Author: footballtopstar

  • Rooney Turns Up the Heat on Isak After Liverpool Fall to United; “he deserves to be benched”

    In the aftermath of Liverpool’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester United, football legend Wayne Rooney has dropped a bombshell opinion — he says he’d bench Alexander Isak and start Hugo Ekitike instead.

    Speaking on BBC’s “The Wayne Rooney Show,” the former Manchester United captain didn’t hold back in his analysis of Isak’s poor run of form.

    “I wouldn’t play Isak, he hasn’t looked ready since coming from Newcastle,” Rooney said. “He hasn’t trained, hasn’t had a preseason. It’s so important. While Newcastle were training he was probably sat at home on the phone to his agent for six hours a day trying to get a move.”

    Rooney added that Isak’s struggles stem from his disrupted preparation.

    “It’s so difficult when you don’t have a preseason. He might’ve done stuff by himself but he’s paying the price of it. On performances, he doesn’t deserve to be playing ahead of Ekitike.”

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot had opted to start Isak over Ekitike, leaving the French forward on the bench. But Isak failed to justify his manager’s faith, missing a golden first-half opportunity when he went one-on-one with goalkeeper Senne Lammens, only to see his shot saved.

    The Swedish striker is still chasing his first Premier League goal for Liverpool after four appearances, despite joining the club last month in a British-record £125 million ($171m) transfer. His only goal so far came in the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.

    Sunday’s defeat marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive loss in all competitions. Harry Maguire’s late header sealed victory for United, leaving Liverpool fourth in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Arsenal.

    Rooney suggested that complacency and pressure may be creeping into Arne Slot’s camp.

    “They’ve got a bit complacent,” Rooney noted. “For Arne Slot, you forget because he won the Premier League, but he’s still quite young — 46 years of age — and this was the first time he has lost four in a row in his career.”

    “[Against United] he was arguing with the officials on the touchline, I haven’t seen that before from him. We’re starting to see things unfold which shows that there’s pressure there.”

    With mounting tension at Anfield and Rooney’s bold verdict now echoing across football circles, all eyes will be on Arne Slot’s next lineup — and whether Hugo Ekitike finally gets his shot to lead Liverpool’s attack.

  • five players may miss Liverpool’s match against Newcastle as Eddie Howe provides Alexander Isak update

    five players may miss Liverpool’s match against Newcastle as Eddie Howe provides Alexander Isak update

    Latest Liverpool FC Updates Ahead of Newcastle Showdown at St James’ Park

    Up to five players may miss tonight’s Premier League fixture in the North East.

    Liverpool face off with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Monday evening, as both teams aim to gain ground in the league standings.

    The Reds began their campaign with a convincing 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side saw late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah seal the win in the final minutes.

    In contrast, Newcastle played out a 0-0 stalemate with Aston Villa. With Alexander Isak currently refusing to play amid a push to join Liverpool, Eddie Howe turned to Anthony Gordon to lead the Magpies’ attack.

    Although Liverpool may feel confident, Newcastle are eager to prove to their absent striker exactly what he’s walking away from. Unfortunately for Slot, up to five players might be unavailable for selection tonight.

    Frimpong Sidelined With Hamstring Issue

    Last weekend, Jeremie Frimpong sustained a hamstring injury during the Bournemouth clash. The 24-year-old full-back, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million earlier this summer, had to be withdrawn around the hour mark.

    Speaking during Thursday’s press conference, Slot provided an update: “The medical team was completely right about Jeremie to tell me that I had to take him off, because he is out until the end of the international break, and that happened in the game.

    I already said immediately after the game that it had nothing to do with how he played, but we felt he had an issue with his hamstring. And with ‘we’ I don’t mean me, but the medical staff.

    And they were completely right. So, a good call to take him off; otherwise, he would have maybe been out for longer. And we expect to have him back after the international break.”

    Gomez and Bradley Both Remain Doubts 

    Joe Gomez made a brief return from injury with an 18-minute appearance against Bournemouth, but doubts remain over his readiness for a full return.

