Liverpool

As transfer deadline day looms, what do Liverpool need to do before it's too late? Or are you happy with where things are up to?

Tell us here, external

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday at the conclusion of the second-round tie between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

The seven English clubs involved in European competitions this season, including holders Liverpool, will enter at the third-round stage.

Ties will take place on weeks commencing 16 and 23 September.

Because there are rounds of Champions League and Europa League fixtures also scheduled for those two midweeks, the six clubs involved in those competitions - Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United - will be kept apart to ensure they can fulfil their Carabao Cup tie in the alternate midweek to their European fixture.

Those six clubs will take part in a pre-draw before Forest v Newcastle to decide if they will be at home or away in the third round, with a main draw determining the 16 ties later in the evening.

Should Chelsea progress to the next phase of the Conference League, they will not be in action in that competition again until the start of October.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool had the assured confidence of a team who aren't striving but are calmly cruising back to their rightful place at the top table. Watching them ping passes around a plucky Brentford side at Anfield, they looked anything but a side under a new manager, still learning new tricks.

‌Their passing movements were beautiful in an almost mathematical way. A chess grandmaster would have enjoyed watching the entire group seeming to know what was going to happen three moves ahead.

‌They haven't added to the group, something that has surprised me, but it could well be that little if anything extra is needed.

Jurgen Klopp's rebuild appears to have left a perfectly capable squad structure in place, but keeping a successful group on track after a change at the top is much more difficult than people imagine.

‌Yes the manager has to change a few things to mirror his outlook, but too much tinkering and the whole thing can collapse.

‌I thought this may be Arne Slot's short-term downfall, but if this weekend is anything to go by, he seems smart enough to know when he and his club are on to a good thing.

Sign up to read more from Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter here

Liverpool are trying to sign 26-year-old Juventus and Italy forward Federico Chiesa before the transfer window closes on Friday. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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

Image source, Getty Images

The Redmen TV's Ste Plunkett spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside about Liverpool's strong start under Arne Slot: "What is good to see is the lads getting a break during the game. In previous seasons, we worked really hard to get the ball back because maybe we took risks that we shouldn't have.

"What you can see on the pitch is total control. The technical side of the game has improved, which is a good thing. I'd rather us win games based off technical ability than on emotion. A Klopp side was always going to win games on emotion.

"In the past two weeks, we have dictated the pace of the game, which is really important going forward for the Reds.

"What really pleased me over the weekend was Mohamed Salah playing the whole game with a smile on his face. Sometimes he can drift out of games and look a bit sullen but this weekend was totally the opposite.

"That's what we need to see because a happy Mo Salah is a productive Mo Salah."

Listen to the full interview here

Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Red Bull Salzburg are interested in taking Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic on loan.

The Austrian club, who are managed by former Liverpool assistant boss Pep Lijnders, have already signed midfielder Bobby Clark from the Reds for a fee thought to be about £10m this summer and are among a number of sides keen on Bajcetic.

The 19-year-old made his debut for the Anfield side in August 2022 and impressed in his 19 appearances during the 2022-23 campaign, before suffering a thigh injury in March 2023.

The Spaniard missed most of last season through injury, making just three appearances, and has not been in the squad for Liverpool's opening two Premier League games of the season under new head coach Arne Slot.

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

Trent Alexander-Arnold was exceptional against Brentford, but his reaction to being substituted was petty.

Trent played at right-back, but found himself in centre-midfield and even at number 10 throughout the dominant Anfield win. His passing was extraordinary; his touch exquisite. There is no other right-back on the planet capable of such a creative performance.

So it was disappointing to see him giving his new manager the cold shoulder after being brought off after 73 minutes.

The match was won and Arne Slot was saving Trent's legs for later in the season, but the 25-year-old was despondent on the bench before skulking around and shaking his head during the post-match niceties.

It was just so unnecessary. It was Slot's first game and the performance was impressive, but much of the noise is now about Trent - and he is experienced enough to know this would happen.

It was also disrespectful to Conor Bradley, who is an unbelievable player and deserves minutes as his understudy. Trent was once a young player himself hoping for chances, remember.

It felt like a usually very well-behaved kid playing up because there is a supply teacher in. Trent never showed Jurgen Klopp such disregard.

Slot, though, is here to stay and based on Liverpool's first two wins, that is a good thing. We have racked up the most xG (5.3) and conceded the least (0.8) so far.

Of course, many will link Trent's reaction to his contract situation. Fans are desperate for him to pen a new deal. It is more important than any transfer.

