Liverpool

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has offered his condolences to Diogo Jota's friends and family after being asked about the Liverpool footballer at a media briefing.

"Let me start with Jota because this is devastating news," he said. "I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular.

"There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this.

"It is devastating and really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family."

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We asked for your tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre following the shock news of their deaths.

Here are some of your comments:

John: Completely devastated to hear this. Whenever we needed a moment of magic, Diogo always seemed to be the one that provided it. My thoughts go out to his wife and children.

Pat: Absolutely tragic - a genuinely great guy, a devoted husband and father, an LFC player who never really got the acclaim he deserved as one of their great playmakers. Life is so cruel - always happens to the good guys. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this devastating time.

Mihir: What a sad day, not just for Liverpool, but for football. A model professional for club and country.

Clare: Diogo was an inspirational signing for the Reds. Easy to overlook his contribution in a talented squad but he delivered and scored some beauties. How lucky were we to have him in our team. As a man he has excelled too, beautiful family and a gaming legend. Some stars shine brightly, but not for long enough - he was one of these. Sincerest condolences to all the family - we lost our #20 today but his family lost two sons, a father and a husband. Heartbreaking.

Joe: Still can't believe this. So young, so much to look forward to with his kids, wife, and the coming seasons as defending Premier League champion and Nations League champion. He must have been so excited for the next chapter in his life, I can't believe it finishes there. His song will ring out at Anfield for a decade and more. Thoughts to the family who lost two loved ones. Rest in peace, You'll Never Walk Alone.

Daniel: Diogo, you gave us moments of brilliance, of passion, of joy. You played with heart, and lived with love. The world of football mourns not just a player, but a soul who inspired so many. Your legacy will echo in every cheer, every goal, every child who dreams with a ball at their feet. Rest in peace, champion. You'll Never Walk Alone.

Sue: Filled with shock and such sadness to hear about the death of one of the Reds' finest. A father of three and just married - an unbearable loss for them. The Liverpool team are a family and the city too - they will be heart broken. We've lost one of the greatest footballers to watch on the pitch and by all accounts a really lovely human being. RIP Diogo and thank you for being a Red. YNWA.

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Football journalist Henry Winter, speaking to Radio 5 Live on the news Diogo Jota and his brother Andre have been killed in a car crash:

"It's just absolutely desperate. Today is really a day to remember Diogo Jota as a person. His personality fused into his professional life in the way he played the game. He played with a smile, you looked at someone who really enjoyed what he was doing. He felt privileged to represent Liverpool and Wolves before them and obviously the Portuguese national team.

"It is a human tragedy. Two weeks ago he was posting photos of himself in that beautiful cathedral with his childhood sweetheart, his now wife, their three beautiful kids. This is a human tragedy as well as sporting focus.

"Two brothers have passed away here and we must remember Andre Silva as well. It's just awful, desperate news on a human level.

"An important player in a very good Portuguese team and generation. They will be mourning, Liverpool will be mourning, Wolves will be mourning, communities around will be mourning.

"If we reflect for a moment on him as a player, he was so intelligent, really athletic, despite not being tall. His movement was so clever, he was a fox-in-the-box and had a great spring on him. He was a lovely person and those who knew him better than me said he was a great player, lovely person, and played with a smile on his face.

"Liverpool signed him for his football ability and his character. They are very good at doing due diligence into the characters they bring in. They knew he would hit the ground running because he understood the division but also because of his upbeat, positive character. He was a popular player and person around the dressing room."

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Premier League clubs have reached out on X to show their support to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre following the tragic news of their deaths.

Wolves: We are heartbroken.

Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.

Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre.

You will be truly missed, and always remembered.

Everton: Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.

Manchester United: Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today's heartbreaking news.

Manchester City: Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota.

We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Diogo.

Chelsea: Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre.

Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.

Newcastle United: We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota's passing.

Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo's young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace, Diogo.

Aston Villa: Everyone at Aston Villa Football Club would like to express their deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo Jota and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this tragic time.

Daniel Austin
BBC Sport journalist

Fans are beginning to gather outside Anfield, laying floral tributes and paying respects to Diogo Jota at Hillsborough memorial.