    Slot explained: “For him to play 20 minutes [this season] is already quite a lot. I wouldn’t say he had a setback, but he wasn’t able to train with us three days in a row completely with the team, which is completely normal if you have been out for so long and all of a sudden the manager needs you for 20 minutes.

    He is training with the team, so let’s see where he is on Monday, if he can be involved in the team, or if he can even start. But there are other options.”

    Conor Bradley is also in doubt for the clash, having missed both the Community Shield and the league opener.

    “Conor trained for a few minutes with us today for the first time,” Slot added.

    Newcastle Missing Isak and Possibly Willock

    Newcastle’s injury list is considerably shorter, with only two potential absentees. Alexander Isak remains unavailable, and Joe Willock has only just resumed full training. Meanwhile, Jacob Ramsey—recently signed from Aston Villa for £40 million—is expected to feature.

    Speaking on Willock, Howe shared: “Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday and trained really well. When he went down in the game [in Korea] I thought he was going to be out longer term, it didn’t look good. Credit to him, he’s got back fit and looking good.”

    Regarding Isak’s situation, Howe expressed disappointment: “It was a sad moment. My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must. The club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment.

    He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable. But 100 percent I want him back in a Newcastle 

  • “Slot Speaks Out Ahead of Liverpool’s Clash with Newcastle as Isak Transfer Saga Heats Up”

    “Slot Speaks Out Ahead of Liverpool’s Clash with Newcastle as Isak Transfer Saga Heats Up”

    Arne Slot speaks exclusively to Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor ahead of Monday’s clash with Newcastle and weighs in on Alexander Isak speculation

    When asked who Liverpool’s main title challengers are this season, Arne Slot isn’t ready to name names just yet.

    Instead, the Liverpool boss references the “usual suspects,” who he expects to be in contention throughout the campaign. Early-season form is offering some clues, with Arsenal starting strong with two wins, Chelsea catching the eye with their Friday night performance, and Tottenham potentially emerging as a dark horse under new manager Thomas Frank after consecutive victories.

    Liverpool themselves made a statement with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth on the opening weekend—though the match wasn’t without its complications.

    Slot acknowledges the Reds are still a work in progress, especially after a £300m summer overhaul. Speaking to Sky Sports, he praised the team’s resilience in bouncing back from a “difficult position” against the Cherries, with late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah sealing the result. New arrival Hugo Ekitike also impressed on his debut.

    Liverpool would have entered the title race conversation even without their significant spending spree. But as the biggest spenders in this summer’s Premier League transfer window, expectations are now even higher as Slot looks to build on a successful first season.

    “Very happy with the squad”

    So, does Slot think the current squad is enough to compete—or is there still room for additions?

    “No, I’m very happy with the squad we’re having now,” he insists. “Very happy, as you could see, Friday night as well, that we could impact the game from the bench, as we did so many times last season.

    “So, yeah, happy, but as always, if it’s 10 days to go, I don’t know how long the market is open, we will always look.”

    On Isak: “Let’s talk about Hugo”

    Naturally, the conversation shifts to Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who has publicly stated he wants to leave the club—prompting speculation that Liverpool could make a move.

    Could Liverpool be tempted to act before the transfer window shuts on September 1?

    Slot diverts attention, preferring to focus on one of his new signings.

    “I think the way Hugo Ekitike started his career at Liverpool, we should talk about him and say how well he did,” Slot replies, downplaying the Isak links.

    “It would be unfair to him to talk about other targets if they are actually there. And if they are there, we don’t speak about them in public. But I think the main thing should be that we talk about how well Hugo has done until now.”

    Isak remains a major talking point in the buildup to Monday night’s Liverpool-Newcastle showdown—live on Sky Sports. However, the Swedish international will not feature, leaving a significant void in Eddie Howe’s squad. Howe called the situation a “lose-lose” in his own recent interview.

    “He’s a big, big, big threat”

    Is Slot relieved that his side, still facing scrutiny over their defensive performances, won’t have to deal with Isak at St James’ Park?

    “He scored against us in the League Cup final, and he scored against us in the away game [last season],” Slot points out.

