Liverpool tipped for January squad boost absolutely no one wants

Harvey Elliott is reportedly set to be sent packing back home to Liverpool in January.

That’s the claim coming out of the regional Valencian outlet Las Provincias (via Sport Witness), with the midfielder having only picked up 152 La Liga minutes out of a possible 810 on offer.

Harvey Elliott has failed to impress at Valencia

(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

After some concerns were expressed over the former Fulham academy graduate having arrived overweight in the Spanish top-flight, it seems the 23-year-old has been unable to make any headway at Mestalla.

It’s worth noting that a permanent decision has yet to be made by the club, despite a string of concerns, but Elliott very much appears to be in the last-chance saloon. In fact, as relayed by Sport Witness: “If he does not improve in the coming weeks, the loan agreement with Liverpool could be terminated. They state that ‘talks will be held’.”

Not a lot of time for the footballer to buck up his ideas and earn himself a place in the hearts of the Valencia fans and, importantly, the decision-makers at the outfit.

The continuation of a downward spiral for the Liverpool loan star?

(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

It’s not looking great for Harvey Elliott, it has to be said.

After basically being iced out of the Liverpool squad by former Reds head coach Andoni Iraola, the playmaker was shipped off to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and only picked up 284 minutes of action.

Mind, there seemed to be a weird kind of power play going on between Liverpool and the Villans, with the Reds unwilling to pay a significant amount of cash to cut the loan short and Emery’s side being apparently fine with letting a young player rot on the bench to make a point.

Point made. And now Elliott’s future is paying for it.

We do want to state, unequivocally, that we believe in Harvey Elliott and his potential. It wasn’t a million years ago when we were watching him thriving as part of Jurgen Klopp’s deep squad in the German’s final season in charge in 2023/24. But that season is becoming increasingly distant, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to imagine Elliott ever playing a significant role for Liverpool again in future.

We hope he can turn things around in Valencia. Because if our No.19 comes back to L4 in January, it’s not an eventuality that will suit the player or the club at this stage.

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James Pearce claim seems to pour cold water over Liverpool links with Finn Jeltsch

Liverpool, it’s fair to say, have a pretty active recruiting department.

A necessarily active recruiting department, it should be emphasised, given the squad-building challenges Andoni Iraola has already faced early on in his tenure as head coach.

The Merseysiders navigated a potential centre-back crisis expertly in the summer with the arrival of loan signing Ronald Araujo from Barcelona. But questions remain as to the long-term viability of the centre-back department post the summer 2027 transfer window.

Liverpool reportedly like the cut of Finn Jeltsch’s jib

(Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

A recent report from Christian Falk with CF Bayern Insider asserted that Liverpool, among Europe’s elite, have scouted VfB Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch.

“It is TRUE: Liverpool have scouted VfB Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch. All the top clubs, including Bayern Munich, are scouting him,” the head of football at Bild said.

“He was in the squad for Klopp first as a backup for the right-back. Then one of the central defenders became injured, and now he’s also the backup at centre-back. This shows he can play many positions, and everyone can see the 20-year-old’s potential.

“Such players really are a present to everyone. Jeltsch is young, talented and can play many positions, and he’s not so expensive! Bayern Munich has an eye on him.”

If that name seems vaguely familiar, it might be because Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are already big fans of the footballer and are keeping a very close eye on matters close to home.

Liverpool’s interest is understandable. Come the summer transfer window, they could be two centre-halves down should Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk call time on their Anfield careers once their contracts run out. Ronald Araujo, though enjoying an impeccable campaign with the Reds, may not become a permanent addition to the squad, despite Liverpool possessing a buy option. Much here may depend on what Barcelona’s stance on the Uruguayan international looks like in May.

That’s three centre-backs Liverpool could be short come the opening of the summer transfer window, so it’s very plausible that Julian Ward and Co. will be keeping a close eye on the centre-back market between now and the end of the 2026/27 season.

Liverpool have faith in Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

As James Pearce rightly notes on X (formerly Twitter), of course, Liverpool do have several high-potential, highly exciting young centre-backs in their stable.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe, by all accounts, is impressing on loan at Levante after an eye-catching pre-season; Giovanni Leoni remains an appetising option, and then there’s hope for young Mor Talla Ndiaye also.

Centre-back not a priority for Liverpool so highly unlikely they will invest heavily in that area either in Jan or next summer. Jacquet has made a huge impact and big hopes for fellow young CBs Leoni, Ndukwe and Ndiaye.

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) November 13, 2026

But these are three very young, very inexperienced centre-backs you’d be pairing with the also youthful, but extremely impressive, Jeremy Jacquet for the foreseeable future. The Frenchman will, however, have a season of Premier League football under his belt – but is that enough to help guide the next generation of Liverpool centre-backs?