Hopefully the vice-captain has a deep breath and realises missing the last 20 minutes was not a big deal. And then sits down with sporting director Richard Hughes and gets this new deal done.

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

Image source, Liverpool FC Website

Liverpool have unveiled their third kit for the 2024-25 season.

"Released as part of the Nike 'Together We Rise' collection across the brand's club football estate, the third kit celebrates the women's game and its acceleration in world sport," the club said on their website.

The club have also confirmed that the third kit will be worn for the first time against Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had a medical in Spain on Monday as he finalises a £30m move to Liverpool. The 23-year-old will remain at Valencia and move to Merseyside in the summer of 2025. (Times - subscription required), external

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

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

There was an air of excitement for Arne Slot's welcome, with Liverpool's famous ground at times sounding even louder than usual for the start of the post-Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield.

John W Henry flew in from Boston for Klopp's final game in charge in May and the Liverpool owner was here for Slot's big moment, while fans twirled scarves with the former Feyenoord coach's name on them.

The boisterous atmosphere continued after Luis Diaz gave his side the perfect start with a lovely finish following a swift counter-attack, which Slot calmly celebrated by bumping the hands of his coaching staff.

Brentford had good chances of their own to equalise but when Mohamed Salah scored his second goal of the season in the second-half, Liverpool's fans and Slot were able to relax.

"Before I arrived I was told Liverpool is a family club and it has definitely lived up to this description in so many ways," said Slot.

"The fans loved to see the team playing really well but they also loved to see the team working very hard.

"I liked what I saw, so if I like it then mostly the fans like it. So it was a very good day for us."

Liverpool have six points, scored four times and have yet to concede. Meanwhile, Salah has two goals and one assist, while Diogo Jota and Diaz each have one goal and one assist.

It means they head to bitter rivals Manchester United next Sunday (16:00 BST) with spirits high.

Read more on the start of the post-Klopp era

Image source, Getty Images

Ibrahima Konate says he wants to demonstrate he's one of the "best defenders in the world" this season.

The centre-back came off the bench in Liverpool's opening win at Ipswich when manager Arne Slot called for his side to win more duels against the promoted side.

Konate was rewarded by starting Sunday's win over Brentford, where the Reds secured back-to-back clean sheets under new boss Slot.

On the importance of being prepared for the season Konate said: "Now I have to show that I am ready this season to be the best and I hope to be one of the best defenders in the world this season."

The French international added: "We have to be ready for the next big game, which is coming very quick.

"We are not very 100% because it's a new manager, we start new things - but I think this will come very quick and I'm so excited to be 100% with what the manager wants."

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Liverpool and Brentford.

Here are some of your comments:

Liverpool fans

Ken: A composed performance against an obdurate opponent. Unlike yesteryear, there wasn't any chance of this Liverpool team relinquishing control inexplicably, as the passing and movement was efficient throughout. I quite enjoyed seeing out the game with minimum fuss. Whilst the tempo is quite measured, the dizzying attacking gear is still a sight to behold!

Marilyn: Some beautiful moves and great football! I would have liked more threats on goal late on, with other teams scoring big, but we seemed to settle for two goals instead.

Rex: Brilliant in parts - slick and fluid. We thoroughly deserved the points. My one criticism would be that we need to develop more of a killer instinct. We need to go for the jugular rather than over passing to each other in midfield. I can't help but think that Manchester City would have put more than two goals past them. Nevertheless, very encouraging and often very entertaining.

James: Encouraging start but, with all due respect to Ipswich and Brentford, the fixture list has been kind to us. Harder tests are coming up! We need our two second-half performances for the full 90 minutes - and let's stop talking about the difference between Slot and Klopp!

Brentford fans

Cliff: We were outmatched. We kept running into cul-de-sacs while Liverpool got the upper-hand with their wide passes. I can't believe I'm saying this but Mark Flekken kept us in this game. When are we going to make better use of our midfield talent like Damsgaard and Carvalho?

Jonathan: The Bees can hold their heads up high. There were some good performances and we created problems for Liverpool. Even after going 2-0 down, we didn't let our heads drop. Lots of teams will get nothing on trips to Anfield, so I think Thomas' boys can still look forward with confidence.

Nick: The Bees did well but were hampered by their own pink kit and a referee who gave most 50/50 decisions to Liverpool. The Bees will play worse and win this season - 2-0 away at Anfield is no disgrace.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold need to come out and clarify what will happen at the end of the season sooner rather than later.

The right-back is out of contract next summer along with captain Virgil van Dijk and forward Mohamed Salah.