    “So yeah, if they have him, he’s a big, big, big threat, but like any other team in the Premier League, if one is injured or not there, it’s not like the manager has to look at his bench and say, ‘now I have no one to play anymore’.”

    Slot acknowledges Newcastle’s attacking options beyond Isak:

    “For them to play [Anthony] Gordon, [Anthony] Elanga and [Harvey] Barnes and still having [Jacob] Murphy on the bench like last time, maybe it changes this game, it tells you how much quality they still have available.”

    “We need to be much better”

    Slot is under increased pressure in his second year at Anfield, particularly with fans eager for the club’s first league title since 2019/20 and with several new signings to integrate.

    Does the Isak saga add extra intrigue to the match?

    “The atmosphere was amazing last year [at St James’ Park], and the intensity levels of their players were amazing, and there were no talks then. They fully deserved to win the League Cup final from us,” Slot admits.

    “So yeah, if they can even add intensity to those two games, that would be really special. Even if we would have been at our best, I would be far from sure we could have beaten that Newcastle team on that day, because they were outstanding.”

    Slot reflects on last season’s challenges and what must improve:

    “What I do know is that we need to be much better than we were. In the end of the season, it was harder and harder for us to win our game. I think we had to rely a few times on our set-pieces back then as well.”

    History on Liverpool’s side

    Newcastle have failed to beat Liverpool in their last 17 Premier League meetings, a run that stretches back to December 2015 under Steve McClaren. Eddie Howe will be desperate to rewrite that narrative—but without his top striker, the task becomes all the more difficult.

  • Liverpool Focus on Rio Ngumoha Instead of Pursuing Fofana or Barcola Transfers

    Liverpool Focus on Rio Ngumoha Instead of Pursuing Fofana or Barcola Transfers

    Liverpool’s commitment to Rio Ngumoha shaping transfer decisions

    In an effort to ensure a clear path to the first team for Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool have opted against targeting certain players during the transfer window.

    Ngumoha, who is set to celebrate his 17th birthday later this week, has made one senior appearance so far. The milestone will also mark the signing of his first professional contract, aligning with his status as a first-team consideration.

    The young forward made a strong impression during pre-season, particularly with goals against Yokohama F. Marinos and Athletic Club. His performances have signaled he is set to take on a larger role in the upcoming campaign.

    Arne Slot is aware Liverpool “have to take care” when it comes to integrating Ngumoha and fellow youngster Trey Nyoni into the high demands of senior-level football. The club has made a deliberate effort not to place obstacles in their development path.

    According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, Liverpool “have said they would rather create a pathway” for Ngumoha “than sign Bradley Barcola or Malick Fofana.

     

    Both Barcola (22) and Fofana (20) are talented wide attackers, but bringing them in would have potentially curtailed Ngumoha’s opportunities in the forward line—not just this season, but in the longer term as well.

    This decision underscores the high esteem in which the 16-year-old is held. Despite being linked to PSG’s Barcola and Lyon’s Fofana during a transformative summer, Liverpool have stayed focused on internal growth aligned with Slot’s vision.

    Instead of spending big, the Reds are choosing to invest in Ngumoha and their own developmental infrastructure. That said, they’ve yet to finalize a compensation agreement with Chelsea for the youngster’s move.

    Should negotiations fail, a tribunal will determine the fee—similar to how Liverpool secured Harvey Elliott from Fulham when he was 16.

    Ngumoha will be carefully managed to avoid excessive pressure, but his pre-season form suggests he’s ready to embrace the spotlight.

    Slot has also minimized talk of needing more attacking reinforcements ahead of the September 1 deadline, though Alexander Isak remains on strike in pursuit of a transfer to Anfield

  • Alexander Isak Saga Nears Climax as ‘Insiders’ Hint at Key Date Before Liverpool’s Final Bid

    Alexander Isak Saga Nears Climax as ‘Insiders’ Hint at Key Date Before Liverpool’s Final Bid

    Liverpool are preparing to “strike with one last bid” for Alexander Isak, as sources close to the situation suggest developments could accelerate quickly following what’s been described as a “significant” turning point.