Unless you’re planning to extend Van Dijk’s contract or activate Araujo’s buy option, Liverpool are looking incredibly short on options with experience and genuine leadership credentials at L4.

That might be worth considering if the plan isn’t to invest in Finn Jeltsch this summer.

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“I’m told…” – Transfer insider says Liverpool stalwart has ‘every chance’ of getting new deal

One transfer insider has talked up the probability of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract at Anfield in the next few months.

The 35-year-old’s current deal with the Reds expires at the end of this season, and he seemed relaxed over his future when discussing the topic with reporters after the win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

That update from the skipper comes just as Alisson Becker (whose contract is also due to expire in 2027) voiced his desire to remain on Merseyside beyond then, with the goalkeeper’s agent opening talks over a prospective extension.

Van Dijk has ‘every chance’ of getting a new contract

Speaking on The TEAMtalk podcast, Graeme Bailey claimed that Van Dijk has a strong chance of securing a new contract at Liverpool due to the positive impact that his performances have had on young centre-back partner Jeremy Jacquet.

The reporter said of the Dutchman: “Obviously he’s out of contract in the summer. He’s gonna be another year older as well. He signed a huge contract back in 2025.

“Everyone thought this might be his final farewell tour, but he’s actually had a very good season. It’s part of the reason why we’re seeing Jeremy Jacquet playing ever so well. You’ve got [Giovanni] Leoni there as well, the young Italian central defender.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“From what I’m hearing, Andoni Iraola really wants to keep [Van Dijk] around. Captain figure – it’s like having a coach on the pitch. He’s not missing any games; he’s playing really well.

“I’m told there’s every chance he gets another 12 months at least. It doesn’t stop them [from] bringing another centre-half in, but learning from Van Dijk, these youngsters… I’m told Jacquet is learning so much playing next to him.”

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Van Dijk would 100% deserve a new contract

That Bailey spoke of how Jacquet is learning plentifully from Van Dijk speaks volumes for the continued importance of the captain to this Liverpool side.

A number of experienced stalwarts have left over the past couple of years, most notably Mo Salah and Andy Robertson at the end of last season, so the ongoing presence of the Dutchman brings a much-needed sense of stability to a team which has undergone significant transition since the start of 2025.

If the 35-year-old agrees a new deal at Anfield, it won’t be a case of sentimentality clouding the club’s judgement – FSG are notoriously reluctant to hand out lucrative contract extensions to players over 30, so for the skipper to even have a plausible chance of getting one says a lot for the influence that he still exerts on the pitch.

Van Dijk is more than experienced enough to not give anything away publicly unless he’s sure that there are major developments behind the scenes about his future, so it doesn’t surprise us that he’s been coy on the subject.

A decision will need to be reached before the season ends, but considering that he didn’t pen his previous extension until two months from his prior deal expiring, there’s still ample time for the defender to agree new terms with Liverpool and continue his hallowed legacy into the 2027/28 campaign at least.

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‘I want to…’ – Virgil van Dijk issues Liverpool contract hint as mega decision awaits

Virgil van Dijk has spoken about his long-term future at Liverpool, where he now has less than eight months remaining on his current contract.

Having penned a two-year extension in April 2025, the club captain is once again approaching a major crossroads in his illustrious career as the clock ticks towards the juncture at which a decision will have to be made.

Fellow stalwart Alisson Becker has voiced his desire to remain with the Reds beyond next summer, with his agent in ‘preliminary talks‘ over a potential new deal for the goalkeeper, although the Dutch defender has been rather more coy about his own situation.

Van Dijk speaks out about his contract situation

Van Dijk addressed his long-term future when speaking to reporters after Liverpool’s 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace.

In quotes published by the Liverpool Echo on Tuesday, the 35-year-old said: “I feel good but it’s not about me at the moment. Let’s see. I’m not in any panic whatsoever. I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing.

“Let’s see what the season brings. I’ve had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that’s the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else. There’s nothing to report at the moment but that doesn’t mean that there’s any stress or anything.”

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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Van Dijk giving nothing away just yet

Publicly at least, Van Dijk is giving nothing away about his future, with the Liverpool captain seemingly happy to stay on but also keeping his options open in case a new deal with the Reds can’t be agreed upon.

It’d certainly represent a break from the norm from Anfield chiefs to offer a lucrative contract extension to a player who’s already on £350,000 per week (Capology) and who’ll turn 36 next summer, but we’re not talking about any ordinary footballer here.

The captain is one of the greatest to ever pull on the iconic red shirt, and aside from an uncharacteristic error against Villarreal last month, he’s been imperious alongside Jeremy Jacquet at the heart of our defence this season.

