Liverpool

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Earlier this week, it looked like Liverpool forward Luis Diaz could be on his way out of the club after he and his girlfriend both wrote lengthy posts on social media to fans that could be interpreted as farewell messages.

But, it is now understood that the Reds have rejected an approach from Barcelona to speak to the 28-year-old.

Club sources told BBC Sport that the Colombia international, one of Liverpool's key players in winning the Premier League title last season, is not for sale.

Diaz has a contract with the club until 2027 and last season scored 13 goals and made seven assists in the league as Arne Slot's side won the title by 10 points.

"I'm very happy at Liverpool - I've always said so," said Diaz, who is on international duty for his country's games against Peru and Argentina. "They've welcomed me very well.

"The transfer market is opening, and we're trying to arrange what's best for us. 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."

So, what do you make of the latest developments? Are you hopeful that Diaz will still be in a Reds shirt this coming season? Or is it only a matter of time before he goes elsewhere?

Let us know

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Liverpool will begin their pre-season campaign against Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday, 13 July.

The match - which kicks off at 15:00 BST - is a repeat of a behind-closed-doors match against the same opponents last year.

Arne Slot's side take on the Championship side before their pre-season tour of Asia, where they will play AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos.

Players will return to training on 7 July before the game at Deepdale five days later.

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We asked for your questions for BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha on your Premier League club.

Joaoquin asked for his thoughts on the possible departure of Luis Diaz from Anfield this summer.

Luis Diaz's future is interesting.

He has done very well for Liverpool but it has never felt like they were his final destination.

He was essentially the player who filled the gap after Sadio Mane left and, though he has not necessarily been as good as Mane was at his peak, he has still been a big part of what Liverpool have been in the past couple of seasons - and a big part of why they won the league title.

But, this is the way football works. Players come to the Premier League and they join the club we support, but they are not always as attached to them as we would be, because it is a big part of our identity.

For some, it is an opportunity to be somewhere, to play, to work, and so on.

Players have different objectives, different goals. Maybe it is the city. Maybe it is the league. Maybe it is the desire to go play somewhere else and to be with family.

Whatever happens with Diaz, the fact is, as far as signings go, he has done very well at Anfield.

It is therefore a shame if he wants to leave, but the way Liverpool work and the way the Premier League works, I think their action to replace him would be solid.

They would have a player they want and need, and I am sure they would fit in perfectly with the way Arne Slot wants his side to play. The contingency plans will be in place.

You do not want players who are starters to leave and you do not want a revolving door of players - and that is not often the case at Liverpool.

Diaz has done well for the club. People will appreciate him.

I am sure he has appreciated his time in Liverpool so far, but people's journeys can be complex.

If he ends up leaving, wherever he goes, I am sure he will doing well for them too.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson has taken some interesting questions while on international duty with Scotland.

Favourite pizza? Favourite sauce? Best movie?

Robertson had plenty to go at.

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Football finance expert Kieran Maguire spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside about the strength of Liverpool's finances.

"Liverpool are in an excellent financial position," Maguire said. "They didn't spend very much in the 24-25 season and they have the benefits of Champions League football next season.

"They've got the enhanced/expanded Anfield which is potentially going to generate in excess of £100m in ticket sales and they keep a pretty tight control over the finances as a whole.

"I think for Liverpool it's not a case of how much they've got to spend because they can spend as much as they want. If they spent £250m, that would not be a problem.

"It's really looking at things from a quality point of view. Are there players out there who they believe can improve the quality of the squad?"

Liverpool are not looking to sell Colombia winger Luis Diaz, 28, and have received no offers, despite reported interest from Barcelona and Saudi side Al-Nassr. (Times - subscription required, external)

But should Diaz leave, Newcastle's £80m-rated England winger Anthony Gordon, 24, is being seriously considered by Liverpool as a replacement. (Teamtalk, external)

Arne Slot's Liverpool could also compete with Arsenal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, with the 22-year-old Slovenia striker the subject of a £67m bid from the Gunners. (TBR Football, external)

Harvey Elliott is most likely to join a Serie A club if the English midfielder, 22, leaves Liverpool this summer. (Football Insider, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Liverpool are in talks to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez for between £45m and £50m.