    The Swedish striker is currently training separately from his Newcastle United teammates and has made himself unavailable for selection, aiming to force through a transfer to Liverpool. In a public statement released via social media on Tuesday, Isak cited “broken promises” as the reason behind his refusal to play.

    Isak: “Promises were broken and trust is lost”

    Taking to Instagram, Isak shared his frustrations:

    “I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken.”

    “That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.”

    “The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.”

    “When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”

    In response, Newcastle issued a firm statement: “We have been clear that the conditions for a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee these conditions being met.”

    Tension builds ahead of Liverpool clash at St James’ Park

    Isak now finds himself in a state of uncertainty, with Liverpool holding off on submitting another offer until Newcastle are willing to engage in negotiations—something the club insists won’t happen.

    However, manager Eddie Howe offered a revealing comment during his Friday press conference: “It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly.”

    That statement may be a nod to the critical timing of Newcastle’s upcoming match against Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday. According to Chronicle Live’s chief Newcastle correspondent Lee Ryder, “the word from insiders – at both ends of the deal – is that everything post-Monday night feels significant”, suggesting Liverpool may be planning a final move after the two sides meet on the pitch.

    Ryder further explained:

    “Newcastle were never going to gift Liverpool their prized striker and then watch on as Isak made his debut in red against the Magpies at St James’ Park.”

    “And there is a feeling at the Anfield end that there was always going to be a follow-up to the bid of around £110m which was launched at the start of this month. However, it was hardly going to come in the build-up to the Reds’ visit to St James’ Park.”

    Slot gives green light as pressure mounts – new striker targets emerge

    Elsewhere, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a Liverpool signing is “absolutely on” while confirming “important” developments in the Isak saga, which included a “new call” regarding the striker’s future.

    There have now been three Alexander Isak ‘bombshells’, as Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reportedly given the “green light” for a final push, while Jamie Carragher has publicly warned the club: “It cannot be Isak or no one”, urging Liverpool not to be left short in attack in the event of a failed move.

    Newcastle eye replacements as pressure grows

    When asked whether Newcastle could allow Isak to leave without securing a replacement, Howe responded: “I don’t think the club will allow that situation to happen.”

    In the search for alternatives, Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope provided an update on Newcastle’s striker hunt, revealing a “new name in the mix”.

    Posting on X, Hope wrote: “Newcastle currently exploring two or three striker options as they wait for progress (or otherwise) on Yoane Wissa. Answers wanted today. One new name in the mix & discussed is Alexander Sorloth at Atletico Madrid. As for Jorgen Strand-Larsen, Wolves do NOT want to sell.”

  • What’s Going On Behind the Scenes?’ – Expert Puzzled by Liverpool’s Isak Tactics

    What’s Going On Behind the Scenes?’ – Expert Puzzled by Liverpool’s Isak Tactics

    Liverpool have not exactly “covered themselves in glory” during their efforts to land Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak this transfer window.

    Isak is reportedly eager to secure a move to Liverpool, who have identified him as their priority signing with the window set to close on 1 September.

    However, the Reds had a substantial £110million bid — plus add-ons — turned down, as Newcastle are holding out for a figure closer to £150million.

    As previously reported by Football Insider on 11 August, Newcastle are adamant that Isak won’t be sold unless they manage to secure a high-calibre replacement before the deadline.

    Following Liverpool’s interest, Isak is said to be unwilling to play under Eddie Howe for the time being and was left out of the Magpies’ matchday squad for their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday (16 August).

    Alexander Isak may need to ‘eat humble pie’ at Newcastle

    Isak stunned fans with a public statement on Tuesday (19 August), claiming that certain “promises” made by the club have been “broken,” and that he no longer feels he can trust them.

    The Swedish striker, who signed a six-year contract with Newcastle in 2022 after a £63million switch from Real Sociedad, is tied to the club until June 2028.

    Speaking on the Inside Track podcast by Football Insider, Wyness commented: “I think Liverpool haven’t covered themselves in glory either.”

    “They obviously had a price for the player, but it’s not one that they obviously shared with the agent. And if that’s as high as they’re going to bid, then I’d love to know what they’ve told the agent and what they thought they were going to go in and cement the deal on because it’s not turning out to be what everybody thought.”