The Frenchman is among several young centre-backs in line to ultimately succeed Van Dijk as our defensive general in the years to come (along with Giovanni Leoni and Ifeanyi Ndukwe), but the influence of the experienced Dutchman is still clear.

If the skipper’s preference would be to continue with Liverpool into next season, then hopefully he and the club can reach an agreement which’d keep him at Anfield beyond the end of this campaign.

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Hungarian federation issues Dominik Szoboszlai update as Liverpool left sweating on his fitness

The Hungarian FA has issued an update on the fitness of Dominik Szoboszlai ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

There is an injury concern over the midfielder after he sprained his knee in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Andoni Iraola unsure as to whether or not the 26-year-old would be able to represent his country during this international window.

The Magyars are away to Georgia this coming Saturday and then host Northern Ireland three days later in what could be a straight shootout for promotion to League A on the final matchday.

Szoboszlai decision to be left to the ‘last minute’

On Tuesday, the Hungarian FA published an update via X in which they confirmed that a decision on Szoboszlai won’t be taken until the latest possible opportunity.

They stated: ‘Dominik Szoboszlai has undergone the required medical examinations. Following his knee sprain, the national team’s medical staff will do everything possible over the coming days to ensure that the team captain is available to the coaching staff as soon as possible.

‘However, a decision on his availability for the match will almost certainly only be made at the last minute.’

(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

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Liverpool will need Szoboszlai during frantic fixture period

As captain of his country, the 26-year-old will no doubt be striving to prove his fitness in time for the match against Georgia on Saturday, or at least be in a position to play against Northern Ireland.

However, those of a Liverpool perspective will surely be hoping that Szoboszlai isn’t risked in either game if he isn’t 100% fit to feature, as he’ll be very much needed at Anfield going into the unforgiving winter schedule.

The Reds still have 11 more matches to play in 2026, starting with a grudge fixture at home to Manchester United on Sunday week, and squad depth and rotation will be essential during that hectic period in the run-up to Christmas and New Year’s.

Having only recently returned from a thigh issue, Andoni Iraola will be hoping that this doesn’t turn into a season of frequent interruptions for the usually dependable Hungarian, who before this autumn hadn’t missed a game through injury since February 2024 (Transfermarkt).

Whatever the decision on Szoboszlai might be in the coming days, fingers crossed that he’ll be fully fit and firing in time for the Red Devils’ visit to Anfield in 12 days’ time.

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Iraola admits uncertainty over Liverpool player’s international involvement after injury scare

Andoni Iraola has expressed concern as to whether one Liverpool player will link up with his country during this month’s international break.

The Reds go into the brief pause to the season off the back of a 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace, with some of the gloss from that result removed by a questionable stoppage-time penalty for the home side and an injury scare to Dominik Szoboszlai.

The 26-year-old pulled up towards the end of the first half at Selhurst Park on Sunday and played with a knee brace after the interval until he was substituted for Trey Nyoni in the 69th minute.

Iraola issues Szoboszlai injury update

After the match, Iraola admitted that the Hungarian wasn’t operating at 100% yesterday, having only recently returned from a thigh issue.

The Basque said (via liverpoolfc.com): “I don’t know [if it’s] a problem, but he definitely wasn’t 100%. Let’s see. The last thing we need now is to lose players in the international games.

“Last time, in the international break, we lost three very important players, so now I’m praying – it’s the last thing we need.

“I think he extended a little bit the knee. It was fine, but not 100%, so he has to be careful to see if he can play with the national team or not. We will see, and also hope that it doesn’t happen like the other break where we lost Alex [Isak], Cody [Gakpo] and Dom. Touch wood we are in a better place in two weeks.”

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

On whether Szoboszlai would link up with the Hungary squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, Iraola said: “I know he will do everything to go because he loves to play with the national team, but he was not 100% when he finished the game. I suppose they will have to analyse, the medical staff, and see what it is.

“I know what I want, but I also have to understand the national teams. I’m sure that Dom, if he is fine he will want to go, but I’m not sure if he’s going to be fine.”

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Liverpool nerves could be frayed

Along with Iraola, Liverpool fans with no vested interest in the Hungary national team will surely be hoping that Szoboszlai rests up during the international window rather than representing his country.

Marco Rossi’s side are away to Georgia next Saturday and at home to Northern Ireland three days later, with promotion to League A well within their grasp heading into that double header.

(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

As captain of his country, the midfielder will no doubt be striving to play his part over the coming week or so, but there must also be a duty towards the club which pays his wages and given him a platform to reach an even higher level in his career.

Liverpool resume their season in 13 days’ time with an Anfield grudge match against Manchester United, and they still have 11 more matches to play before the end of December, so managing players’ fitness will be vital during that relentless period.

