Isak set to face Leeds on Sunday
Alexander Isak will play against Leeds in Sunday's pre-season friendly, Andoni Iraola confirmed (7). Iraola said the club has been cautious with the forward: "Vi har varit försiktiga," but he is ready now. The match is the final tune-up before the season proper, and seeing Isak lead the line is exactly what you want with the campaign around the corner.
Jacquet a doubt, Mac Allister and Munoz return dates set
Jeremy Jacquet is a doubt for the Leeds friendly, Iraola confirmed (9). On the brighter side, Alexis Mac Allister returns on August 9, and Victor Munoz will start pre-season at the AXA next week after cutting his post-World Cup break short (8). Alisson is also back next week.
Three World Cup returnees get a new plan
Iraola has outlined a new approach for three Liverpool players returning from the World Cup, with the Leeds friendly too soon for them (11). He did not name the trio, but the timeline points to a staggered reintegration ahead of the Premier League opener.
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Barcola pursuit: fresh offer incoming
Liverpool are preparing a new bid for Bradley Barcola, with a fresh offer expected to go in for the PSG forward (4). The links have been persistent all summer. Jamie Carragher pushed back on the idea that Barcola is a Salah replacement, though. "No he plays on the opposite flank! LFC currently have three players who could play from the left in Rio/Gakpo/Wirtz and no one who plays from the right," he posted (10).
Sano linked, Godts available for hijack
Kaishu Sano is the latest name in the midfield conversation, with Liverpool reportedly monitoring the $68m-rated player (1). Separately, Arsenal and Liverpool have been offered the chance to hijack Mika Godts' move from Ajax to PSG (13).
£80m target after Chelsea bid falls short
Iraola is backed to land an £80m transfer after Chelsea had a bid rejected for the same player (5). The identity has not been confirmed, but the price tag suggests a statement signing is still very much on the table.
Wirtz on his No.10 role
Florian Wirtz addressed his position after Iraola's recent comments about the No.10 role (12). Wirtz, Gakpo, and Rio are all competing for minutes on the left, Carragher noted, which makes Wirtz's fit in Iraola's system one of the more intriguing early-season questions.
Thompson's title verdict and one big concern
Phil Thompson made his Premier League title prediction and flagged one concern for the season ahead: Iraola's squad depth (6). Thompson did not hold back, and with 30 days until the September 1 deadline, Liverpool are still short in key areas (2).
Fan reactions
The Isak confirmation has lifted the mood on the subreddit, with fans asking whether this version of Isak can thrive under Iraola's system. The bigger buzz, though, is around Munoz cutting his break short, supporters see it as a statement of intent from a young player eager to stake his claim. More on the subreddit.