No agreement has yet been reached between the two clubs, but the Reds have stepped up their efforts to sign him over the last couple of days.

Liverpool's current sporting director Richard Hughes was at Bournemouth when Kerkez joined the Cherries after leaving AZ Alkmaar in 2023.

The Hungary defender dropped a small hint over his future on Instagram recently, posting: "I don't know what will happen in the next week but Cherries family thank you!"

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: "Kerkez from Bournemouth is a really good option. He's quick, he's got good feet, likes defending one-on-one. He is very tenacious, great energy, and is only 21.

"It fits the criteria of Liverpool's recruitment team measured by ability to progress and become more of an asset. I think that's quite likely to happen."

The left-back ranks second for most distanced covered of all Premier League full-backs this season (behind only Fulham's Antonee Robinson) and third for most sprints.

He has made the third-most open play crosses in the Premier League and has eight goal involvements this campaign (two goals and six assists).

His arrival would raise questions about the future of Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, with the Reds unlikely to need all three left-backs next season.

Tsimikas would be the expected departure but, with Champions League interest in Robertson, his exit instead is a possibility.

Read the full article here

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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Arne Slot could be tempted to refresh his attack and both Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have been linked with moves away.

Diaz joined Liverpool in 2022 but enjoyed his best goalscoring form under Slot, with 17 in all competitions, including 13 in the Premier League.

However, potential summer moves to either Barcelona or Saudi Arabia have been touted, and speculation over his future has only increased after Diaz and his girlfriend both wrote lengthy posts on social media to Liverpool fans that could be interpreted as farewell messages.

Meanwhile, Nunez has struggled to start regularly under Slot, who has also made public criticisms of his attitude.

He has had three full seasons at Liverpool after joining for up to £85m from Benfica - and while his effort is praised by Liverpool fans, he has struggled to score consistently.

"It's time for a freshen up in attack," said former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy.

"Darwin has had a lot of chances. If you just simplify it to what we've seen in terms of his contribution and minutes played, Slot obviously doesn't fancy him.

"Slot has played a winger, Luis Diaz, ahead of him as a striker at times. That tells you everything you need to know.

"I would be amazed if Darwin stayed. I think the writing is on the wall for him."

Another player whose future is uncertain is Harvey Elliott.

The midfielder made 18 Premier League appearances for the Reds last season but started just two games and recently suggested his future is uncertain by saying: "You never know what's going to happen."

Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has already left Liverpool to join Brentford, and a busy summer of incomings and outgoings is set to continue for a while longer yet.

READ MORE: How Liverpool have changed tack in the transfer market

Image source, @flowirtz on Instagram

Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz has posted a message on his Instagram account, external appearing to play down rumours he wants the number 10 shirt if he moves to Anfield.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg posted on social media, external that the 22-year-old would like the shirt number he wears at Bayer Leverkusen but is currently occupied by Alexis Mac Allister at the Reds.

"Who says I want the 10? I respect players," Wirtz wrote on an Instagram story on Monday. "Don't believe everything that's written."

The Premier League champions are in advanced negotiations with Leverkusen for the Germany forward.

Liverpool's latest offer is about £109m, including add-ons.

Wirtz is a key target for the Merseyside club and has made his wishes clear about wanting to join Arne Slot's side.

READ MORE: What 'full package' Wirtz would bring to Liverpool

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

As the dust settles on the 2024-25 Premier League season, we have been taking a look at some of the alternative ways the the table could have finished...

"We never do it the easy way."

Something muttered by many a football fan as they watch their side go 1-0 down again.

As frustrating as it can be watching from the stands or on the TV, it is a position some teams thrive in.

Luring the opposition into a false sense of security, it is almost as though they do not get going until they have given the other team a chance.

And if the league was measured on how well a team bounces back after conceding the first goal, then this season would have seen Brighton coming away with a Premier League title.

There were 17 occasions in 2024-25 when the Seagulls conceded the first goal, but from those they came back to win five and draw five - rescuing 20 points in the process.

