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Hugo Ekitike hints at breakthrough level with Wirtz by his side

Kanyinsola
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Hugo Ekitike hints at breakthrough level with Wirtz by his side

Hugo Ekitike believes his growing connection with Florian Wirtz can take Liverpool to another level.

The summer signing already struck three times in his first four appearances, but he believes his link-up with Florian Wirtz will unlock even more.

Ekitike has impressed since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt, and his first senior France call-up added to a whirlwind few weeks.

Yet the 23-year-old insists fans haven’t seen his best work with Wirtz just yet.

ALSO READ: Arne Slot drops truth bomb on transfers, tough calls, and a missed opportunity

Ekitike praises Wirtz connection as ‘better days’ ahead

The forward underlined how quickly he has clicked with Liverpool’s new German playmaker in an interview at the AXA Training Centre.

“Flo is a great, great player, he understands football I think as I understand football. We speak the same language on the pitch, so it’s kind of easy to have a connection with him.

“But I think you guys haven’t seen everything yet, better days are coming.”

Ekitike added that their off-field relationship strengthens what they do on the pitch:

“We’re almost the same age, same generation … we talk the same football language and even outside football he’s a good guy.”

Before the September break, Ekitike became the first Liverpool player since Daniel Sturridge to score in each of his first three games, netting against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Newcastle.

He explained that while he is proud of the comparison, his aim is to push beyond.

“It’s good to be compared to Sturridge … I want to do my best to do better than him.”

Liverpool paid £69 million plus add-ons to bring him from Eintracht Frankfurt after a season where he scored 15 Bundesliga goals and 22 in all competitions.

Expectations are high, but Ekitike knows what matters most:

“The most important thing is to continue to be consistent.”

Ekitike’s excitement about linking with Wirtz, combined with his scoring start and determination to improve, gives Reds fans plenty to anticipate.

If his words prove true, Liverpool supporters may indeed see “better days” as this new partnership takes flight.

ALSO READ: Arne Slot teases key detail about Isak’s Liverpool debut

Arne Slot drops truth bomb on transfers, tough calls, and a missed opportunity

Neel Kamal
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Arne Slot drops truth bomb on transfers, tough calls, and a missed opportunity

Liverpool’s summer reshaping under Arne Slot has already seen moments of triumph, difficult decisions, and one transfer that slipped away.

Slot was clear about the satisfaction of securing Alexander Isak in an interview with Sky Sports, praising the work that went into closing the deal.

“The thing that pleases me the most is us getting the deal from Isak over the line,” he said. “Richard, ownership, everyone worked so hard to get that deal done.”

The Liverpool boss underlined that the club’s vision was focused on the long term rather than expecting instant results.

“We’ve to build him up gradually. We have not signed him for next 2 weeks, we have signed him for six years!” Slot explained, signalling that patience will be vital as the striker adapts.

He also stressed that Isak’s workload will be carefully managed early on. “Don’t expect him to be every single game 90 minutes on the pitch,” Slot added, highlighting the need to ease him in gradually.

ALSO READ: Jamie Carragher pins one Liverpool transfer mistake that could backfire

Slot faces difficult omissions and a deal that slipped away

Not everything was straightforward for Slot in his first transfer window. He admitted that leaving Federico Chiesa out of the Champions League squad was one of his hardest calls.

“It was tough for me, it is difficult for him. Of course he wasn’t happy with that decision but he understood the argument,” Slot said.

He added that the Italian winger’s reaction reflected professionalism. “He gave the answer you want to hear from a player and he will be there to help in the other cups and in PL.”

Slot also addressed a deal that failed to materialise, confirming that Liverpool were close to signing Marc Guehi.

“It would be ridiculous if I denied that we were close to signing him,” he admitted, acknowledging the club’s efforts even if the move did not go through.

ALSO READ: Liverpool face major setback as Real Madrid repeat Alexander-Arnold strategy

Arne Slot teases key detail about Isak’s Liverpool debut

Kanyinsola
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Arne Slot teases key detail about Isak’s Liverpool debut

Slot reflects on Isak Liverpool readiness, urging patience as his new No.9 adapts to life with the Reds.

Alexander Isak joined Liverpool on deadline day, but Arne Slot admitted that Isak missed much of pre-season and team training, meaning the club will ease him in carefully.