    “It’s an unfortunate mess, particularly when he’s such a good, young, talented player. He seemed like a nice kid as well. Handled himself well. Never seemed to be in big trouble.”

    “A couple of injuries, but nevertheless an outstanding talent, and it’s a shame and I hope that gets cleared up. It will be in the next couple of weeks one way or another.”

    “Either he’s going to have to eat humble pie at Newcastle, and I think the fans will understand to a degree, it’s the modern game, or else Liverpool’s going to have to pay the money.”

    Liverpool set to accept offer for Kostas Tsimikas

    Meanwhile, in a possible outgoing at Anfield, Football Insider reports that Liverpool are preparing to part ways with Kostas Tsimikas before the transfer window shuts.

    Manager Arne Slot made a strong statement about the 29-year-old’s place in the squad, excluding him from both the Community Shield and the opening Premier League match against Bournemouth.

    This decision follows Liverpool’s acquisition of Milos Kerkez, who is expected to challenge Andy Robertson for the starting left-back role.

     

  • Liverpool set clear position on Marc Guehi transfer fee following personal terms agreement

    Liverpool set clear position on Marc Guehi transfer fee following personal terms agreement

    LIVE REPORT — Liverpool Eye Palace Star Marc Guehi as Slot Pushes Summer Rebuild

    We’re following major developments from Anfield, where Liverpool are pushing hard to secure the services of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi — and sources are giving us a clear look at where negotiations stand.

    Although Liverpool stormed to the Premier League title last season under new boss Arne Slot, the Dutchman — alongside sporting director Richard Hughes — is not wasting a second this transfer window. The Reds have already moved quickly, snapping up Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman. And with Giorgi Mamardashvili expected to join up for pre-season, another key addition may soon follow.

    Now, all eyes are on Marc Guehi.

    According to sources close to the situation, Liverpool are fully committed to bringing the England international to Anfield this summer. The club has set its ceiling: a £40–45 million package, including performance-based bonuses. Crucially, I’m told Liverpool will not exceed that valuation.

    Initially, Crystal Palace appeared receptive to that range, but in the latest twist, the club has nudged their asking price up — hoping to squeeze out a bit more from the deal. Still, Liverpool are standing firm, banking on the player’s desire to don the red shirt as a powerful bargaining chip.

    Let’s not forget — Guehi, who joined Palace in 2021, is entering the final year of his contract with the FA Cup winners, a factor that strengthens Liverpool’s negotiating hand.

    Back on June 21, TEAMtalk reported that the Reds were very close to locking in personal terms. Now, I can confirm that Marc Guehi has agreed to a five-year deal with Liverpool, with an option for an additional year. It’s a clear statement of intent — and ambition — from the 24-year-old centre-back.

    Sources tell me Guehi has made his stance crystal clear: he wants Liverpool. He is not entertaining offers from other clubs. The message from the player’s camp is straightforward — Anfield or nothing.

    As negotiations continue between the two Premier League sides, Slot’s team remain hopeful that a breakthrough is near. But one thing remains non-negotiable for Liverpool: £45 million is the absolute limit.

    Elsewhere at Anfield:

    Liverpool latest: Micah Richards issues warning, surprise Arsenal link emerges

    Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has issued a stark warning to Liverpool, urging the club to hold on to one of their top young forwards — drawing comparisons to Cole Palmer’s rise at City after his move to Chelsea.

    Meanwhile, a player previously criticised by Arne Slot has been confirmed to be leaving the club — with the transfer fetching a substantial fee.

    And in a surprise development, Arsenal have expressed interest in a Liverpool academy talent. The champions are open to a sale and have already put a price on his head.

    📌 Coming Up: A deeper dive into how Marc Guehi compares statistically and stylistically to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Stay tuned for that analysis.

     

     

  • Liverpool deal falls through, as alternative transfer swiftly receives ‘here we go’ confirmation

    Liverpool deal falls through, as alternative transfer swiftly receives ‘here we go’ confirmation

    A much-anticipated move for Andy Robertson to Atletico Madrid is now officially off the table, and in its place, a fresh £17 million deal has rapidly materialized — with knock-on effects that could shape Liverpool’s defensive lineup going forward.