Szoboszlai has been a frustrating figure at times this term, with debate raging as to where exactly his best position is on the pitch, but his creativity came to the fore in the win over Palace on Sunday.

Also, as he’s shown on several occasions, he possesses that X-factor to conjure up show-stopping and often result-altering goals.

Whatever decisions might be taken between Liverpool and Hungary, fingers crossed that our vice-captain is back to 100% for the Man United clash on the 22nd of this month.

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“I’m really upset” – One thing hugely annoyed Andoni Iraola despite Liverpool win on Sunday

Andoni Iraola was left ‘really upset’ after Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace on Sunday despite the positive, morale-boosting result for his team.

Having begun November with defeats to Arsenal and Fenerbahce, the Reds went to Selhurst Park in search of a pick-me-up in their final game prior to the international window, and they duly got in the form of a 3-1 victory.

Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak had the points secured well before a stoppage-time penalty when, in a clash of heads between Milos Kerkez and Dario Osorio, the Hungarian was deemed to be the perpetrator and referee Tony Harrington pointed to the spot.

Iraola ‘upset’ over penalty decision

Eddie Nketiah converted from 12 yards to deny Liverpool a fifth Premier League clean sheet of the campaign, and speaking to Sky Sports shortly after the final whistle, Iraola’s frustration over the awarding of the penalty was clear.

The Basque said: “I’m very upset [with] what they are calling in our box penalties, and the ones they’re not calling in the other box. I know that we are 3-0, it’s the 95th minute, but I’m very upset.

“It’s a head-to-head but even Osorio’s head, after touching the ball, is the one going to Milos. It’s not Milos to Osorio. A clash of heads.

“OK, you can say 3-0, 95 minutes, nothing happens, but for me there is more than this. There is more because it’s not the first time this season and you compare and I’m really upset, yes.”

Image via Sky Sports

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Iraola’s frustration is understandable

Thankfully the decision came at a point in the match where it had no bearing on the overall result, although we can still see why it put a dampener on the victory for Iraola.

To us, it seemed like a 50-50 contest between Kerkez and Osorio, with both players making a genuine attempt to win the ball and unfortunate to have clashed heads – most importantly, both were fine after the collision.

Harrington’s call didn’t have any major impact in the overall context of the day, but we take the Liverpool head coach’s point about the apparent inconsistency in terms of what referees deem to be a penalty and what they don’t.

There was certainly a far stronger case for a spot kick in our defeat to Arsenal last weekend when Jurrien Timber blatantly tugged Isak’s shirt inside the box, but somehow none of the officials on duty thought it was a foul.

It didn’t hurt the Reds yesterday, but hopefully on another occasion where there’s a stoppage-time penalty given in a game which is in the balance, we won’t end up having to talk about Iraola’s side being wronged by the referee and VAR.

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What Trey Nyoni did just before Alexander Isak goal isn’t getting enough attention

Trey Nyoni’s rise at Liverpool this season has been impressive.

The youngster’s potential was obvious to Andoni Iraola’s predecessor, Arne Slot, last term, but the club rightly decided to be careful with what was an 18-year-old footballer with limited senior experience.

It’s very much a different story in 2026/27, however, with the Basque head coach having already handed the midfielder over 600 minutes of action across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Trey Nyoni has become a trusted member of the Liverpool squad

(Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

If three consecutive starts for Liverpool – against Chelsea, Arsenal and Fenerbahce – doesn’t prove it, you have to think that the nature of Nyoni’s introduction against Crystal Palace more or less seals the view that Nyoni has become a key player for Iraola.

The correct decision was made ahead of time to rest the former Leicester City prodigy after a flurry of games, with our player of the season last year, Dominik Szoboszlai, restored to the starting XI.

But when it came time for the Hungarian to depart the pitch due to an injury concern, it was Trey Nyoni the manager turned to at the 69th minute mark. Yes, it’s worth pointing out that senior midfielders (other than Wataru Endo) aren’t exactly running amok on the Liverpool bench at this point in time. But this felt like a trusted substitution, a body Iraola has come to rely on, rather than one that just had to be made.

Nyoni plays crucial role in Alexander Isak goal vs Crystal Palace

(Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

The assist credit will go to Florian Wirtz for the Alexander Isak goal close to full time, but it would be remiss of us to overlook Trey Nyoni’s contribution moments before.

The teenager can be spotted cutting out a low cross from Tyrick Mitchell in the box before picking out Alexander Isak (surrounded by three Palace players) further up the pitch. The ball plays out to Victor Munoz on the right flank, and Liverpool find a Palace defence in absolute disarray.

Isak strikes late on pic.twitter.com/J2fHbXlZyD

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 8, 2026

It’s not a fancy crossfield pass or Hollywood Gerrard ball, but there’s intention behind it, and it’s a positive use of the ball to help kickstart a Liverpool counter. Exactly what Andoni Iraola wants to see his midfielders doing at Liverpool on a frequent basis.

