Liverpool

  1. What can Ekitike bring to Liverpool?

    Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for FrankfurtGetty Images

    Former West Ham and Wolves first-team coach Edu Rubio on the prospect of Hugo Ektike joining Liverpool: "He can be a great signing for Liverpool FC. He can play on his own at the front or in a front two. He can also drift to the wing. He is versatile and comes from 18 excellent months at Frankfurt.

    "Ekitike excels in quick attacking transitions with his forward runs and his accuracy in dribbling with the ball at his feet. He can also do well in tight areas when his team is playing against a low block. His height will also come in handy for set pieces.

    "There is, though, a question mark around whether Ekitike will manage to up his goals and assists and find consistent high figures in this department; as well as if he can deploy an aggressive high-press style since he has not been exposed to that at Frankfurt.

    "However, he is a very exciting young French talent with huge potential to do very well in the Premier League. I am sure Arne Slot will also like his link-up play and ability to drop to help build the attack phase, as this is an area Liverpool introduced last year. So all in all, a good signing for the Reds."

  2. Is Ekitike 'a better fit than Isak'?

    Your views banner
    Hugo Ekitike at Eintracht FrankfurtGetty Images

    We asked for thoughts on Liverpool moving for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who had been a Newcastle target amid Reds interest in Magpies star Alexander Isak.

    Here are some of your comments on a deal that could be worth in excess of £70m:

    Alfie: He is one of the best young strikers in the world. He would be an unbelievable addition to not just Liverpool, but the Premier League as well. If he does join us, it would complete the deadliest attack in the world.

    Fran: Ekitike is more in line with Liverpool's approach. He's still young and can be coached to improve. Isak is nearly 26. Very good player but I like Ekitike and think he's a better fit.

    Solomon: Very good signing if it goes through. We definitely need an upgrade on Darwin Nunez. My only concern is we had the same high expectations of Nunez but he has flattered to deceive.

    Ryan: I can't pretend to be an expert on the kid but from what I've seen, he looks a terrific talent. I fully trust the club in their judgement and think he could form a formidable partnership with the attacking players we already have, so great news. We all know Isak would have been our prime target but, realistically, unless he hands in a transfer request, he is going nowhere.

    Andrew: This does feel a bit underwhelming after the Isak news. Has potential but is unproven in the Premier League. I remain hopeful, though, and there haven't been too many misses from the FSG recruitment team.

    Thom: I'd rather Liverpool pay £70m on a player, rather than £130m-plus on Isak. He's a great player, but at that price? Not for me.

    Tony: Ekitike could be the perfect striker for Liverpool. Quick, intelligent and able to link up with Florian Wirtz to create space, mayhem and opportunities for himself and our other frontmen.

  3. Liverpool make Ekitike move - send us your views

    Have your say banner
    Hugo EkitikeGetty Images

    So, after showing a major interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak but being met with a resounding 'not for sale', Liverpool have made their move for Magpies target Hugo Ekitike.

    The Reds are in advanced talks to sign 23-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike, after Newcastle had a £70m offer rejected.

    Liverpool fans, what do you make of the move? And are you content with how the striker search has developed?

    Let us know

  4. Hugo Ekitike

  5. 'Liverpool's model has been to ignore the noise'

    Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebratesGetty Images

    Liverpool have already signed midfielder Florian Wirtz in a potential British record £116m deal this summer and paid £40m and £30m respectively for full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

    Their sights are now firmly set on a striker.

    BBC Sport understands that, while Liverpool have explored other centre-forward targets, they have made a move towards a deal for Alexander Isak in recent days.

    Over the past three seasons Liverpool have had a net transfer spend of -£4m, £96m and £53m respectively, according to Transfermarkt.

    For context, Manchester United have had a net spend of £119m, £133m and £190m over their past three campaigns.

    Premier League's biggest spenders since 2023-24

    "Liverpool have been outside the top-10 spenders on player signings since 2019, but their model is a classic case of being smarter rather than bigger," said football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

    "Liverpool's model has been to ignore the noise and only buy a player if they truly improve the squad. It's a Moneyball, more analytical approach.

    "Chief executive Michael Edwards does a brilliant job and he never buys players because of external pressure. He doesn't get jittery when fans call for more signings.

    "Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and potentially Isak are big signings, but they all improve the Liverpool squad, and the Reds do have an awful lot of PSR headroom."

