Abe rescues U21s with debut equalizer
Josh Abe picked his moment. The Liverpool U21s drew 2–2 with Huddersfield on Saturday and Abe, on his debut at that level, scored the equalizer (7). A personal milestone for the youngster, and one that lands at a good time with the senior squad still taking shape under Andoni Iraola.
Araujo deal done, and he's already fit
Ronald Araujo is coming. The Barcelona defender will join Liverpool on loan, and footage from Barça's pre-season sessions shows he is in good shape ahead of the move (1) (8). He will not have much time to train before the season starts, but the physical condition looks right. Araujo once named Virgil van Dijk as his idol, the highest compliment he could pay before walking into the same dressing room (3).
Iraola's Anfield bow today against Monaco
Monaco visit Anfield on Sunday for the first of two home friendlies. It is Iraola's first match at Anfield as head coach. The game is on LFCTV and LFCTV GO (4). A clutch of senior players are expected to return, which raises a sharp question: which fringe players still get a look before the season opener at Newcastle? (9). Trey Nyoni is one who could force his way into the conversation (5). One fan put it plainly: "I don't think I have ever been this intrigued by a preseason" (9).
Barcola stall, Scott link emerges
PSG are standing firm on Bradley Barcola. Liverpool risk missing out on the forward, with the French club holding the line on a deal valued around $58m (2). Elsewhere, Bournemouth's Alex Scott has been backed for a Liverpool move, with Arsenal ruled out of the race. "We can find the money," one report claimed (6).
Fan reactions
The Araujo news has landed well. One fan dug up a 2021 quote where the defender named Van Dijk as his idol alongside Piqué and Godín. Another posted a detailed statistical breakdown arguing Araujo is the ideal replacement for Ibrahima Konaté. A separate thread noted the buyout clause stands at €55m. Read more on the subreddit.
