Send your tributes to Diogo Jotapublished at 10:15 3 July

After the devastating news of Diogo Jota's death at 28 and his brother Andre at 26, please do send in your tributes.
After the devastating news of Diogo Jota's death at 28 and his brother Andre at 26, please do send in your tributes.
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
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
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
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.
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?
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.
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
Karan Vinod
BBC Sport Journalist
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
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
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.
Arsenal have joined Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt's 23-year-old French striker Hugo Ekitike. (Sport Bild - in German, subscription required), external
Liverpool are willing to offer 19-year-old Scotland winger Ben Doak as part of a deal for Crystal Palace's 24-year-old England defender Marc Guehi. (Sun), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says he understands why the Reds have paid a club record sum for Germany star Florian Wirtz - but described the £116m deal as "insane".
Klopp ended his nine-year spell as Liverpool boss last summer before his successor, Arne Slot, won the Premier League title in his first season in charge.
The Reds have since spent big on recruitment, signing Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a club record fee.
"There's no question about it, that's an insane sum," said Klopp. "We all agree that we're talking about a great player here.
"I know I once said that I'm out if we pay 100m euros for a player. But the world keeps changing. That is how the market is.
"My part of football will always remain the game itself, but if you want to play at the top level, you can't train all your players yourself. Sometimes you need to get hold [of players from] somewhere else."
Asked if Wirtz, 22, will establish himself at Anfield, Klopp added: "Yes, although of course I don't know exactly which position Arne has in mind for Florian.
"He's an outstanding player who can give any club something great. Whether he'll make the reigning English champions even better remains to be seen."
Tom Mortimer
Hungarian football writer
Hungary was not Milos Kerkez's birthplace, but it is where he became a footballer.
At 15, he moved from Austria to Hodmezovasarhelyi in the south of Hungary, and made a decision: "If I get to a good enough level, I want to represent Hungary's national team." That decision today looks prophetic.
Kerkez is now Hungary's first choice left-back, has already played more than 100 senior club games, and this season made many people's Premier League team of the year - all at the age of 21.
He is also not the only Hungarian moving to Liverpool. This summer, Liverpool have not just signed Kerkez, but also Armin Pecsi - a 20-year-old goalkeeper from Puskas Akademia, the club closest to Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban's heart.
The symbolism is impossible to ignore: the most storied club in England tapping directly into Orban's £3bn football project.
Liverpool's history with Hungarian players has been patchy at best.
Istvan Kozma joined in 1992 but never settled. The highly rated trio of Krisztian Nemeth, Andras Simon and Krisztian Adorjan flattered but faded. Even Peter Gulacsi, now among Europe's elite goalkeepers, was once just 'the other keeper' behind Pepe Reina and Brad Jones.
But Kerkez - like Dominik Szoboszlai before him - is the product of a very different Hungary.
In the past decade, the Hungarian Football Federation has begun building a modernised system to become a sophisticated footballing outfit.
It is not only about money - though Orban's vast investment has played its part. It is about momentum and method. Data-led development, better coaching pipelines, and a renewed sense of national pride have combined to give young players real pathways.
Kerkez has followed that pathway. With AZ he saw the vision. At Bournemouth, he chose the project, not the prestige.
Now, he is moving to the Premier League champions and one of the biggest clubs in the world.
For Liverpool? Well, the Hungarian market is beginning to bear very different fruit.
Tom Mortimer
Hungarian football writer
Milos Kerkez does not so much play left-back as explode into the role.
At 21, he has already redefined it for Bournemouth - and now he is set to do the same for Liverpool.
Signed as Andy Robertson's heir-apparent, Kerkez arrives not as a promising project, but a ready-made menace, forged in the Premier League and sharpened in Andoni Iraola's press-heavy system.
Only two players made more overlapping runs than Kerkez's 237 last season, he ranked top three for open-play crosses, and covered more ground than nearly every full-back in the division.
But this is not just a story of engine and enterprise. It is one of decision-making, discipline and timing. For instance, his 'true tackle' success rate (61.3%) outperformed Robertson, fellow new boy Jeremie Frimpong and ex-Reds full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold's last season.
Statistically, he is elite. Positionally, he is aggressive without being exposed. And crucially, in an evolving Liverpool set-up, Kerkez balances out the equation with bite and balance on the left.
