 BST 18 June
20:05 BST 18 June
Prudent Nsengiyumva BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Victor Munoz doesn't have the headline numbers that grab attention but look a little closer and you can see exactly why Andoni Iraola wants him at Anfield.
In a side that finished 17th in La Liga, he still completed 75 dribbles — the fourth-highest in the division, sitting just behind Real Madrid's superstar Kylian Mbappe and ahead of Nico Williams at Athletic Club.
That's elite company for a 22-year-old Spanish forward who often operates from deeper, ball-carrying pockets.
Where the data really pops is in his ability to move a team up the pitch.
Munoz logged 318 progressive carries, the ninth‑most in La Liga, rubbing shoulders with Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal and Pedri on a list usually dominated by high‑usage attackers and full‑backs.
For a player in a struggling side, that's a serious indicator of how much responsibility he took on.
The end product is still developing — six goals and two assists across 34 league games — but the underlying profile is what Liverpool are buying into: a press‑resistant carrier who creates momentum, breaks lines off the dribble and consistently gets his team into the final third.
In a squad known for intensity and forward thrust, Munoz looks a natural fit.
'His movement is very similar to Salah' - your World Cup scoutingpublished at 20:04 BST 18 June
20:04 BST 18 June
Image source, Getty Images
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:
Steven: Yan Diomande for certain. His movement is very similar to Mo Salah. Crysencio Summerville would be a decent upgrade on Netherlands team-mate Cody Gakpo to challenge young Rio Ngumoha.
Emmanuel: Ayyoub Bouaddi - the 18 year old Moroccan would be a great partner in the midfield for Ryan Gravenberch. Summerville has already shown that he has Premier league qualities, he will do well if bought to replace club legend Salah. Diomande - the Ivorian can beat and torment any defence. He can be so much more under a good coach like Andoni Iraola.
Paddy: I thought Azzedine Ounahi was fantastic for Morocco against Brazil. Controlled the game for the first 35 minutes and broke the lines on several occasions.
Gavin: Ben Gannon-Doak back to Liverpool, please. I believe Liverpool have a buy-back clause, and he's at Bournemouth. Will Iraola snap him up? Hope so. Plus, I would have Darwin Nunez back.
A risk or the real deal? Fans on Munozpublished at 14:01 BST 18 June
14:01 BST 18 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Victor Munoz after it was revealed Liverpool are set to sign the winger from Osasuna after triggering his 40m euro (£34.6m) release clause.
Here are some of your comments:
Ian: He looks lively on his YouTube highlights but it depends how he adapts to the Premier League and Andoni Iraola's style of play. Only time will tell.
Luke: I think this is an exciting signing for Liverpool, provided he doesn't take minutes away from Rio Ngumoha. Hopefully with Federico Chiesa and potentially Cody Gakpo leaving, Munoz can share minutes with Rio on the left while Yan Diomande (hopefully) takes over on the right.
Kev: Potentially a good signing, yes, and time will tell. What worries me is how long it will take him to adapt to the Premier League. I'd prefer we went for a winger that's already Premier League ready.
Bolderash: This lad is meant to be the real deal and sadly I haven't seen him play in Spain, so for £40m this could be just a fantastic signing. I love the age too and you can start to see a picture forming with the younger players the club is purchasing! The future is bright.
Nnamugala: Good signing, of course. Works a lot, up and down, offense and defence. Versatility he has makes him so good.
Paul: Speedy, good feet but maybe needs to work on assists. Didn't we have that already in Ben Gannon-Doak?
'The Red Baron' - who is Munoz?published at 11:49 BST 18 June
11:49 BST 18 June
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Victor Munoz has enjoyed a meteoric rise.
He spent the vast majority of last season playing in the Spanish third tier for Real Madrid's B-side. While he made six substitute appearances for the first team, including four at last summer's Club World Cup, he was offloaded last summer for 6m euros (£5.2m).
But he has quickly impressed with his direct style of play at Osasuna, where the media have dubbed him 'The Red Baron' on account of his ginger hair and dashing style. He completed 75 dribbles in La Liga in his debut season - a figure bettered only by Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Lamine Yamal.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says Munoz has "fantastic energy" and "lets us change the rhythm of a match".
He marked his national team debut by scoring nine minutes after coming on versus Serbia in March.