Slot told reporters at the AXA Training Centre in a press conference that while Isak has the quality Liverpool paid for, expecting him to play full matches right away isn’t realistic.

He praised Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson for managing Isak’s minutes wisely, noting that rushing a player back risks injury and burnout.

ALSO READ: Jamie Carragher pins one Liverpool transfer mistake that could backfire

Why Slot wants fans to hold off on high expectations

Slot confirmed Isak’s debut likely won’t involve 90 minutes just yet.

“Don’t expect him every single game 90 minutes on the pitch – that’s definitely not going to happen in the upcoming weeks.”

Slot admitted that Isak’s arrival is a major deal: the work behind the scenes, negotiations, medicals—all came together at the last moment.

He said the club, staff, and ownership “worked so hard to get that deal done,” and that it’s “very good for the club, for our fans, for the players, for me, that all the work they’ve put in resulted in Alex signing for us.”

Slot also spoke about not knowing Isak personally yet. He called him a quality player, emphasized that he needs time and reaffirmed that Liverpool signed him for the long haul.

He stressed that short bursts of time off the bench may happen before full match involvement.

Fans may be eager to see Isak smashing goals from day one, but Slot’s message is clear: patience matters.

He’s built Isak’s arrival on a foundation of long-term gain, not instant gratification.

ALSO READ: “It will pay you back” – Neville’s surprising take sparks Liverpool buzz

Jamie Carragher pins one Liverpool transfer mistake that could backfire

Sohom Chatterjee
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Jamie Carragher pins one Liverpool transfer mistake that could backfire

Jamie Carragher thinks that Liverpool have made a huge mistake by not signing this defender in the summer transfer window.

The summer of 2025 will be a memorable one for the Reds, who broke the bank to sign multiple world-class talents to strengthen Arne Slot’s side.

LFC spent a total of £446 million to bring in Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, breaking multiple transfer records.

Despite the high-spending summer window, the defending Premier League champions are lagging behind in the defensive department as they are short on centre-backs.

And this lack of depth can be attributed to the failed transfer of Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi that fell through on deadline day.

Even though the 25-year-old had completed a medical in London on September 1 and the clubs had agreed a £35m deal with a 10% sell-on clause, it collapsed due to the London side’s inadequacy to secure a replacement.

And this former Red had something harsh to say about Liverpool failing to acquire Marc Guehi.

ALSO READ: Liverpool face major setback as Real Madrid repeat Alexander-Arnold strategy

Jamie Carragher on what Liverpool might regret

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, the LFC icon said, “There was a report from a couple of journalists, who are basically the best journalists on the beat, they did a story a couple of days ago saying that Liverpool would wait until next season to get him on a free, they wouldn’t go in January.

“So what I’m saying is they wouldn’t write that unless they felt it was true. I think they will try and bring him in again. Listen, I am sure there’s been a lot of talk between him (Guehi) and the agent and the top people at Liverpool and they have pulled the plug at the last minute and they say: ‘Listen, we’re still in for you…’

“But it sounds like it’ll be more at the end of the season than January. Maybe [the fee] was £10m but they are like: ‘No, we want you on a free.’ Liverpool always do what they see in their eyes as value for money.

“Might they regret that? Oh yeah, I think there’s one situation with Liverpool, that’s the one area…listen, they are three games in, nine points from nine and probably not played that well, so we would probably all say they are big favourites, Liverpool.

“But that is the one area where that could come back and blow up in their face because they haven’t really got that [cover]. What Guehi was getting was giving Liverpool competition at centre-back. They haven’t really got that. They’ve got two starters and two understudies.

“Joe Gomez, injury-prone himself, and the young lad from Italy (Giovanni Leoni), he is going to be a great prospect, but if you think if one of them had to play for a couple of months, it is a big difference.”

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano shared a crucial update on the same via the Market Madness podcast by saying, “I think there is a concrete chance of seeing Liverpool return for Marc Guehi because they really trust the player and believed this was a perfect opportunity. He did the medical and was ready to complete his move to Liverpool.

“Liverpool are the kind of club who always try to sign players they have on their shortlist. He was top of their shortlist this summer, so I’m sure they will be back in for him in the near future.

“At the moment, the idea of the club is not to go for Guehi in January and negotiate with Crystal Palace anymore. Obviously, it is still September, so there could be injuries or other problems to make them decide to change their mind and go for Guehi in the January window. But, at the moment, the intention is to be competing to sign him in the summer as a free agent.