Ultimately, it’s so encouraging to see Nyoni continuing to be impactful in games even when he’s coming on, effectively, to see things out.

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Liverpool looking at one of Ruben Amorim’s top players at AC Milan – report

Liverpool are reportedly paying close attention to AC Milan centre-back Koni De Winter.

That’s the word coming from CaughtOffside’s Mark Brus on The Daily Briefing, with Manchester United and Chelsea also said to be among the defender’s potential suitors.

Liverpool looking at Koni De Winter?

(Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The three big-hitters in question aren’t the only Premier League clubs keeping a watching brief on the No.5.

So there’s a distinct possibility that De Winter could be making his move to the English top-flight sooner rather than later, if he can maintain his current performance levels.

From Liverpool’s perspective, interest in signing a new centre-back is more than understandable given question marks over the futures of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk. Meanwhile, it’s not quite clear whether loan signing Ronald Araujo’s move to Anfield will be made permanent in light of his superb form in the 2026/27 season.

Either way, the Reds will require at least one new centre-half come the opening of the summer transfer window.

Is the AC Milan man of a Liverpool standard?

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

One sticking point for Liverpool might be Milan and Ruben Amorim’s use of the Belgian star in a three-man central defence.

But looking past that, De Winter has posted some reasonable numbers since his move to the Italian giants last year.

It will certainly be encouraging for Andoni Iraola that the young centre-half ranks well for line-breaking passes and aerial duels, particularly with the club’s progressive capabilities yet to fully recover in a post-Trent Alexander-Arnold world.

Koni De Winter’s stats (per 90)	Percentiles
91.4% pass success rate	81st
10.71 line-breaking passes	85th
59.4% duels won	68th
65.6% aerial duels won	84th
0.2 dribbled past	84th
Ranks 10th in the squad for average FotMob rating (6.98) in 2026/27

* Koni De Winter’s stats for AC Milan in the 2025/26 Serie A season (FotMob)

At 24 years of age, however, it would seem that the former Juventus star is still very much a work in progress. Of course, this will no doubt be welcomed by a coach with Iraola’s appetite for development.

And adding another centre-back option to the ranks who’s capable of getting the ball out of the backline is something we’re far from opposed to.

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Bayern were ready to pay £58.3m for Rio Ngumoha & may test Liverpool again

Rio Ngumoha’s future at Liverpool could be under threat next summer.

That’s because Bayern Munich reportedly remain ‘in talks’ with the young Englishman’s camp following a failed push to sign the winger this year.

Bayern Munich were prepared to spend on Rio Ngumoha

(Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Christian Falk reports for CF Bayern Insider that FC Bayern were prepared to put their money where their mouth is for the teenager in the summer.

A figure to the tune of €70m [£58.3m] was discussed, however, Liverpool’s uncompromising position on the matter meant that an alternative avenue in Ismael Saibari was instead prioritised.

“It is TRUE: Bayern Munich were prepared to pay €70m [£58.3m] for Rio Ngumoha. As we know, Bayern have been searching really hard for options on the left wing,” the head of sport at BILD said.

“We talked about Bradley Barcola, whom they were in contact with, and they were also in contact with Liverpool’s young talent. There were talks, his brother talked with FC Bayern, but it was a difficult situation for Bayern Munich. It was not clear if Liverpool would sell him or not. The price wouldn’t have been extremely high.

“So, you see, the club’s decision-makers feel he’d be a great option for Bayern Munich, which is why Ngumoha is still on Bayern’s shortlist. In the end, they had to decide for Ismael Saibari. Rio would have been complicated, so they just looked to seal the comparatively easier transfer of the two. Bayern are still in talks with Ngumoha’s camp, however, and he could be an option for the summer.”

Do Liverpool have anything to fear here?

(Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

You’d have to think Andoni Iraola and Co. will be pretty comfortable despite interest from abroad in Ngumoha’s services.

The player’s move to Anfield from Chelsea – which infuriated decision-makers over in the English capital at the time – was prompted by a desire for a clear pathway to the first team and developmental opportunities.

While the minutes are comparatively fewer and further between in the Premier League, the 18-year-old has been repeatedly trusted in Europe, racking up 285 minutes from a possible 360 in the Champions League. With 628 minutes picked up across all competitions in 2026/27, Rio Ngumoha is already well on course to blow last season’s total (1,065) out of the water.

READ MORE: ‘I like him a lot’ – Romelu Lukaku has been mindblown by Liverpool player he could face tonight

The other thing worth bearing in mind is this isn’t a manager throwing the left-sided winger out on the pitch willy-nilly. Andoni Iraola has shown a clear interest in developing Ngumoha into a more well-rounded, positionally versatile winger. After some initial struggles on the right flank, it’s already paying off.