The 5ft 7in tall player has registered seven goals and five assists for Osasuna. The club reportedly rejected a €25m (£21.7m) bid from Sunderland for the winger in January, insisting the Black Cats pay his €40m (£34.7m) release clause. Madrid hold 50% of his economic rights plus a buy-back clause.
When Newcastle were linked with his signing, La Liga expert Phil Minshull told BBC Radio Newcastle: "He is an outstanding young talent. He's one of the pearls of Spanish football.
"He's a very strong, right-footed attacking winger. He can play both sides. He's very robust. Very physical. He challenges defenders.
"One question mark over his technical abilities is his passing as he only got two assists in the whole of last season. But he does take on defenders, and he provides all sorts of challenges for them pulling players in his direction and opening up space for the other forwards.
"He can play either side of the park and that makes him a valuable asset depending on the resources of the rest of the team.
"Also, he's always tracking back and he's a strong tackler so he's supporting the defenders as well. There's no question marks over his work rate."
Expect more attacking signingspublished at 08:52 BST 18 June
08:52 BST 18 June
Last summer, it was Hugo Ekitike who chose Liverpool over Newcastle before Alexander Isak forced a move from Newcastle to Liverpool.
The tale of Victor Munoz follows a similar pattern, with Liverpool hijacking Newcastle's move by triggering his release clause with Osasuna.
Interest also came from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen but ultimately, Munoz chose Anfield, with the deal accelerating following the appointment of Iraola, who has extensive knowledge of La Liga.
Munoz's pace, his role in breaking down low blocks, as well as his ability to deal with the ball in the final third, all played a part in Iraola's push to make him the first signing of his tenure at Anfield.
There is a belief that Munoz's overall output must improve but Liverpool believe that will come over time, with a six-year-deal proof of that, and are encouraged by the fact that they have secured a player who can get himself into dangerous positions.
The fact that he previously spent time at Barcelona and Real Madrid is indication of his potential.
The right-footed Spaniard mainly plays off the left and with Mohamed Salah leaving, the need for attacking reinforcements is clear.
Liverpool are confident that having Munoz, alongside Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo, will add to the versatility they have and believe that his arrival will not affect playing time for 17-year-old Ngumoha, who made his England debut earlier this month.
The understanding is that Munoz will not be the only attacking signing Liverpool make this summer. There remains a strong interest in Yan Diomande, who plays for RB Leipzig and is at the World Cup with Ivory Coast. Diomande, 19, is also admired by Paris St-Germain.
Meanwhile, there is interest from Italy for Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, who wants to play regular football, having made just one Premier League start last seaso
Liverpool do not want to lose the only Scouser in their first teampublished at 08:40 BST 17 June
08:40 BST 17 June
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty Images
It was just under two years ago when Curtis Jones spoke during Liverpool's pre-season tour in the United States about how working with Arne Slot was probably the happiest he had been in terms of a style of play.
That wasn't a dig at Jurgen Klopp, who Jones credited for changing him from a boy to a man, but rather an indication that he preferred playing for a side where the midfielders were the heart of the team.
That 2024-25 season, when Liverpool won the Premier League title, was the campaign where the boy from Toxteth truly took the next step. Yet one year on, the 25-year-old finds himself with a decision to make.
His current Liverpool deal expires next summer and, although he has been in talks over a new contract for several months, an extension is yet to be agreed.
Liverpool certainly do not want to lose the only Scouser in their first team, but if Jones wants out and a suitable offer in the range of £35m is made, the understanding is they will not stand in his way.
The question is whether such a fee will be offered when Jones will be available on a free transfer next summer, and it would be another failure on the club's part if an academy graduate with more than 200 appearances left the same way as Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
Inter Milan were interested in January and, earlier this month, their sporting director Pierre Ausilio said: "Curtis Jones - we are paying attention to him. We didn't hide. We understand what the developments will be."
Federico Chiesa went as far as telling La Gazetta that Jones has already asked him what it is like to live in Italy. So the prospect is there, with Jones knowing he would be a key part of the Inter side.
Liverpool must also assess the value that Jones brings to the dressing room, with a number of senior figures already leaving this summer and the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez all out of contract next summer.
So perhaps it would make sense for Andoni Iraola to see if there is a future with Jones when pre-season starts next month, before both parties decide on the next step.
Gossip: Iraola wants Diomandepublished at 07:54 BST 17 June
07:54 BST 17 June
Liverpool are continuing their efforts to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with the Reds' new manager Andoni Iraola having sanctioned a move for the Ivory Coast winger, 19. (Teamtalk), external
What are your best and worst opening-day memories?published at 16:12 BST 16 June
16:12 BST 16 June
The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.