    Read Gary Rose and Chris Collinson's full analysis of Liverpool's Isak approach

  6. 'We are sending the love right back' - new Jota mural near Anfield

    A new mural paying tribute to Diogo Jota has been completed near Anfield.

    Created by artist John Culshaw, the mural depicts Jota smiling and holding his hands up to make a love heart in a moment of celebration.

    A new mural by artist John Culshaw depicting Diogo Jota celebrating a goal by creating a heart with his fingersGetty Images

    It is the latest of many fan-led tributes to the Reds' number 20, who died in a car crash alongside his brother, Andre Silva, earlier this month.

    Last week, street artist organisation MurWalls - in conjunction with a group of fans - created a 'Forever 20' mural on Sybil Road in the city, allowing supporters to add their own messages and tributes.

    The mural is shown on the side of the Halfway House pubGetty Images

    This new mural is located on the outside of the Halfway House pub, just a short walk from Anfield.

    "As Liverpool fans, we know how to deal with tragedy and show our appreciation to someone who has given us so much," said Culshaw.

    An aerial view of the new muralGetty Images

    "I picked this image to paint because it shows Diogo sending love out to the fans and by immortalising him in our city, it shows that we are sending the love right back.

    "Diogo has given us so many memories. It's only right he will remain our number 20 forever."

  7. Gossip: Reds open Ekitike talks

    Gossip graphic

    Liverpool have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign 23-year-old French striker Hugo Ekitike. (Sky Sports)

    However, Newcastle United are pushing ahead with their attempt to sign Ekitike in the hope of pairing him with Sweden striker and Reds target Alexander Isak, 25, next season. (Telegraph - subscription required)

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

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  8. How can Liverpool afford Isak?

    Gary Rose
    BBC Sport journalist

    Alexander IsakGetty Images

    Liverpool have spent more than £170m this summer already - and now are interested in a player they would have to break the British transfer record to sign.

    With a package for Newcastle's striker Alexander Isak thought to cost up to £130m, their summer spending would soar to £300m.

    It would constitute quite the jump from the £10m spent on Federico Chiesa and £25m spent on Giorgi Mamardashvili last summer.

    Liverpool's spending in recent transfer windows

    Liverpool's income has been boosted this year thanks to several key factors.

    They received £175m in prize money for winning the Premier League. Last season was the club's first full campaign with an expanded Anfield Road End and a higher capacity. And, from 1 August, they have a new kit deal with Adidas which some reports value at £60m per season, more than their current partnership with Nike.

    Those factors, combined with comparatively low transfer spending in previous windows, mean Liverpool find themselves well within the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which limit clubs to losses of £105m over three years.

    "Liverpool are a super smart football club," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Sport.

    "They're in an incredibly strong PSR position. Out of the traditional big six clubs, they've spent the least in this three-year cycle - only £325m - and that includes their signing of Florian Wirtz.

    "They've still got plenty of wiggle room with their transfer budget. Plus, a move for a striker is likely to be paid in instalments, meaning the cost can be spread over multiple seasons."

    Their position could be further boosted. On Tuesday they rejected a £58.6m opening offer from Bayern Munich for forward Luis Diaz.

    While Liverpool have said Diaz is not for sale, they are understood to be open to selling Darwin Nunez, who has interest from Napoli and Saudi Arabia.

    Read the full analysis of Liverpool's Isak approach

  9. Why Diaz is in demand

    Noel Slinley
    BBC Sport journalist

    Luis Diaz in Liverpool trainingGetty Images

    It is easy to see why Bayern Munich are interested in Luis Diaz, and why Liverpool are in no mood to sell.

    The Colombian enjoyed his most prolific season for a single club as the Reds won the league title in 2024-25, scoring 17 goals.

    Graphic showing Luis Diaz's Liverpool career record in all competitions: 2024-25 Season - Games: 50, Goals: 17, Assists: 8 2023-24 Season: Games: 51, Goals: 13, Assists: 7 2022-23 Season: Games: 21, Goals: 5, Assists: 3 2021-22 Season: Games: 26, Goals: 6, Assists: 5 Total: Games: 148, Goals: 41, Assists: 23

    Unsurprisingly, Diaz's shot conversion rate of 18.3% comfortably ranks as his best in a Premier League season.

    Many of his other attributes stood out statistically, with Diaz hovering just outside the top 10 in the Premier League for most combined goals and assists (18), shots on target (30), chances created (56) and dribbles completed (52).