Yes, at FC Bayern, the former Chelsea academy product would likely get plenty of minutes deputising for Luis Diaz in a less intense league, and the attraction of that possibility can’t be understated.

But if the ultimate goal is development and access to a pathway, he’s clearly already got that at Liverpool.

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Liverpool team news v Fenerbahce: Iraola shuffles the pack with 5 changes, Isak and Wirtz benched

Liverpool put their 100% record in the Champions League on the line this evening as they take on Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

It’s a third visit to the city in just over 13 months for the Reds, having played (and lost to) Galatasaray twice in Turkiye last season, and there’ll be a familiar face in the opposition dugout as Dirk Kuyt takes charge of the home side.

Andoni Iraola welcomed back Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz from injury in the weekend defeat to Arsenal, but the visitors will be without Ryan Gravenberch as he misses out due to a heel issue.

This is the penultimate assignment of a hectic nine-match fixture sequence for Liverpool in between the two international windows, and the burning question is to what extent the head coach has rotated just three days on from losing to the Gunners.

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Liverpool starting XI to face Fenerbahce

Iraola has made five changes from the starting XI which lost to Arsenal on Sunday.

Alisson Becker continues in goal behind the familiar centre-back pairing of Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk, although both full-backs are changed as Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas come in to start, with Ronald Araujo and Milos Kerkez dropping to the bench.

Trey Nyoni and Alexis Mac Allister keep their places in midfield, and a reshuffle of the attacking unit sees Dominik Szoboszlai, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz all come into the starting XI. Bradley Barcola is set to lead the line, with Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz all among the substitutes.

You can view the Liverpool starting XI and substitutes below, via @LFC on X:

Your #UCL Reds to take on Fenerbahce in Istanbul! pic.twitter.com/Mq0tydovv0

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 4, 2026

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“I’m not Mo Salah” – Bradley Barcola speaks defiantly about his big-money Liverpool transfer

Bradley Barcola has said that he doesn’t feel any pressure to try and emulate Mo Salah at Liverpool and is instead focusing on creating his own legacy at Anfield.

At the end of the summer, the Reds spent an initial £106m (potentially rising to £123m, via The Athletic) to sign the French winger from Paris Saint-Germain, with the 24-year-old effectively brought in as the right-sided replacement for the Egyptian King.

It took the new signing seven matches to get off the mark for LFC, with that famine turning to feast in the form of a hat-trick against LASK in mid-October, and he’s followed that up with assists in the wins over Brentford and Brighton (Transfermarkt).

Barcola not feeling pressure to emulate Salah

In an interview with Sky Sports, Barcola defiantly insisted that he doesn’t feel a burden to emulate Salah or repay the substantial transfer fee paid for him, with his sole focus being to make his ‘own mark’ and let his performances do the talking.

The France winger said: “First of all, I wasn’t the one who decided the transfer fee, so that’s not been my problem.

“Regarding Mo Salah, he’s a legend here, a huge one. He’s done big things here and, for that, I have an enormous respect for him, but it’s not pressure for me at all.

“I’m not Mo Salah, so I’m going to try to contribute whatever I can to the club and make my own mark on its history. I don’t feel any pressure about that.”

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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Barcola has shown promising signs so far at Liverpool

Whoever was signed as the effective replacement for the legendary Egyptian was always going to face inevitable comparisons with our former no.11, but such were the standards set by Salah that striving to emulate him would be near-impossible.

Nobody is expecting Barcola to match the Trabzonspor man’s 257-goal tally for Liverpool over a nine-year period. As the Frenchman acknowledged, his job is simply to deliver the best that he can for the Reds.

There have been some moments to forget in his first few weeks on Merseyside, such as the missed sitter against Brentford last month, but he also conjured up a tremendous assist for Alexander Isak’s winning goal in the same match.

The 24-year-old might’ve drawn a blank against Arsenal on Sunday, but his direct running along the left flank was difficult for the Gunners to contain during the first half in particular, offering the kind of proactive threat that we love to see from wingers playing for LFC.

Salah was a unique figure at Liverpool, and Barcola doesn’t strictly have to emulate what the Egyptian has done in order to be regarded as a success at Anfield in time to come. We’ve seen glimpses of what he can offer to the Reds, and time is very much on his side to build upon that promising start.

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‘Painful’ – Alexis Mac Allister doesn’t hold back about ‘unpleasant situation’ at Liverpool

Alexis Mac Allister has spoken out about his ‘painful, unpleasant situation’ at Liverpool in terms of not being offered a new contract.