And to get in the mood as Liverpool start life under Andoni Iraola, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.
'Crazy' Nunez return 'might work'published at 12:19 BST 16 June
12:19 BST 16 June
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The Redmen TV's Dan Clubbe says Liverpool re-signing Darwin Nunez "might work" despite sounding "crazy".
The Uruguay striker departed for Al-Hilal for £46m last summer but was left out of the Saudi Pro League side's squad for the second half of the season and is reportedly considering terminating his contract with the club.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a return to Anfield, especially with Hugo Ekitike sidelined with a long-term Achilles injury.
"There's pros and cons to this one," Clubbe told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"I do see merit in it. In terms of the work that needs to be done elsewhere in the squad, if you find yourself in a position where you don't have loads of money left in the coffers then he is there, he is available, he knows the Premier League, and knows Liverpool.
"He has spoken about how much me missed the fans and Anfield so there is a definite upside.
"We know what he is, we know what he brings. He's very raw, he's all chaos, he's definitely a willing runner. He needs to be refined a little bit and reigned in a bit at times because he can frustrate the life out of us as fans. But he's free and Liverpool have a lot of money to spend elsewhere anyway.
"As a short-term solution to the Ekitike injury situation, I can see it working as mad as that sounds. I never thought in a million years I would be saying bring back Darwin Nunez but it sounds like it might work."
Who needs a good World Cup?published at 08:55 BST 16 June
08:55 BST 16 June
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We asked for your views on which Liverpool player needs to have a good World Cup for their country most?
The replies focused on one man and the need to get more from him next season:
Jeremy: Has to be Florian Wirtz. He's so talented and just entering his prime, he needs runners and dribblers around him. His first touch and vision is sublime but it means nothing if he plays in a static 'control / risk-free team.
Ian: I don't think Arne Slot played Florian Wirtz in his favoured position, he obviously prefers playing on the left judging by his performance for Germany. Too many times players are played out of position which doesn't do their confidence any good. If I was a manager joining a new club I would ask every player what their preferred position was and play them there, it makes perfect sense to me.
Dava: I think most of the players at Liverpool will show their true selves under a more dynamic manager in Iraola. Florian Wirtz in a German shirt is a different animal than under Arne Slot. I think unless Cody Gakpo changes his methods he could be for the exit. He has become a one-trick pony and plays the same for the Netherlands. So no real surprises, but I think we will see a different Wirtz next season under new management.
Isak masterclass will excite Iraola - who else needs a good World Cup?published at 19:02 BST 15 June
19:02 BST 15 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Alexander Isak's record £125m move to Liverpool from Newcastle United became a nightmare of lost form and injuries in a disappointing campaign, with the Swede scoring only four goals in 22 appearances.
The 26-year-old striker arrived short of fitness after a period of self-imposed exile on Tyneside, then broke his leg when scoring Liverpool's goal in a 2-1 win at Spurs in December.
Isak may have been the beneficiary of a goalkeeping error for his first-half goal, but the manner in which he ran at the Tunisia defence then showed the confidence to shoot will surely have heartened Iraola.
He demonstrated strength and awareness to rob Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri and set up a goal for strike partner Viktor Gyokeres in the second half. It made Isak and Gyokeres only the second pair of Sweden team-mates to each record a goal and an assist in a World Cup match since 1966.
Isak looked fit and in form, being named man of the match before going off in the closing seconds - and with fellow Reds striker Hugo Ekitike out until next year with an Achilles tendon injury, Iraola will want Isak in peak condition next season.
Isak was among a number of Reds players on show at the World Cup on Sunday, but which do you think needs to have a good tournament for their country most?
Mixed fortunes for Iraola's Dutch triopublished at 14:47 BST 15 June
14:47 BST 15 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Media caption,
Virgil van Dijk will remain one of the main pillars of Andoni Iraola's new Liverpool era. This impression was only confirmed by his performance for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw with Japan in Dallas.
The result was a disappointment for Ronald Koeman's side, who lost the lead twice, but Van Dijk was voted player of the match.
Van Dijk, who will be 35 in July, scored a goal and was the main barrier of resistance in a Dutch defence that occasionally looked uncertain.
He put the Netherlands ahead after 51 minutes with a precise header. Then, as Japan pressed late on, it was Van Dijk who almost saw out the win with a succession of towering headers.