The Portuguese forward was adored by Liverpool supporters - the song fans sang about him taking the Reds "to victory" has been one of the most popular on the Kop throughout recent years of success.

Jota was a regular goal scorer but his tenacity, work rate and laid-back character endeared him further as a man.

People in Liverpool are stunned and deeply saddened today.

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Liverpool have released a brief statement, confirming the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.

The statement reads:

Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

We will continue to provide them with our full support.

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Tributes have flooded social media since the news of Diogo Jota's death broke early on Thursday.

Here is a snapshot:

Portugal National Team on X: The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain.

Much more than an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his team-mates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in his own community.

We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.

Porto president Andre Villas-Boas: This is a moment of profound dismay for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people. Two young men tragically lost their lives, two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football but also for their personal and human qualities. To the family and friends of Diogo and André, still devastated by the injustice of their untimely loss, I offer my condolences. Football has lost two great men. We are left with the honour of them having represented FC Porto.

Sporting CP on X: The world of football has become poorer.

Sporting CP expresses its sorrow for the passing of the Portuguese international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

The most heartfelt condolences to all the family in this difficult time.

Jamie Carragher on X: Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning.

Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.

Ruben Neves on Instagram: They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague: He had two things - he was very effective on the pitch and he was very liked by everyone. The Portuguese side in the past under Fernando Santos was divided into groups but Diogo Jota belonged to all of them. I am shocked because of his age, because of his importance to the team, because he was actually in a winning side, he was at the peak of his powers. He is in a Liverpool team at the forefront of football. You struggle to find the words, it is just shocking.

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After the devastating news of Diogo Jota's death at 28 and his brother Andre at 26, please do send in your tributes.

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Lyon have set a price of at least £51.5m for 20-year-old Malick Fofana with Premier League clubs Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham and Nottingham Forest joining continental sides Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Napoli in the race for the Belgium winger. (Independent), external

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We asked for your thoughts on the decision to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.

Here is a selection of comments:

Eug: Good business for Liverpool. He has a lot of potential but he's not there yet. Maybe he won't realise his full potential, you never know. The money the club got for him is more than I thought.

Marie: This is a mistake. He was outstanding for England Under 21s recently, especially in the final. He's a big-time player.

Jimmy: Would have personally kept Jarell. In my opinion, he is as good as any centre-half. Alright he makes a few mistakes, but who doesn't? He also makes a lot of tackles. I personally think he is equal to or better than Ibrahima Konate, who let it be known has made many errors himself over a few seasons.

Scott: I'm not sure if we would be upgrading on Quansah if we signed Marc Guehi. Yes stats can be misleading. Palace had far more defensive pressure to cope with than Liverpool FC. But this is a big step up from Palace and the expectation of win at all costs, every week, is always the litmus test for any new signing. Konate doesn't appear to want to extend his contract with Real Madrid looking to steal another Red for free. The club are rolling the dice here and with a year to go on Konate's contract the club are right to gamble now rather than 12 months down the line.

JeffJonno: The moment Slot took him off at half-time in the first Premier League game away at Ipswich, the writing was on the wall for Jarell and as the season went on the likes of Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez got the same treatment. They weren't trusted by the new coach and got limited minutes. I personally think it's a mistake letting him go if he can just cut out the silly mistakes he occasionally makes. He could have been the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk.

Paul: Jarell has potential, but is far from the need right now. £35m is good business and I'm sure we've negotiated a decent buy-back clause.

Bally: I think we've been rash to get rid of Quansah and I'm not sure Guehi will be an improvement. Quansah was still improving and his front-footed style suits Liverpool far better.

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport

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England centre-back Marc Guehi, 24, is entering the final 12 months of his Crystal Palace contract and continues to be linked with Liverpool. The reigning Premier League champions may be in need of defensive reinforcements, with 22-year-old Jarrell Quansah on his way to Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £30m fee.

But how do the two players compare?

In terms of playing style, one of the biggest differences is Quansah's ball-carrying. He showcased his ability to step into midfield as England won this summer's European Under-21 Championship, setting up a goal in the quarter-final win against Spain with a surging run and shot which was parried into Harvey Elliott's path.