The Argentine caused a stir in September when he said that he was ‘very sad‘ not to have been offered a new deal by the club, having seen fellow 2023 signings Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai both pen contract extensions earlier this year.

The Telegraph’s Dominic King reported last month that Anfield chiefs aren’t in ‘any rush’ to begin talks over a new deal for the Reds’ number 10 (who’s contracted to June 2028), despite his resurgence in form since the start of this season.

Mac Allister speaks out about ‘painful’ contract situation

Appearing on the Los Edul show in his homeland, Mac Allister spoke candidly about Liverpool’s decision not to offer him new terms over the past few months.

The 27-year-old said: “We’re in a situation where I have a year and a half left on my contract. Last season I was told that the club’s idea was not to renew it, at least for now, and obviously that was a painful, unpleasant situation.”

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

When asked if the situation was making him despondent, he replied: “Not that much, because at the end of the day, I still had – and still have – time left at this club, which is what I want most – to stay here.

“The reality is that the manager has now changed, the sporting director has changed, and new investors are coming into the club, so I think I’m now in a position where anything can happen. We’ll see what happens in the future. I’ve always said that I’m very happy here, that I really enjoy it, and we’ll see.”

Mac Allister added: “Look at Szoboszlai and Gravenberch. They’re two players who were in the same contractual situation as me, and when I was told that, they renewed their contracts.

“It was more a position taken by the club, and generally that’s how things are done. At the end of the day, as a club you don’t want to lose a lot of money, and you don’t want players leaving on free transfers either.”

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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Mac Allister could force the club’s hand with his performances

That the Argentine has spoken out publicly about his contract situation once more gives a strong hint that privately he’s seething at not being offered a new deal in the same way that Szoboszlai and Gravenberch were.

Admittedly Mac Allister’s collapse in form last season may have triggered a reluctance from the club to commit to a contract extension for a player who’ll be 29 when his current terms expire, and he’s a bit older than his aforementioned midfield teammates.

However, the ex-Brighton man has been excellent in the first two months of this campaign, almost as though he’s motivated by a burning desire to earn a new deal at Anfield and show that the hierarchy have been mistaken in their reluctance to tie him down for the long-term.

The 2022 World Cup winner is currently on £180,000 per week at Liverpool, a figure exceeded by 10 of his teammates (Capology), and it could be the case that he’s seeking a higher amount than what the club are prepared to offer him.

Mac Allister could hardly have made his desire for a new contract any clearer. We don’t know exactly why his situation is taking longer to resolve than those of Szoboszlai and Gravenberch, but if he keeps performing on the pitch, then surely it’s just a matter of when and not if he’s offered an extension by the Anfield hierarchy.

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Not travelling: Liverpool hit with fresh injury blow hours before flying to Istanbul

Liverpool have been hit by a fresh injury blow on the eve of their Champions League fixture away to Fenerbahce.

The Reds are due to fly to Istanbul today for their fourth European fixture of the season, in which they’ll come up against a former Anfield idol in Dirk Kuyt, who’s in interim charge of the Turkish Super Lig outfit.

While Andoni Iraola was able to welcome back Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz for the defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, his squad for the game on Wednesday has been lessened by a new absentee.

Liverpool hit by Gravenberch injury blow

On Tuesday morning, Liverpool FC confirmed on their official website that Ryan Gravenberch has been ruled out of the match against Fenerbahce due to a heel injury.

The 24-year-old – who was an unused substitute against Arsenal – won’t travel with his teammates to Istanbul and will instead remain at the AXA Training Centre to undergo treatment with the Reds’ medical staff.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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Gravenberch injury comes as an untimely setback for Liverpool

The Dutchman’s absence for the trip to Turkiye comes as a setback to Liverpool for what’ll be a true test of character in the hotbed that is the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

The midfielder might’ve had a difficult outing against Chelsea last week, needlessly giving away a penalty in the first half and then fluffing his lines in the shootout later that night, but he’s still a hugely important presence in Iraola’s squad and will be missed tomorrow evening.

The timeline for a return to action is unclear at present, although the head coach will almost certainly be prompted for an update on the 24-year-old when he addresses the media in his pre-match press conference this afternoon.

In the absence of Gravenberch, we could well see Trey Nyoni keeping his starting berth in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, with the duo putting in solid performances on Sunday despite the result against Arsenal.

If that engine room axis is maintained in Istanbul, hopefully the pair can maintain the high standards they’ve shown recently, and fingers crossed for a swift recovery for the Netherlands international as he watches on from Merseyside.

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Agent contacted: Liverpool eyeing ‘vibrant’ Premier League defender who has ‘so much potential’

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a potential move for a defender currently playing in the Premier League.

The Reds replenished their left-back options with the signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth in June 2025, with the Hungarian having taken over from Andy Robertson (now of Tottenham) as the primary starter in that position.