Ryan Gravenberch, who Iraola will hope to return to the majestic form he displayed as a holding midfielder when Liverpool won the Premier League in Arne Slot's first season, was solid and created Van Dijk's opening goal with an inviting cross.
In a statistical quirk, Gravenberch's delivery for Van Dijk is only the second World Cup goal scored and assisted by a Liverpool player, after Ian Callaghan set up Roger Hunt for England against France in 1966.
Gravenberch also provided the assist for Crysencio Summerville's second goal for the Dutch.
Iraola, however, may have wanted to see more from the third member of Liverpool's Dutch contingent as Cody Gakpo had a subdued match.
Gakpo's game descended into predictability in Liverpool's struggles last season, too often resorting to simply cutting inside, a ploy easily detected by opponents as his form faded.
He fell into similar traps against Japan, although Gakpo's cause was arguably not helped by coach Koeman's selection of Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven at left-back. A central defender by trade, Van de Ven offered little attacking assistance, allowing Japan to crowd Gakpo out.
Gakpo also falls into the category of a player Iraola will hope to revive after a dramatic drop in standards last season.
Diomande shows Iraola what the fuss is aboutpublished at 12:19 BST 15 June
12:19 BST 15 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
The task of filling the huge vacancy left by Mohamed Salah will be right at the top of Andoni Iraola's tasks when he settles behind his desk at Liverpool.
RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Yan Diomande has been the name on the lips of many as the target to take the place of the 'Egyptian king'.
Hs is one of Europe's hottest properties and showed exactly why Liverpool are being heavily touted - along with back-t0-back Champions League winners Paris St-Germain - as his next destination with a man-of-the-match performance rich in promise in Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
Diomande operated on the right flank in the first half, where he would play if he arrived at Liverpool to fill Salah's old role, then on the left after the break, creating five chances in total.
He troubled Arsenal's Piero Hincapie in the opening 45 minutes with one electrifying run, leaving the Ecuador defender trailing to set up a chance for Nicolas Pepe. Diomande also showed power and sleight of foot to escape when Ecuador doubled up on him in an attempt to snuff out his threat.
Diomande set up a second-half chance when Elye Wahi hit the woodwork, and his positive approach was reflected in 22 passes in the attacking third.
There are, understandably at only 19, elements of rawness and wastefulness about Diomande's game, but there was enough evidence here to see why he will be on Liverpool's radar as they move to strengthen Iraola's new squad.
And given Iraola's track record of moulding younger players at Bournemouth, such as 19-year-old Junior Kroupi and another teenager, Brazil forward Rayan, Diomande looks right up his street.
Can Iraola release the real Wirtz?published at 11:15 BST 15 June
11:15 BST 15 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer amid great fanfare in a then-British record £116m deal - but remained an enigma as he fell far short of expectations.
Liverpool still have huge hopes for a gifted attacking player who has only just turned 23, which means one of Andoni Iraola's main tasks is to find a settled position for the German to release the talent he demonstrated before moving to Anfield.
This is why Iraola will have been intrigued by what he saw from Wirtz in Germany's 7-1 win against Curacao in their opening World Cup game.
The context must be that this was against a side ranked 82nd in the world, but in the colours of his country and in favourable conditions, Wirtz showed some golden touches.
In his first campaign at Anfield, Wirtz too often appeared a square peg in a round hole, playing in behind the strikers as well on the flanks, but never flourishing.
In Houston, Wirtz played on the left, perhaps giving Iraola food for thought, especially as Cody Gakpo had a poor season in that position. He created Germany's opening goal for Felix Nmecha with the sort of delicate touch and quick thinking that eluded him for much of last term.
Wirtz had 39 touches in the final third, instrumental as Germany ran riot.
Former England striker Chris Sutton, in Houston for BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "The mitigation must be that this was Curacao, but the Liverpool fans who watched the game, especially in the first half, would be wondering if it was the same Florian Wirtz who played for them last season.
"He looked happy in a German jersey, at ease and playing with freedom."
Sutton added: "He was sharp off the left, drifting inside to play quick, incisive passes. He was creative and cunning. He looked unburdened. He was a real menace with Jamal Musiala."
Iraola will hope to lift the weight off Wirtz's shoulders at Liverpool.
Wirtz was among a number of Reds players on show at the World Cup on Sunday, but which do you think needs to have a good tournament for their country most?
Image source, Getty Images