“I say there will be competition because, from what I’m told, several clubs will enter the race to try to sign Marc Guehi. There are clubs from England, Italy, Spain and Germany, so it’s going to be a big fight for Guehi. But I’m sure that Liverpool will be there.”

With Konate reportedly set to leave next summer, Liverpool will have to act swiftly to acquire Marc Guehi before any other party swoops in.

ALSO READ: Former Liverpool star shines on debut at new club

“It will pay you back” – Neville’s surprising take sparks Liverpool buzz

Sridarshi Chowdhury
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“It will pay you back” – Neville’s surprising take sparks Liverpool buzz

Marc Guehi’s collapsed move to Liverpool was one of the defining stories of deadline day.

The Crystal Palace captain had completed his medical and seemed destined for Anfield, only for the deal to break down when Palace failed to secure a replacement.

Yet, instead of stirring controversy, Guehi handled the disappointment with remarkable poise – something Gary Neville has lauded as a lesson in professionalism. Speaking on The Overlap, Neville said:

“I thought it was brilliant. I thought the class, the way in which he handled the question around the situation with Liverpool, he had a smile on his face. He was so relaxed. He said it had been an interesting two weeks. He didn’t antagonise, he didn’t come out with anything smart. You can just tell he’s a really good guy.”

Neville contrasted Guehi’s conduct with that of other players who forced exits:

“Taking it back 10 days, there was a narrative that you’re better off being Alexander Isak because you get your move than being Marc Guehi, who doesn’t. No. In the long run, 70 years of your life, it will pay you back being Marc Guehi.”

Also Read: Liverpool face major setback as Real Madrid repeat Alexander-Arnold strategy

Guehi’s class leaves Liverpool waiting

The England international echoed that maturity in his post-match comments after the 5–0 win over Serbia. Asked about the ordeal, Guehi smiled: “It’s been great!”

Later, when pressed on whether the Liverpool saga made international duty difficult, he replied:

“It’s always easy coming here, such a good group of players, good group of staff. We are all working towards one goal. Really enjoyable. Always good to be here.”

Still, questions linger over Liverpool’s decision to walk away. Neville admitted,

“I wonder if Liverpool will regret [not signing Guehi]. If, say, Konate gets injured, [will they regret] not [offering Palace] like £45m-£50m and just getting him over the line?”

Jamie Carragher echoed those fears: “That’s the one area where Liverpool [have problems]… What Guehi was giving Liverpool was competition at centre-back. They haven’t got that.”

Anfield Home says

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this is bittersweet. Guehi’s character makes him the kind of player supporters admire – calm, loyal, and grounded.

Yet, his professionalism may have cost the club vital defensive reinforcement. While some will rue what might have been, others will cling to hope that Liverpool bide their time and eventually sign not just a centre-back, but a leader whose conduct shows he is built for Anfield.

Also Read: Liverpool face new Konate worry after Mbappe’s Real Madrid ‘joke’

Why Jamie Carragher’s new award is more than just recognition

Kanyinsola
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0
Why Jamie Carragher’s new award is more than just recognition

The One Club Award recognizes the type of legend that is uncommon in modern football.

Jamie Carragher, a one-club man through and through, has earned another award, but this one reflects more than simply matches, it reflects legacy, values and a passion for the game.

The award comes from Athletic Bilbao (via Liverpool FC), who give the One Club Man prize to footballers whose careers represent loyalty, commitment, sportsmanship and respect.

Carragher’s 737 appearances for Liverpool, his long service as vice-captain and his off-field work with the 23 Foundation all feed into why this particular recognition matters.

ALSO READ: Liverpool land in unexpected position in Champions League forecast

More than just statistics: what truly sets Carragher apart

Jamie Carragher’s trophy cabinet includes FA Cups, League Cups, the UEFA Cup, Champions League and many more honours.

But those are only one part of his story. His impact in the dressing room, his consistency, his loyalty to Liverpool from youth academy to last whistle—all make him more than just his numbers.

Even after he hung up his boots, Carragher’s commitment to Merseyside communities hasn’t wavered.

His 23 Foundation has driven real change locally, helping young people, supporting youth football and giving back through charity work.