The Warrington-born player carries the ball an average of 234m per 90 minutes in the Premier League, twice as far as Guehi over the past two seasons. Playing for a more dominant side obviously helps Quansah, while occasionally filling in at right-back gives him more opportunity to push forward, but it's still a key part of his game.

Quansah has also proved himself a highly effective tackler, winning 81.1% of his challenges over the previous two years. It is the second highest figure of any player who attempted at least 15 tackles in that period, and significantly above Guehi's percentage of 59.6%. Quansah, who is approximately three inches taller than six-footer Guehi, also performs better in the air, winning almost 10% more of his aerial duels since debuting in August 2023.

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So, Jarell Quansah's 17-year association with Liverpool has come to an end with his £35m move to Bayer Leverkusen confirmed.

The 22-year-old made 58 senior appearances for the club after his debut in August 2023, scoring three goals and winning the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

In an emotional farewell message, he said:

"From the moment I walked through the doors of the academy at five years old, I dreamed of one day wearing the Liverpool shirt at Anfield - 17 years later, I can now say I have lived that dream.

"To my team-mates, thank you for welcoming me, pushing me, and believing in me. I've learned so much from sharing the pitch and dressing room with such amazing people and will never forget the incredible memories we've had.

"To the staff, the coaches and everyone behind the scenes, your belief and dedication have always been a constant source of motivation. You have helped me grow not only as a footballer, but as a person as well.

"And to the fans, your support has always been unmatched. Whether at Anfield or away from home, hearing you sing never failed to inspire me. I will carry that with me wherever I go.

"Liverpool will always hold a special place in my heart. It's not just a club - it's a family! This is goodbye for now, but I'll always be watching.

"Once a Red, always a Red."

As Quansah is a homegrown player, the fee Liverpool received from Leverkusen will be recorded as 'pure' profit with regards to profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

The Reds are interested in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, amid uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate's future.

The France centre-back has 12 months left on his contract at Anfield and is yet to agree an extension, while Joe Gomez's future is also unclear.

What do make of the deal and the fee received? And what do you want to happen in the futures of Guehi, Konate and Gomez?

Let us know here

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Liverpool have confirmed Giovanni van Bronckhorst will become an assistant coach at the club as part of a number of staff changes.

Van Bronckhorst has managed the likes of Besiktas, Rangers and Feyenoord, where he won the Dutch title in 2017.

His arrival - initially reported by BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel on 12 June - follows the departure of John Heitinga from Arne Slot's staff after the 2024-25 title-winning campaign.

The Reds have also reappointed Xavi Valero as head of first-team goalkeeping. Valero was at the club under Rafael Benitez and his return comes as Fabian Otte and Claudio Taffarel leave the goalkeeping department.

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Liverpool have rejected a formal approach from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz - but how did we get to this point?

After scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists in the Reds' title-winning Premier League campaign, speculation surrounding the Colombia international's future has rumbled throughout the summer so far.

First, both Diaz and his girlfriend posted lengthy social media posts that could be interpreted as farewell messages, with the winger saying: "Anyone who plays for this badge is bound to miss this incredible atmosphere one day."

Speculation then ramped up after some Diaz comments while on international duty.

"The transfer market is opening, and we're trying to arrange what's best for us," he said. "I'm waiting to see what happens.

"If Liverpool gives us a good extension or I have to see out my two-year contract, I'll be happy. It all depends on them. I'm here to decide and see what's best for us and the future."

Liverpool then rejected an approach from Barcelona to speak to the 28-year-old, with fans on this page split over whether the club should push to keep Diaz or if this would be the right time to facilitate an exit.

Our pundit, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, said "contingency plans" to replace him "will be in place" and Liverpool "never felt like they were his final destination".

After the latest approach, Bayern director of sport Max Eberl has been informed the Reds have no intention of selling Diaz and will not enter into discussions for the attacker.

However, his relatively low weekly wage means the speculation may not go away, despite his current contract running until the summer of 2027.

German champions Bayern Munich have added Liverpool forward Luis Diaz to their shortlist as they continue to search for a top-class left winger. (Sky Germany), external

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

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Karan Vinod
BBC Sport Journalist

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Liverpool are monitoring Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi ahead of a potential summer move, BBC Sport understands - and the data backs up why he's on the Reds' radar.