    KERKEZ IN, ROBERTSON OUT? NOT QUITE.

    Liverpool’s summer spending has now breached the £200 million mark, with Milos Kerkez officially unveiled on Thursday. The highly rated Hungarian international, just 21 years old, joins from Bournemouth for a fee of £40 million and has signed a five-year contract.

    This move, of course, raised immediate questions about the future of Andy Robertson. The veteran left-back, now 31, endured a patchy season and has just one year left on his current deal. Behind the scenes, there’s been a growing sense that his days as a top-tier starter could be behind him.

    Sources close to the club tell us that Robertson had started warming to the idea of leaving Anfield in search of regular game time. And it looked like Atletico Madrid were ready to offer him just that — they entered the picture and held positive talks with the Scotland international.

    But there was a catch.

    Atletico were hoping to negotiate either a free transfer or a nominal fee, expecting perhaps a sentimental gesture from Liverpool given Robertson’s incredible service. But make no mistake — Liverpool are not in the charity business. Club sources made it clear: if Robertson was to go, it would be on Liverpool’s terms.


    “RUGGERI INSTEAD” — DEAL CONFIRMED

    With no agreement in sight, Fabrizio Romano broke the news late last night that Atletico Madrid have now pivoted to a different target:

    “The Italian left wing-back, Matteo Ruggeri, leaves Atalanta and joins Atletico Madrid,” said Romano on his YouTube channel. “He will be in Madrid in the next hours for medical tests and contract signing. New left-back for Diego Simeone, total package worth €20m.”

    And perhaps most significantly:

    “We don’t expect Andy Robertson to go to Atletico Madrid anymore. He was a strong candidate, there were concrete conversations, but Atletico wanted to pay a very small fee — that was not possible. Liverpool wanted their conditions respected.”

    According to Romano, the Spanish club ultimately chose to go with a younger profile altogether. Ruggeri, at 22, is five years Robertson’s junior.


    THREE INTO ONE DOESN’T GO

    Liverpool’s interest in Kerkez was no sudden decision. According to TEAMtalk, the Reds had been tracking him long before the winter window and made him their priority for the left-back role.

    But with Kerkez now locked in, that leaves Liverpool with three senior left-backs — an unsustainable number by any metric. Since Robertson now appears to be staying, the most likely departure is Kostas Tsimikas.

    Ian Darke, well-known commentator and pundit, shared his view on the situation with Liverpool News:

    “I’m not sure what the inside track is within the club, but you would think that with Milos Kerkez’s signing from Bournemouth, it will be him and Robertson competing for the position.”

    “So yes, it does look like [Tsimikas] would become surplus to requirements… I think he is the kind of player who would be a good signing for one of the promoted clubs.”


    LOOKING AHEAD

    Should Tsimikas depart this summer and Robertson follow him out the door when his contract expires in 2026, Liverpool could find themselves in the market again — perhaps as early as next summer — for another left-back to back up or challenge Kerkez.

    For now, though, the focus remains on reshaping the squad under Arne Slot, and one thing is clear — Kerkez is the man trusted to lead the new era at left-back.

     

  • Marc Guehi’s Arsenal Stance Could Clear the Way for Liverpool to Seal $69M Deal

    Marc Guehi’s Arsenal Stance Could Clear the Way for Liverpool to Seal $69M Deal

    Liverpool Eyeing Marc Guehi as Quansah Set for Leverkusen Switch

    Hello and welcome to this developing story — I’m reporting live on a key update from Liverpool’s transfer activity.

    In a move that could shake up the Reds’ backline, Jarell Quansah is poised to complete a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, opening the door for a defensive reshuffle at Anfield. With Quansah set to exit, Liverpool are now prioritizing the signing of Marc Guehi, and I’m hearing he’s firmly at the top of their list.

    Now, here’s where things get interesting — Arsenal, another Premier League giant, is also in the hunt for Guehi. However, their pursuit could hit a snag if they land Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia. Should that happen, it might just clear the path for Liverpool to move in decisively.