The 22-year-old has come in for criticism over some of his performances this season, though, and he endured a tough outing up against Noni Madueke in the defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Liverpool monitoring El Hadji Malick Diouf

A report from Senegalese outlet D Sports has claimed that Liverpool may look to a fellow Premier League club for added competition for the left-back slot at Anfield.

The Reds are believed to have contacted the agent of Brentford defener El Hadji Malick Diouf, who’s also being closely monitored by Chelsea as a few top-flight suitors show an interest in the 21-year-old.

It’s added that next summer could be ‘a busy time’ regarding the future of the Senegal international, who joined the Bees from West Ham towards the end of August.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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Could Liverpool viably move for Diouf in 2027?

Liverpool were reportedly interested in Diouf nearly two years ago when he was playing with Slavia Prague, and since then he’s sampled the Premier League with the Irons and with Brentford.

Whilst not starting regularly for Keith Andrews’ side, he’s shown in the game-time that he has been awarded that he’s an athletic full-back who can provide ammunition for his attacking teammates and who’s also adept in his core defensive duties (via Fotmob).

2026/27 Premier League	Per 90 minutes	Percentile among positional peers
Distance covered	12.8 km	96th (top 4%)
Running distance	3.1 km	99th
Sprinting distance	440m	90th
Number of sprints	18.12	85th
Successful crosses	2.34	97th
Crossing accuracy	40%	85th
Duels won	7.6	97th
Tackles	3.51	93rd
Interceptions	1.75	78th

Callum Wilson – who’s played with the Senegalese defender for both West Ham and the Bees – has described him as a ‘humble’, ‘hardworking’ and ‘vibrant’ personality who has ‘so much potential’ as a footballer (brentfordfc.com).

Liverpool aren’t exactly threadbare for left-backs at present, with Kerkez supplemented by Kostas Tsimikas and Luke Chambers, although the latter two will both be out of contract next summer as it stands and could both viably depart if first-team opportunities are limited.

That would leave the Reds needing to restock in that position, and Diouf represents an intriguing option to consider.

Could a third consecutive summer transfer be on the cards for the Brentford man? We suspect the rumours won’t abate any time soon.

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(Video) Half-time tunnel footage from Anfield on Sunday will only add to Liverpool fans’ fury

Liverpool fans’ sense of injustice over their defeat at Anfield on Sunday will be compounded by footage from the tunnel during half-time.

Arsenal triumphed 1-0 courtesy of a 16th-minute Kai Havertz goal, but the main talking point came five minutes later when Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak’s shirt inside the penalty area and somehow avoided any sanction.

The failure of referee Andy Madley and VAR Stuart Attwell to award a spot kick caused widespread fury, with Jamie Carragher screaming at the officials to ‘do your job‘ and Steven Gerrard describing the situation as ‘an absolute embarrassment‘.

Madley seen joking with Gabriel inside Anfield tunnel

As if that inexplicable oversight wasn’t galling enough for Liverpool fans, there has now been footage shared of an exchange between Madley and Arsenal defender Gabriel in the Anfield tunnel at half-time.

In a clip posted by @LFC_Oman on X (via the Daily Briefing), the referee appears to tell the Brazil international: “Gabriel, be careful, yeah? You have already got two fouls.”

The whistler is then seen smiling and laughing after that quick word to the 28-year-old, followed by the two men sharing a momentary fist bump as the players ran out onto the pitch.

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

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Not very professional at all from Madley

Maybe it was nothing more than a harmless exchange between Madley and Gabriel, but in the context of how the match went on Sunday, this clip will only add fuel to the fire from a Liverpool perspective.

If indeed the referee dished out a brief heads-up to the Arsenal defender, it could be perceived as him deviating from the neutrality he’s supposed to maintain, and the manner in which those involved were smiling after his words makes it seem like they were being too friendly with each other.

Also, that it was swiftly followed by a fist bump makes it seem even less professional from the official in particular, and he should’ve exercised more awareness in recognising that there were 60,000 or so home fans at Anfield already on his case over the failure to award a penalty for Timber’s blatant foul on Isak.

Madley should be less interested in sharing friendly chats with one team’s players inside the tunnel at half-time and more focused on his own performance and what he could’ve done better on the day.

This footage will only add to the prevailing sentiment among football fans in this country that refereeing standards at Premier League level leave an awful lot to be desired, especially for a division which is often proclaimed with chest-out bravado as the best domestic league in the world.

You can view the footage of Madley speaking with Gabriel below, via @LFC_Oman on X:

الحكم مع لاعبي أرسنال pic.twitter.com/tHkkp27AKK

— العشق جيـراردي (@LFC_Oman) November 1, 2026

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