As head coach Arne Slot begins to shape the squad in his image, defensive reinforcements are firmly on the agenda. Guehi, 24, has emerged as one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League, and his statistical profile for the 2024-25 season underscores his suitability for Liverpool's system.

The chart below, powered by Opta data via FBref.com, provides a percentile breakdown of Guehi's 2024/25 Premier League performances compared with other defenders.

But what exactly does "percentile" mean? In simple terms, a percentile ranks how a player compares to others in the same position. For example, if Guehi ranks in the 90th percentile for passes blocked, that means he performed better in that category than 90% of Premier League defenders. It's a way of assessing performance in context, not just raw numbers.

He ranks in the 97th percentile for passes blocked, showing a sharp reading of the game and ability to get in the way of forward play - a key requirement for a centre-back in a pressing, front-foot system like Liverpool's. With the team often defending higher up the pitch, having centre-backs who can anticipate and intervene early is crucial.

Guehi also performs strongly in dribble challenges and tackles won, both sitting well above the league average. These are core traits for a Liverpool defender, particularly in scenarios where the high line is exposed and one-on-one defending becomes make-or-break.

The "errors" metric, referring to mistakes leading to shots or goals, is also reassuring, with Guehi ranking well here, reflecting his composure under pressure. In a system that places demands on centre-backs to operate in isolation or in transition, his calm decision-making is a significant plus.

One area of development remains aerial and physical duels, as reflected in his percentile for challenges lost, but even this is context-sensitive. Palace's compact shape can skew defensive numbers when compared to Liverpool's expansive setup, and Guehi's intelligence in choosing when to engage often offsets any perceived physical deficiencies.

With Jarrell Quansah reportedly on his way to German giants Bayer Leverkusen, and Ibrahima Konate struggling with injuries, Guehi represents a Premier League-proven option with immediate upside and long-term value.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Our chief football writer Phil McNulty has been taking your questions.

Jack asked: I'm a Liverpool fan and have been really enjoying their transfer window this summer and do not want it to end. We've clearly seen most of the big teams on the downward spiral and have decided to capitalise on it, but do you think that it could come back to bite them as it is too much change at one time?

Phil answered: Hello, Jack. No wonder you're enjoying it. It has been outstanding so far.

No, I don't think it will come back to bite them because all the signings so far have been with an obvious purpose in mind. Jeremie Frimpong was signed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, Milos Kerkez to provide competition for Andy Robertson, who is now 31, and Florian Wirtz because he is simply an outstanding player who was wanted by some of Europe's top clubs.

There may be further additions, perhaps in central defence and at striker, depending on departures, but Liverpool did need strengthening even though they won the title. They are going about it in a structured way.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Marc Guehi officially enters the final 12 months of his Crystal Palace contract on Tuesday and interest is building.

As you would imagine, there are a number of teams keen on taking advantage of the situation.

Liverpool appear to be emerging as strong contenders for the centre-back but there are various factors that will prove crucial in whether they take steps to formalise their interest.

Palace's valuation of a player who can leave for nothing next summer will be pivotal.

If Liverpool don't view Guehi's price as reasonable, don't be surprised to see them park their interest for 12 months and look to strike a free-transfer agreement.

There is no official word on what Palace would be prepared to accept for their skipper. There have been indications, though, that they may be willing accept a deal worth between £40m and £45m.

The issue, however, would be whether Liverpool see it that way.

Liverpool's preferred profile for a centre-back in recent years has been younger than the Palace centre-back so they will be looking for what they judge as value to change their approach.

With Liverpool set to sell centre-back Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth up to £35m, there is logic to the thought the Merseysiders could aim to break even in any formal bid for Guehi.

Perhaps they'd be willing to pay a little extra over the money they recoup for Quansah - but not by much.

It's a delicate balance.

If Palace value Guehi at a price the Premier League champions deem fair, and Liverpool enter the discussions at a figure the Londoners don't perceive as 'low-balling', then that could open the door towards a successful and amicable negotiation.

With that in mind, the first point of formal contact between clubs will likely be crucial towards whether Guehi ends up at Anfield.