He is also very Liverpool in spirit - relentless, expressive and full of fire. He does not wait for space, he makes it. He does not defer to experience, he defines it.
He may have grown up in a Manchester United-supporting family, but one gets the sense Kerkez was built for Anfield.
If Liverpool want full-backs to be full-throttle again, they have just signed the fastest gun in the west.
Tom Mortimer
Hungarian football writer
Milos Kerkez has never been big on patience.
"That's always the problem," he joked midway through his breakout season at AZ Alkmaar, a teenager already agitating to play more, train harder and reach higher.
Most 18-year-old's would have been happy just to be there. Kerkez wanted more - and always has. From leaving AC Milan's academy to become a first-team starter in the Eredivisie, to rejecting bigger names for a chance to explode at Bournemouth, his trajectory has only ever pointed one way.
Kerkez was born in Serbia and moved to Hungary at 15, vowing immediately to represent their national team. He captained youth sides despite barely speaking the language.
"He's a crazy guy," one youth coach said. "He'll make it to a top-three league or be in prison."
After all, Kerkez started as a number 10. By 16, he had moved to left-back and then, at 17, he signed for Milan. The speed of change has not slowed.
At AZ, the club handed him a dossier thicker than a phone book, containing stats on his reaction time, pressing habits and recovery runs.
Kerkez devoured it. He tackled with his head, launched touchline assaults like a man possessed and emerged as one of Europe's most relentless full-backs.
Bournemouth came calling with a well-crafted pitch - and won out over bigger names.
Since then, he has been a talisman in Andoni Iraola's turbo-charged system, combining ferocity in defence with electricity going forward.
Off the pitch he is a Twitch streamer, a Fortnite fanatic and a forest fisherman. Maximus the rottweiler waits at home and, in Serbia, so does his father's dream of a farm and training centre, which Milos now hopes to build.
He is fiery and funny, and friends with new Liverpool team-mate Dominik Szoboszlai.
And when the Hungary starlet rifles into a top corner or tackles a winger with his forehead, you realise the kid from Vrbas is not just rising. He is rocketing.
And he is doing it his way.
The Mail Sport's Dominic King believes Andy Robertson still has a huge role to play at Liverpool.
He told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Milos Kerkez's challenge is to play 50 games a season like Andy Robertson.
"The situation with Andy Robertson is complicated at the moment because he's got a year left on his deal and there has been interest from clubs on the continent in him.
"He's weighing things up. He's at the stage of his career where his next deal is probably going to be his last big one. I've seen examples of people leaving Liverpool in recent years and it hasn't worked out for them.
"Andy Robertson has been too big a character, too good a player, too influential in the dressing room for it to go somewhere else. Yes, it would be a brilliant challenge but I still think he's got a huge role to play at Liverpool.
"[Because of] his leadership, what he stands for, what he knows and the culture he has helped set, if I had anything to do with running Liverpool I'd be making it clear to him that I want him to stay. "
Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds
Josh Sexton
Fan writer
Harvey Elliott's performances for England Under-21s will come as absolutely no surprise to anybody associated with Liverpool Football Club.
Everybody knows the talent the 22-year-old possesses, the biggest problem for the Reds' 'diamond' has been finding his home within the systems of the past two managers.
It has become something of a hard-luck story, though I'm sure Elliott himself would never describe it as such.
In fairness, through his eyes, he would be likely to say that he has been able to grow and contribute to the team he supports, and has won every domestic honour since he made his debut back in September 2019 - as well as being a part of the Club Word Cup-winning squad.
However, supporters of Liverpool and their young star will not be able to shake the feeling that his massive potential is still yet to be realised at his boyhood club - and all through no real fault of his own.
Physical stature, pace and positioning have all been used to try to troubleshoot exactly where the prospect signed from Fulham's academy is falling short.
Regardless, the club record signing of Florian Wirtz feels like another bump down the pecking order for Elliott, who made just six starts under Arne Slot in 2024-25.
Whether the Reds' manager and young midfielder sit down this summer to figure out an exit strategy or he stays to fight for his place remains to be seen.
Whatever happens, there is no doubt Elliott deserves to find himself where his talents can be seen on a regular basis.
Find more from Josh Sexton at The Anfield Wrap, external