It will not have made for comfortable watching for the fans, but it does show the tenacity of Fabian Hurzeler's side to turn a match around.

The sign of champions is to win when you are not at your best and that is what Liverpool did this campaign. They may not have have conceded first as often as Brighton, but they still came back to win four times and draw seven.

It will not have always helped the cause of those chasing European spots, but Newcastle, Fulham and Aston Villa all showed the resilience that they could go one-goal down and still get much-needed points from a game.

At the other end of the scale, while some teams thrive in this situation, others flounder.

Nottingham Forest surprised many onlookers going from relegation candidates to battling for a Champions League spot in less than 12 months.

But key to that was their defence. There were not many occasions where they went 1-0 down - however, when they did, their ability to turn it around was in relegation territory.

The silver-lining for Reds fans, though, is that they really did make it difficult for the opposition to get in front and this is a strength they will hope to build on going forwards.

Image source, Getty Images

Caoimhin Kelleher has posted an emotional goodbye to Liverpool on his Instagram account, external.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper has ended his 10-year association with the Reds, joining Brentford to pursue the opportunity of being first choice.

Kelleher's farewell message read:

"I came to this club as a 16-year-old boy - 10 years later, I could never have dreamed of the journey I would go on.

"To have the opportunity to play for this club was something I never took for granted and the memories I have I will cherish forever. From making my debut to winning trophies, I have loved it all.

"Thank you to everyone at the club. From the staff, to my coaches and my team-mates past and present, you have all helped shape me into the man I am today.

"To the fans - thank you for the amazing support throughout the years. I have always felt the love and it means a lot.

"I will always have a special place in my heart for this club and city. Thank you all and good luck for the future.

"You'll Never Walk Alone."

Under the post, several fans and people associated with Liverpool wished him well for the future.

Left-back Andy Robertson wrote: "Absolute legend! What a player - even better person."

Young midfielder Tyler Morton posted: "Legend in every way! All the best, my mate."

Former Reds goalkeeper coach John Achterberg wrote: "Yes, Quive. Next step. Great to see your way of training and playing. You deserve all for your hard work!"

Image source, Getty Images

German football expert Kevin Hatchard has outlined the differences between Liverpool's latest right-back signing Jeremie Frimpong and the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold.

"They're very different in the way they interpret the position," Hatchard told BBC Radio Merseyside. "If you look at the way Trent Alexander-Arnold plays, he's very much a passer, somebody who will send the ball in from different angles.

"You look at Frimpong and he's a carrier. He uses his pace, tries to get beyond people and make space that way. So, they're both attack-minded but they interpret it in a very different way.

"If you look at Frimpong's strengths, he's quick, he carries the ball well and he's added goals to his game in recent seasons. He's versatile and he has worked hard on the defensive part of his game, but he probably has a lot of work to do in that regard as well.

"He's a very energetic and lively team-mate and he's a lot of fun. But I think this Bayer Leverkusen spell has been so instructive for him, playing for a coach like Xabi Alonso, becoming a leader, somebody who's performed well not only in the Bundesliga but the Champions League as well.

"We've seen him grow and become more much consistent."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds here

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Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has completed a move to Brentford for a fee of £12.5m, rising to £18m with add-ons.

The 26-year-old academy product made 25 league appearances and played in more than 40 cup games, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the Super Cup.

Kelleher also goes down in the club's history books as the only goalkeeper to have won four penalty shootouts as a Liverpool player.

The Reds have sold the Republic of Ireland international with Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joining them in July to compete for the number one shirt with established first choice Alisson.

"I don't think it was very difficult for me to leave [Liverpool]," said Kelleher. "I felt for my own career that the time was right for me to go, to be a number one and to play every week.

"I heard of some interest a number of weeks ago. Once I knew Brentford was in for me, it was definitely one I was really excited about and wanted to do as quickly as possible."

Image source, PA Media

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa says he is still preparing for a return to Merseyside for next season but has not ruled out a move back to Italy's Serie A.