Because it recognizes athletes whose entire careers embody identity and values, the One Club Award is unique.

Carragher is a good fit because he was born in Bootle, progressed through the ranks of Liverpool and spent 17 years of his professional career with the team, never switching sides.

Speaking to Athletic Club in August, he said:

“After winning the Champions League, being a one-club man is the biggest achievement of my career.

“As soon as I started playing for Liverpoom, I kmew I wanted to be a one-club man.”

This award honors a Liverpool legend and comes from the Spanish club Athletic Bilbao.

The award will be presented to Carragher in San Mames during Athletic’s club game against Girona FC on September 23.

The One Club Award affirms his identity rather than merely documenting his actions.

In that sense, this award is more than recognition, it’s a legacy cast in bronze.

ALSO READ: Marc Guehi sends clear message after collapsed Liverpool transfer

Liverpool land in unexpected position in Champions League forecast

Neel Kamal
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Liverpool land in unexpected position in Champions League forecast

The Champions League returns on September 16, and fresh predictions have left Liverpool fans stunned by what the numbers say this season.

European nights are set to return, with the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League promising another campaign of high drama.

The new format, which came into effect last year, continues unchanged: 36 clubs in one massive league stage, each side playing eight matches.

Goals flowed in last season’s edition, and the spectacle is expected to only grow louder this time.

England’s presence is stronger than ever, with six clubs in the mix – Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool.

Among them, all eyes naturally drift towards Anfield, where Arne Slot enters his second season in charge.

After the turbulence of recent years, Liverpool returns to the continent with a fresh identity, plenty of momentum, and a burning desire to reclaim their place at the summit of Europe.

Liverpool opens their Champions League campaign with a group stage clash against Atlético Madrid on September 18 at 12:30 AM IST.

ALSO READ: Former Liverpool star shines on debut at new club

Opta’s numbers put Liverpool under the spotlight

Liverpool Champions League prediction
Credit – Sky Sports (via Opta)

Yet, beyond the anticipation on the pitch, it’s the numbers off it that have set tongues wagging.

Opta’s supercomputer, after running 10,000 simulations of the new season, delivered results that placed Liverpool in a spotlight few expected.

The Reds, fresh off their domestic triumph, are predicted to hold a 20.4% chance of winning the Champions League — a figure that puts them ahead of Europe’s giants.

Arsenal follow closely behind at 16%, while defending champions Paris Saint-Germain are given a 12.1% chance to retain their crown.

Barcelona and Manchester City each sit at 8.4%, while Chelsea (7%), Real Madrid (5.8%), and Bayern Munich (4.3%) form the chasing pack.

For Liverpool, the numbers are more than just statistics. They represent a recognition of both their recent resurgence and their historical stature in the competition.

With six titles already in the cabinet and a squad hungry for continental success under new leadership, Anfield once again carries the weight of expectation — and this time, the numbers suggest it may be justified.

ALSO READ: Liverpool face major setback as Real Madrid repeat Alexander-Arnold strategy

Liverpool face major setback as Real Madrid repeat Alexander-Arnold strategy

Sohom Chatterjee
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0
Liverpool face major setback as Real Madrid repeat Alexander-Arnold strategy

Real Madrid are once again back with their cunning transfer coup for another Liverpool player, similar to what they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Reds have started the 2025-26 season in an ecstatic manner after having an extraordinary summer transfer window. LFC top the PL points table with nine points after winning all of their opening three matches.

With over £446 million spent, the defending Premier League champions have brought in Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak. Although they needed to reinforce the defence with at least one signing, it is still manageable by Arne Slot.

However, as the Merseysiders failed to secure the transfer of Marc Guehi this transfer window, they could be in serious trouble next summer with a shortage in the defensive ranks.

ALSO READ: Former Liverpool star shines on debut at new club

Real Madrid lure Ibrahima Konate out of Liverpool

It is no news that Konate’s Anfield contract is set to expire at the end of this season and these two parties have been in talks over a potential contract renewal.

Even though the Reds had made two offers earlier, both were rejected by the French international. And these new updates provide answers to why he did so.

According to The Athletic‘s Mario Cortegana, Konate ‘is admired behind the scenes at Madrid.’ He also stated that ‘Madrid believe Konate would like to play for them.’