    His defensive attributes and renowned work-rate are also evidenced by the fact he won possession in the final third on 22 occasions, more than any other Liverpool player relative to their time spent on the pitch.

  10. Where will Ekitike and Isak transfer saga turn next?

    The Star and the Mirror back pages both highlight Liverpool's move for Alexander IsakStar/Mirror

    There is only one story in town on the back pages on Wednesday.

    After Newcastle's initial bid for Hugo Ekitike was turned down by Eintracht Frankfurt, we reported on Tuesday that Liverpool are eyeing up a record deal for forward Alexander Isak.

    Daily Express back page

  11. Gossip: Liverpool turn attention to Ekitike after Isak update

    Gossip graphic

    Liverpool are expected to rival Newcastle United for 23-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, after being told 25-year-old striker Alexander Isak is not for sale in this window. (Sky Sports)

    The Magpies feel the leaking of Liverpool's £120m interest is designed to unsettle Sweden international Isak. (Telegraph - subscription required)

    Liverpool have also made enquiries about four other attackers in case they are unable to secure a deal for Isak - Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Real Madrid's Rodrygo. (Mail+ - subscription required)

    Napoli have told Liverpool that a deal for 26-year-old Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez can be considered off. (Fabrizio Romano)

    Meanwhile, Luis Diaz has made it clear that he wants to leave Anfield, after the club rejected Bayern Munich's £58.6m bid for the 28-year-old winger. (Athletic - subscription required)

    Finally, Liverpool's 26-year-old centre-back Ibrahima Konate has rejected a lucrative approach from the Saudi Pro League. (Mirror)

    The Reds have put a £43.5m price tag on Konate for any clubs interested this summer. (AS - in Spanish)

    Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  12. Liverpool make genuine moves towards Isak deal

    Sami Mokbel
    Senior football correspondent

    Alexander Isak scores against LiverpoolGetty Images

    It is not often fans fear rumours their club might be breaking a transfer record - but that is exactly what is happening at Newcastle after news of the club exploring a move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike in a deal that could cost more than £70m.

    With Premier League champions Liverpool in the market for a striker and known to have firm interest in Magpies star Alexander Isak, the obvious connections are being made.

    BBC Sport understands the Reds have made genuine moves towards a deal to sign Sweden international Isak in recent days. They have also explored the parameters for other centre-forward targets.

    According to sources, it is believed a package to successfully get Isak out of St James' Park could cost up to £130m, though Newcastle have been steadfast in their stance the 25-year-old is not for sale.

  13. Luis Diaz playing for Liverpool

  14. Paul Doyle, who has a shaved head, pictured smiling at the camera wearing a white t-shirt with sunglasses on the top of his head

  15. A large and intricate sand art design on a sandy beach. The artwork has multiple concentric circles and detailed patterns with the writing RIP Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at the centre of the artwork. There are some people along with the artist admiring it.

  17. 'Very proud' - Mamardashvili reflects on first Liverpool appearance

    Giorgi Mamardashvili throws out the ball at Deepdale against PrestonGetty Images

    New Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili says he knows "the responsibilities that come with wearing the shirt" after making his first appearance in the pre-season friendly at Preston on Saturday.

    The Georgia international played 45 minutes in the 3-1 win and told club media afterwards it was "a really proud moment".

    "This badge means so much to so many people," he said. "I'm here just to give my best in every training session, in every match to help the team and earn the trust of our fans.

    "Everybody knows this club has big ambitions and I want to be part of such [a] journey."

    Mamardashvili caught the eye during Euro 2024 with his superb performances for his national side, clinching a move to Liverpool that finally became official earlier this month.

    He faces a daunting test to oust first-choice keeper Alisson from between the sticks and preferred to focus on how delighted he was to be at Anfield.

    "I don't like talking too much about myself," he said, "but I think I'm a very calm, concentrated goalkeeper and I'm very fast and quick.

    "Ali is one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now and I can't wait to start to work [with] him and learn from him.

    "I am very proud to be the first Georgian player for Liverpool and I know how much this means for my family and [for] Georgian people as well."

  18. Diogo Jota

  19. How much did Premier League clubs earn in prize money?

    A close-up of the Premier League trophy with the gold lion surrounded by a green border and the words Ask Me Anything

    All 20 clubs earn a share of Premier League prize money. The amount each club receives depends on their league position and number of televised matches.

    Prize money consists of UK and international merit broadcast payments, equal shares, commercial revenues and facility fees.