"That's something to think about during the summer," Chiesa told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"My family, my agent and I have a great relationship with Liverpool, and the goal is to be ready for the pre-season. We'll find the best solution for everyone. I work every day with a Liverpool programme to be in top shape for the tests on July 8.

"While out of the squad [at Juventus], I was able to train in great condition, but I missed playing friendlies. I had to start from scratch at Liverpool and that held me back.

"I hope [next season] it's my season. My dream is to participate in the World Cup."

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

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It is going to be the most exciting transfer window in living memory, first up.

Liverpool under FSG have typically not spent very much. When we did, on Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, it was bankrolled by the £142m sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

Last summer, Arne Slot's first in charge, we only brought in Federico Chiesa, who despite having one of best chants of the season, barely had a kick.

But all the noise suggests a stratospheric and - hopefully - dynasty-defining summer.

Jeremie Frimpong has already signed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who somehow earned Liverpool almost £10m from Real Madrid despite being out of contract in a matter of weeks.

The big one is Florian Wirtz. The German is nearly over the line for what will be a British record fee. Adding one of the world's best playmakers to an attack which includes Mo Salah and Luis Diaz is an enormous statement of intent.

Milos Kerkez is close to signing at left-back, too. The Hungarian was the Premier League's best left-back last term and will be an upgrade on Andy Robertson. It is exceptional business.

We still need a new centre-forward, given the probable departure of Darwin Nunez and maybe even Diogo Jota, but there is no firm news yet on who that will be.

If it were me, I would move heaven and earth to buy Julian Alvarez. The Argentine works his socks off, is a brilliant finisher from inside and outside the box and is selfless in his play.

He is the perfect foil given Salah will play from the right and do little defensive work, with Wirtz in pockets of space in central areas.

Atletico Madrid are apparently keen on Nunez, so perhaps something can be done swapping the South American strikers, although this is very speculative.

And in an ideal world, I would hope Liverpool have a look at Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, too. The Englishman would suit a fluid, ball-playing midfield perfectly.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

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German football expert Kevin Hatchard spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside on the prospect of Liverpool signing Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

"The talk [between Liverpool and Leverkusen] is about the fee and the structure of the fee," Hatchard said.

"It seems Wirtz and Liverpool have agreed personal terms - that's the first building block.

"The received wisdom in Germany not long ago was that he was going to Bayern. That was the feeling Bayern had, the feeling most people in Germany had but now the feeling is that he really is off to Liverpool and that's that.

"If Liverpool really do pull this off, I have to say it's a statement signing. It's an enormous coup.

"But Leverkusen will be very savvy and they know what they have. Double figures in goals and assists in the last two seasons. This is a top, top player who's only 22. Leverkusen know they have the jewel in the crown and they won't give him up easily.

"There's a manner of things Wirtz could do. He gives you lots of options because wherever he plays – his touch, his intelligence, it's all going to be there. The work rate without the ball is phenomenal and he has the numbers to back it up."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds here

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

As the dust settles on the 2024-25 Premier League season, we have been taking a look at some of the alternative ways the the table could have finished...

Football games are 90 minutes long. They have been for more than 150 years.

So, what if they weren't? What if only the first 45 minutes mattered?

Some teams like to lead from the front, come out the blocks flying and try and get the job done before half-time.

If that had been the case this season and it all came down to that first half showing, then it would not have been Liverpool lifting the trophy, but in fact Arsenal winning their first league title in over 20 years.

With 20 wins, 13 draws and five defeats, the Gunners were the kings of the first half.

Four points behind them were Manchester City - a team that has for so long been able to control games from start to finish, but during their difficult spell with injuries and results, this was something they seemed to lack.

If the league really came down to this metric, Brentford fans would be planning for a Champions League adventure. While the Bees were fast starters this campaign, being able to back that up across the 90 minutes was their Achilles heel (ranking 14th in the second half).

And what about this year's Premier League champions? Arsenal may have had the number when it came to first halves, but Liverpool well and truly led the way in the second...

What if the season was all about the second 45 minutes?

While some prefer to get their nose in front, others prefer a half-time reset or back themselves to get the job done later in the game.