"All three of them will be impossible to replace if they leave at the end of the season but Alexander-Arnold would be the big one," said Reo-Coker on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily Podcast. "He is mid-20s, a home-grown player, and one of the best in the world. What they do there is the most important.

"Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold are going to have to manage this situation.

"For home-grown players there is a sense of do the right thing by the club, even if you are going to leave. From his perspective, it could also damage his relationship with the fans if there is not some sort of clarity. The fans give the team so much and you have to reciprocate that by being honest with the fans. It needs clarifying by him and the club at some point.

"But it can not be left hanging there because it will affect everybody."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League midfielder Craig Hignett believes Liverpool "can't stand still" in the transfer market if the club wants to keep on challenging for the title under Arne Slot.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside after the Reds' win over Brentford at Anfield, Hignett said: "I think that when you are in the position that Liverpool are, you can't stand still. You always need to improve.

"Improving the team is the difficult bit though, because you need world-class players.

"We all know what deals are like. We all know what agents are like during deals. We all know how difficult it is to get those deals over the line. But they are the type of players you need to improve the squad.

"Have Liverpool got the money to sign two or three of them? Given the fact that they are going to cost somewhere in the region of £100m, and then the wages on top of that, probably not - but they could certainly go in for one of those players at least.

"World-class players coming in will give the other squad players a lift as well. When they come in and the old players see what the new players are like, it means they give each other a lift.

"Then Liverpool will go to a different level again - but it doesn't look like that is going to happen, does it?

"They have got lots of players who can score goals, and it is a real bonus that they are up and running early, but Arne Slot will always want more. He will want more from his midfield players - he will want a player that can sit in front of his two sixes and go on to create goals or score goals."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Former Liverpool striker Natasha Dowie says Arne Slot has got them playing "attractive football" and the fans at Anfield for Sunday's win over Brentford loved the intricate play.

"What I love about him is that he has already stamped his authority on this team," said Dowie on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily Podcast. "Some people were not brave enough to take this job after Jurgen Klopp but he has come in and been intense and been in meeting and after meeting. And it has really worked.

"He has not tried to be Klopp or please the fans by doing the fist pumps post-match. Instead, he has tried to please them by giving them attractive football. We are a lot more patient with our play and defensively a lot tighter. We have had clean sheets too.

"You can feel the fans buzz in the crowd and they are singing his song. That is important because being a Liverpool manager is more than just being a manager because the fans want to know you. It is a lot more intense than other managerial jobs and he has to understand, and I think he does."

Nigel Reo-Coker added: "I like Slot's approach as he is not afraid to make big decisions. When Trent Alexander-Arnold came off Slot went to sit on the bench with him and that shows the sort of character that he is.

"He knows what is at stake, and who he is managing, and he is not shy in showing his personality."

Listen to the Football Daily Premier League Review podcast on BBC Sounds

Liverpool could make a move for Sporting Lisbon's Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio, 22, while Bayer Leverkusen's Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie, 22, is also a target. (Teamtalk), external

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

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was a good start. Most importantly, we did not concede much. The only big chance we conceded was a set-piece and that is always so difficult when you play Brentford.

"They can threaten in many ways, but one is certainly set pieces and we controlled that quite well, apart from that one moment. One of their set-pieces also led to our first goal, which was pleasing to see."

"To get a great start like this, you have to work really hard. The boys kept on working really hard without the ball, which saw us get better and better and better throughout the second half. That then led to many good chances. The only thing we didn't do is kill the game earlier."

On the control Liverpool had in the second half: "What I mean when I say control is what we also do when we are without the ball. We work really hard for the other team not to create anything at all.

"With the ball, we tried to get into situations where we want our best players to be in and that worked well in the second half."

"In nine out of 10 games, if you get equal chances to your opponent, it is likely that we will win. We have got one of the best, maybe the best, goalkeeper in the league and we have some very good attackers as well.

"What we do, as staff, is get them in these positions and then the players work hard to make sure the other team doesn't create."

On winning his first two league games: "The players came back after three weeks of holiday and, in most cases, two weeks before the start of the games, but they came back really strong, physically.

"Compliment to the players for how they came back and, like I have said, we haven't changed much compared to the former regime, so it is not so difficult for them to start playing again. That was a very positive thing."

On his first competitive experience at Anfield: "The fans loved to see the team playing really well, but they also loved to see the team working very hard.

"I liked what I saw, so if I like it then mostly the fans will like it. So, it was a very good day for us.

"We won against Ipswich and won against Brentford - two good teams - but I'm not expecting them to be in the top six in the upcoming year, so there still a lot to prove for us in the upcoming weeks and months."