Adding to this update, Spanish media outlet Marca informed that the French centre-back has rejected the third Liverpool extension offer, as he has been contacted by the Spanish giants to follow the same path Trent took.

These updates have provided enough information to correctly understand that Konate will no longer be a Liverpool player next summer.

Now it remains to be seen how the club handles this situation and how they plan to replace the 26-year-old.

ALSO READ: Liverpool show door to two youngster amid crazy transfer window

Why Slot’s Liverpool lineup could spring a Szoboszlai surprise vs. Burnley

Sridarshi Chowdhury
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Why Slot’s Liverpool lineup could spring a Szoboszlai surprise vs. Burnley

Liverpool travel to Turf Moor on Sunday in their striking new green third kit, but the real intrigue surrounds who Arne Slot trusts to fill the void at right-back.

Three months after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s seismic departure to Real Madrid, the debate remains unresolved. Slot, though, hardly looks troubled.

The Dutchman’s options at right-back now stretch beyond natural defenders, with Dominik Szoboszlai emerging as a surprise contender. The Hungarian’s adaptability, engine, and tactical awareness have made him an unlikely but outstanding fit.

Szoboszlai has long showcased versatility across midfield and attack, but few foresaw the speed at which he would embrace the defensive role.

His standout performance against Newcastle — where he later returned to midfield to dummy Mohamed Salah’s pass that teed up Rio Ngumoha’s dramatic winner — was the clearest signal yet of his impact. Days later, his superb free-kick sank Arsenal, confirming his form as Liverpool’s driving force.

Also Read: Liverpool prospect seals surprise exit owing to one key reason

Versatility of Szoboszlai gives Slot selection headache

Slot himself was glowing in praise:

“He’s always been the player that I think understands what a Liverpool player should look like. If you wear this shirt, you should give everything no matter in what position you play. Unbelievable game from him in the position he probably played only two or three times in his life, so it tells you a lot about the mentality he has.”

Liverpool’s regular options are edging closer to returns. Jeremie Frimpong is expected back after the break, Conor Bradley gained valuable minutes with Northern Ireland over the past week, and Joe Gomez has been steadily building fitness. Bradley, in particular, looks the most immediate challenger.

But Szoboszlai’s momentum is irresistible. A confidence player, his current form makes him close to undroppable. Slot must decide whether to persist with the Hungarian at right-back or restore him to midfield, where Alexis Mac Allister’s recovery and Florian Wirtz’s adaptation need careful management.

Wherever he lines up, Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s standout. On current evidence, he is not just their form player, but one of the Premier League’s best performers so far this season.

Also Read: Liverpool face new Konate worry after Mbappe’s Real Madrid ‘joke’

Marc Guehi sends clear message after collapsed Liverpool transfer

Vishal Bhawani
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0
Marc Guehi sends clear message after collapsed Liverpool transfer

Marc Guehi has turned disappointment into determination. The Crystal Palace defender was on the verge of a deadline-day move to Liverpool, but the Eagles pulled out at the last moment.

Instead of sulking, Guehi grabbed his chance on the international stage and delivered the perfect response.

The 25-year-old started for England in Belgrade and scored his first senior goal in a 5-0 win over Serbia. The result sealed England’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

For Guehi, it was more than just three points. It was proof that his focus remains on the pitch, not on transfer drama.

Asked about his week, the Palace captain kept it simple (via ITV, The Sun). “It’s been great! It’s always easy coming here, such a good group of players, good group of staff. We are all working towards one goal. I’m just over the moon [to score my first goal] it’s a fantastic feeling. You work really hard growing up, so to score a goal for your country is the best feeling.”

What England boss Thomas Tuchel said about Marc Guehi

England manager Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for Guehi after another assured display at the back.

“It’s the example of how the boys were in this camp,” Tuchel said. “They put their personal interests to one side and he was the best team-mate possible and had a fantastic performance. He was very strong for Crystal Palace and demonstrated that today on the pitch.”

Tuchel’s words suggest Guehi has quickly become a trusted figure in the squad. Alongside Ezri Konsa, he helped keep Serbia quiet before adding his own name to the scoresheet.

The timing of his goal could not have been better. Palace face Sunderland next, before clashing with Liverpool later this month.

If there’s any lingering regret over the transfer collapse, Guehi isn’t showing it. In fact, he might have just reminded Arne Slot’s side of what they missed out on.

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