    Let’s talk about Guehi for a moment. At 24, the Crystal Palace star has emerged as one of England’s most consistent centre-backs. With just a year left on his current contract, he could be available for a cut-price fee this summer — a potential bargain for clubs seeking long-term defensive reinforcements.

    At Liverpool, the need for stability in central defense is growing. Not only is Ibrahima Konaté entering the final 12 months of his deal, but Virgil van Dijk turns 34 next month. Meanwhile, Joe Gomez is still working his way back after a hamstring injury that sidelined him in early February.

    In that context, signing Guehi could offer both immediate and future cover. Sources close to the player suggest Anfield might be his preferred destination. In fact, earlier this week, reports surfaced that Guehi had told friends he would rather join Liverpool than move to Newcastle or Tottenham — both of whom have expressed strong interest.

    From a tactical standpoint, Liverpool may have the upper hand. Unlike Arsenal, who boast the formidable duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães — with both tied down to long-term deals — Liverpool may be able to offer Guehi a clearer path to first-team football, particularly if Konaté leaves next summer.

    Over at Arsenal, Gabriel has just inked a new contract, and talks are ongoing with Saliba, whose current deal runs until 2026. Should Mosquera also arrive at the Emirates, Guehi’s playing time could become limited — something the Reds will be hoping to capitalize on.

    According to The Guardian, Guehi is even open to seeing out his current Palace deal and leaving for free in 2026, though Liverpool would prefer to act swiftly to secure him this summer.

    Liverpool have already made headlines this window with the signings of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez, racking up a combined spend of around $250 million, including add-ons. And I can confirm — they’re not done yet.

    With funds boosted by the exits of Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and soon Jarell Quansah, Liverpool’s recruitment drive shows no signs of slowing down.

    We’ll continue monitoring this developing story as it unfolds — stay tuned for more updates as Liverpool move closer to what could be a critical summer signing.

  • Latest on Harvey Elliott’s Transfer Value and Interest with Three Clubs Linked

    Latest on Harvey Elliott’s Transfer Value and Interest with Three Clubs Linked

    Harvey Elliott’s Future Hangs in the Balance Amid U21 Euro Heroics

    Harvey Elliott is turning heads at the U21 European Championship—and not just for his goals.

    The 22-year-old Liverpool midfielder has been in red-hot form for England U21s, netting four goals, including a stunning brace that booked the Young Lions a place in the final against Germany. With all eyes on Saturday’s clash, Elliott’s stock is rising fast—and so is the speculation surrounding his future.

    Despite the growing noise, Elliott’s focus has remained on the pitch. But with the final just days away, the conversation around his next move is heating up. Sources now name Brighton, West Ham, and RB Leipzig as clubs closely monitoring the situation.

    Elliott, who openly admitted at the end of the season that he may need to leave Anfield to avoid “wasting years” of his career, could be on the verge of a career-defining decision.

    According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool would demand at least £40 million for a summer transfer—a remarkable profit from the £4.3 million they paid Fulham after a tribunal decision in 2021. Since then, Elliott has racked up 143 appearances in red.

    But his 2024 season told a different story.

    Under new head coach Arne Slot, Elliott logged just 826 minutes in all competitions. A damaging ankle injury early on saw him fall down the pecking order, starting just once in the Premier League—and only after the title was mathematically sealed.

    Slot spoke candidly about Elliott’s struggles:

    “Harvey is one of the players who hasn’t had as much playing time as he maybe deserves, but like some others, he’s in competition with so many good players that mainly I’ve chosen,” he said back in May.

    “Also partly because he was injured for a long time… the first part after he came back from his injury he wasn’t the same as he was before.”

    But Slot added, encouragingly:

    “The last few months he’s back to his old level again… I like him more now than I did the first months when he came back from his injury.”

    That resurgence may be coming just in time.

    As Elliott prepares for what could be his last game as a Liverpool player, plans for his next chapter—and that of teammates Tyler Morton and Jarell Quansah (who’s nearing a move to Bayer Leverkusen)—are expected to unfold shortly after the final whistle in Berlin.

    Stay tuned—this summer could be pivotal for Harvey Elliott.