Liverpool

Daniel Austin
BBC Sport journalist

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It was a game at Arsenal in January 2022 that cemented the solid bond between Diogo Jota and Liverpool supporters.

On a Thursday night in the League Cup semi-finals, the forward was rampant. He scored two in an electric performance, twisting and turning the Gunners defenders inside out and finishing with his trademark precision.

Supporters in the away end were in love with him. They chanted raucously, ceaselessly the song which had begun to gather momentum on a recent European away trip from part way through the first half, into the concourse at half-time, and until the full-time whistle.

They scarcely came up for air because they wanted Jota to know what a tremendous night he had given them.

Now some of those same supporters stand outside Anfield, dazed and distressed, staring at red shirts with 'Diogo' emblazoned on the back as the news of his death begins to settle.

"He was such a nice person," said Brian Curry, a match-going Liverpool fan.

"He's a legend. He'll be sadly, sadly missed by every fan. I'm sure the Kop, and the players when they go on the pitch, will have him in their heart."

Jota's 65th and final Liverpool goal, a true poacher's winner against Everton in front of the Kop in April, now stands as a beacon - a moment in time fans can look back on and take joy in the fact they were able to share it with him.

Footballers often mean more to fans than the players themselves will ever know.

But strolling around the Anfield turf on the final day of the season, big shiny silver trophy in hand, and all four stands singing his name, Jota knew he was adored.

Read more about why Jota's memories will live on forever here

Your tributes have been flooding in throughout the day following the tragic news about the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.

Here are some more of your comments:

Kush: Absolutely floored by this, difficult to find the words. Diogo was an incredible footballer and more importantly, by all accounts a wonderful person. We will never, ever forget him. Heartbroken for his wife Rute and kids. I know the club will ensure they Never Walk Alone.

Fraser: Shocked. Genuinely lost for words. One of my favourite players and one of the most clinical and humble players you could ask for. I will never forget his many goals for us, especially the sole goal that won us the derby back in April, a game that proved so crucial in our title-winning season. Little did we know that would be the final goal that he would ever score in his life. I cannot imagine the pain and grief the family are going through. Rest in Peace Diogo Jota. Forever our number 20.

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Ruaridh: It's just devastating. Such a shock. We've not just lost a world class player, we've lost a friend. His song radiating from the roof of Anfield speaks for itself, everyone adored him. A true gentleman, a father, a husband, and such a kind heart. We will all miss you, Diogo. The love you shared will never be forgotten. Fly high my friend, You'll Never Walk Alone.

Michael: Two amazing players taken too soon. Thank you for everything you did for LFC Jota, a truly amazing player and individual. Such talent and finesse, your time will never be forgotten. You and the memories we've all made will stay with us always. Fly high lads, heaven has gained two angels.

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Sebastien: It's heartbreaking to hear this tragic news. Diogo was someone who as a Liverpool player had some magical moments on the pitch, but he was a wonderful human being too. The world is less bright with his and his brother's passing. We will keep you in our hearts, and we will never forget you Diogo and Andre. RIP. YNWA.

James: Tragic, someone so young talented and full of life, with so much to look forward to. A joy to watch as a footballer. Condolences to all his family and friends.

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Pat: Diogo Jota was a lot of things - a father, a husband, a brother. The people who knew that the most will be the people hurting the most now, and I cannot imagine their grief. The tributes to the man will come from those who knew him.

Tributes to the footballer are easier. What we could all see from the stands or on screen was a committed team player who would run himself into the ground for the cause, and a talented creator and finisher of chances (with a goal roughly every three games, which is incredible given his injury record). I think all Liverpool fans will miss him terribly.

Liverpool's former manager Jurgen Klopp has posted an emotional tribute to his former player Diogo Jota.

The German signed Jota in the summer of 2020 from Wolves, and in their time together at the club, they won the League Cup twice and the FA Cup.

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Neil Atkinson of The Anfield Wrap has put his thoughts out in the aftermath of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre:

The news of the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva is devastating.

I'm sure every Liverpool supporter, every Penafiel supporter, and every Portugal supporter is shocked.

My Diogo Jota is the one full of instinct and indefatigable spirit; the one scoring a brace against Arsenal or sticking up for us in scoring the winning penalty in the shootout against Leicester.

I am sure that is a massive part of his essence, but it is such a long way from the whole of the man who got married last week and called himself "the lucky one" when he did so.

There, in the midst of that first sentence, is the primary reason for grief today - a family has lost two brothers in one tragic incident. Not one footballer but two brothers, two sons. A pair full of vitality, full of celebratory spirit after Diogo's wedding last week, and now just gone, lost in a moment.

The WhatsApp groups I am in are mourning a young father, not a player who has won every domestic honour with Liverpool.

Today should just be about that, about that family, the wider families impacted at Liverpool FC and Penafiel, and their friends and loved ones.

We love footballers; collective shared love is the greatest gift of the game and those explosions of joy create bonds which last lifetimes between us on the stands and in supporter clubs, and between us and them on the pitch.

Seeing the image of him from the final day of last season, his young family and the trophy he worked towards is a reminder that whole families feel as though they collaborate in this thing of ours.

The starkest grief though is theirs. The loss is theirs. The burden is theirs. We can pay tribute and remember and we should, but all of that can wait. Today is about their devastation; our shock is nothing to theirs.

We will not be putting anything out today on The Anfield Wrap. We'll pay tribute to the footballer and the person we saw through the prism of football in the days to come.

Cherish and look after your loved ones; families, colleagues, friends; the people in the WhatsApp groups. Reminders of how brittle the whole thing is hit hard and all we can do is look after one another.

All my love.

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.

Image source, Getty Images

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

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

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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