One of those teams was Arne Slot's Reds.

They won 24 of their 38 second-halves, drew nine and lost just five. If it was this 45 minutes alone that counted, they would have had 81 points and - just like in the actual season - been runaway winners.

Another club that enjoyed success after half time was Chelsea.

Ranking seventh in the first-half table, the Blues were often in a position where they needed to turn things around or dig out a result in the second 45 and, despite the young age of the team, managed 17 wins in second halves.

A side deserving an honourable mention here is Crystal Palace.

They may have finished 12th in the 2024-25 league table after a underwhelming start, but when it came to getting a result in the second half, with 16 wins,12 draws and 10 defeats, they were up there alongside some of the best in the league.

*Table data from Football365

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BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has been answering your questions on the summer transfer window.

Adam asked: Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez look inbound, but what about exits at Liverpool? Any insight into who may be leaving Anfield this summer?

Sami answered: One name to keep an eye on is Ibrahima Konate. He is in talks over a new contract, but his existing deal expires at the end of next season. If an agreement can't be reached it will be interesting to see if Liverpool consider offers for the France international to avoid losing him for nothing in 2026.

Paris St-Germain and Al-Hilal are the clubs I've heard who have an interest in Konate.

What happens with him could impact how Liverpool approach the futures of fellow centre-backs Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez, who have Premier League interest.

Elsewhere, Darwin Nunez could leave, with his departure expected to pave the way for a new striker.

Look back at the Q&A here

Liverpool have agreed a contract with Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz until 2030, but have yet to agree a fee for the 22-year-old, with Bayer Leverkusen rejecting a 130m euros (£110m) offer from the Reds as they hold out for 150m euros (£127m). (Bild - in German), external

Barcelona have started initial talks with Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, 28, with interest from Saudi Arabia for the Colombian. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha has given us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club throughout this season.

But this week, he's in the hotseat for your questions.

Maybe ask him who should be on your club's radar this summer, or where a rumoured target or new signing might fit into the team.

Perhaps see what he thinks about how successful a new recruit might be, who it is vital to keep, or what is needed to make next season a success.

Send in your questions here and we'll put a selection to him

Image source, Getty Images

Earlier on Monday, we told you about emotional social media posts put out by Luis Diaz and his partner. The messages have prompted further debate on whether the Colombian is getting ready to leave Liverpool.

We asked you what you thought about him possibly leaving and how the Reds would replace him.

Here are some more of your replies:

Dan: I'm worried about Diaz going. Yes, he has shown inconsistency, but his work-rate is so underrated. He does a lot of chasing, defending and winning the ball back, which you struggle to find from your top forward players. Eight or nine players could be leaving and that's a lot of bonding and understanding lost. It could be unsettling.

Ab: Diaz's work-rate is exceptional but he hasn't really contributed as much as Sadio Mane did, not only in terms of goals scored but drawing players away to open up the defence for Bobby Firmino and Mo Salah to score. If we can get 'top dollar' for Diaz, then we can reinvest in someone who can deliver Mane levels and can really push Cody Gakpo (assuming Bayern Munich don't steal him from us!)

Mike: If Diaz goes then it will be a blow as his scoring record last season was good to make up for no effective number nine. His threat, energy levels and low injury record make him difficult to replace, albeit his contract has two years left. We need to have five forward players as this has given us the upper hand time and time again.

Kev: I would let him go - especially as we have Gakpo, who is a very similar player in style. If Florian Wirtz does come then his time would be limited.

Paul: I would let Gapko go before Diaz. Although his end product is questionable, Diaz gives everything on the pitch. Gapko may have scored more, but his passing, overall quality and work-rate aren't good. I have said all season that if we can get good replacements, let Gapko, Diaz and Darwin Nunez go. Replace them with two top quality players - Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon?

Alastair: When Barcelona come calling, few can resist. Gakpo is happiest cutting in from the left and I expect him to fill Diaz's boots, so it's all about who provides cover. Will it be Milos Kerkez roaming forward with Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas behind him. Or will Liverpool spring a surprise with an academy promotion?