    All clubs received a central commercial payment of £7.9m and equal shares from UK (£29.8m) and international (£59.2m) revenues.

    Clubs are also paid a facility fee for matches broadcast on domestic TV. Liverpool had 30 of their 38 league matches televised - more than any other club.

    1st: Liverpool - £174.9m

    2nd: Arsenal - £171.5m

    3rd: Manchester City - £165.5m

    4th: Chelsea - £163.7m

    5th: Newcastle United - £160.2m

    6th: Aston Villa - £159.3m

    7th: Nottingham Forest - £152.5m

    8th: Brighton - £145.1m

    9th: Bournemouth - £143.4m

    10th: Brentford - £138.9m

    11th: Fulham - £135.5m

    12th: Crystal Palace - £136.1m

    13th: Everton - £131.8m

    14th: West Ham - £130.9m

    15th: Manchester United - £136.2m

    16th: Wolves - £123.1m

    17th: Tottenham - £127.8m

    18th: Leicester - £116.9m

    19th: Ipswich Town - £111.1m

    20th: Southampton - £109.2m

    Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

    We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

    Find out more over here

  20. Claudia Rose singing before the match. She is wearing a cream halter neck waistcoat and has dark hair with a central parting tied back in a bun and chunky gold earrings. The crowd is blurred in the background

  21. 'If we want to cry, we're going to cry' - Slot

    Darwin Nunez celebrates like the late Diogo Jota did for LiverpoolGetty Images

    Liverpool overcame Preston 3-1 in a pre-season friendly on Sunday in a fixture which saw emotional tributes made for the late Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.

    It was the Reds' first action since the brothers were tragically killed in a car crash and a minute of silence was observed before kick off, while after the fixture Liverpool's players stood and watched as fans sang Jota's song relentlessly.

    Goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo featured but words from manager Arne Slot have gained traction in the aftermath as he spoke about the grieving process the club must now respect and manage.

    In his first interview since Jota's death, Slot told Liverpool TV: "If we want to laugh, we laugh; if we want to cry, we're going to cry.

    "If they want to train they can train, if they don't want to train they can not train. But be yourself, don't think you have to be different than your emotions tell you.

    "We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.

    "Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened. But we are a football club and we need to train and we need to play again, if we want it or not.

    "What I've said to the players, I can say it here as well. It's very difficult to find the right words because we constantly debate what is appropriate. What is appropriate in our actions? What is appropriate [for] what we have to say? Can we train again? Can we laugh again? Can we be angry if there's a wrong decision?

    "And I've said to them, maybe the best thing for us to do is handle this situation like Jota was. And what I meant with that is that Jota was always himself, it didn't matter if he was talking to me, to his team-mates, to the staff, he was always himself. So let us try to be ourselves as well."

  22. Gossip: Sesko's agents contact Reds

    Gossip graphic

    The agents of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, 22, have contacted Liverpool to gauge their interest in the Slovenia international following Arsenal's decision to focus instead on signing Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres. (TBR Football)

    Bayern Munich will turn their attention to Arsenal and Belgium forward Leandro Trossard, 30, if they are unable to secure a deal for 28-year-old Liverpool winger Luis Diaz. (Bild - in German)

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

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  23. Deepdale falls silent to remember Jota and Silva

    Katie Stafford
    BBC Sport journalist

    Deepdale fell silent to remember the lives of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva before Sunday's pre-season friendly between Liverpool and Preston.

    For the first time since their team-mate's death 10 days ago, Liverpool players took to the field in front of their own supporters in the away end, and a minute's silence was observed.

    Their end was a sea of red, filled with flags, scarves and shirts to honour and commemorate their number 20.

    Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love and Liverpool club anthem You'll Never Walk Alone were sung as Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the travelling supporters.

    It was a moving tribute as Liverpool, and the wider football community, continue to mourn the loss of Jota and Silva.

    Minute's silenceGetty Images

    A minute's silence was observed as a picture of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva was shown on the scoreboard

    Ben Whiteman laid a wreathGetty Images

    Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath before standing in front of the travelling fans during You'll Never Walk Alone

    Diogo Jota flags and scarvesGetty Images

    Fans loudly sung Jota's song as the players walked out

    Matchday programmeGetty Images

    A special match programme had a black and white picture of Jota and featured tributes to the Liverpool player and his brother

  24. Liverpool players observe a minute's silence for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva ahead of friendly match at Preston